Thursday, August 19, 2010

Elders = True Servants of the People

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 
~ 1 Timothy 5:17

whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies
—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
~ 1 Peter 4:11

The task for the church is thus twofold: to create a culture which reflects the Pauline culture where to desire to be an elder is a good thing, elders are honoured, and elders who teach are considered worthy of double honour; but also to avoid the kind of Protestant sacerdotalism where many think the only way of being of true value is to hold ordained office. That requires church officers to be true servants of the people; and to have the courage to tell someone who cannot teach that, however powerful the inner call, they are not called to be a teacher. Not an easy balance; and the latter in particular might prove tough in a culture where it is considered self-evident that every member has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of ministry.

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