Teamwork, Unity, and Leadership
Elders were ordained by the apostles. Elders were instructed and directed at times by the apostles, and elders worked in a supportive role to the God-appointed leaders.
The eldership is definitely a local church ruling body. It operates, however, under the direction of the senior minister, who must himself be one of the five governmental ministries. Nothing in Scripture appears to support the eldership’s co-equality in decision-making and governance of a local church. Elders are responsible to work with the senior ministry, and to govern and feed the sheep. Though elders have many active duties, only one man can “drive the bus,” as James did in the apostolic conference in Acts 15.
“Chief among equals”
This term can be communicated to indicate unity among a plurality of leadership. However, the eldership is distinct and different from five-fold ministry offices. Eldership is put into place in local assemblies for the flock that is entrusted to them. When considering the Apostle Paul’s references to Elders in Acts 20 and other passages we must remember that in those times there was a citywide church with citywide eldership.
The man who leads is the senior minister, who should work with the elders, and wisely lead with their full support and unity. Scripture requires the senior ministry to receive open counsel and even rebuke from the eldership. Scripture does not allow controversy over secondary issues such as methods or style. But Scripture does teach specifically that in failure of ethics, morality or doctrine, elders must actively confront senior ministries.
1 Pet 5:1, 2. “To the elders (presbuteros) among you …Be shepherds (poimain) of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers (episcopos)…”
Why three different words for the same person?
- The Qualification – is to be an elder (the office).
- The Spiritual Ministry – is that of a shepherd (feed).
- The Work that must be done – is overseeing (oversee).
How do elders work together in unity not only with the pastor, but also with each other.
Pastor/Leader must recognize three major problems to watch for in team ministry:
- Misuse — unqualified persons, not trained, failure to train others for responsibility.
- Disuse — uninvolved; feeling you can do it better yourself and not involve others.
- Abuse — overload and overwork the most talented and gifted ones.
While recognizing that Christ is THE Chief Shepherd and Bishop, it is also evident from Scripture that, within a local Church, having plurality of Eldership, Christ will place a mantle of leadership upon one specific “elder” to direct the people of God.
- Paul and Barnabas were spoken of as “chief men among the brethren” (Acts 15:22; 14:12). That is, they were both leading men, men of command with official authority (SC2233). ̣
- There were ”chief priests” among the priesthood (Luke 9:22; 20:1). ̣
- There were ”chief Pharisees” also (Luke 14:1). ̣
- There were “chief rulers of the Synagogue” (Acts 18:8, 17). ̣
- There were “chief apostles” also (II Corinthians 11:5; 12:11). ̣
- There were “chief musicians” in the Tabernacle of David who were also chief of the Levites (I Chronicles 15:22; Psalms 4, 5, 6 Titles). ̣
- Michael is called “chief archangel” amongst the angelic orders (Daniel 10:13).
There is a variety of personality, degrees of spirituality and measures of God-given grace and ability within the Eldership. They are equal as persons, and equal as far as office. They are all Elders as persons! But there is difference of grace-gifts given to them by the risen Head, Christ.