Are Church Elders 'Rulers'?

If I were to answer the title question in a word, “Are church elders rulers?” I would have to say, “Yes," . . . and . . . "No.”

I would say, “Yes,” because some elders have positioned themselves as rulers over God’s church. Yet, I would answer, “No,” since that is not God’s expectation.

I am reflecting on statements from Hebrews 13 in which the author mentions church leaders three times (verses 7, 17, and 24). In most modern translations we read the word leader, but in a couple of translations the word ruler is used. The Hebrew writer instructs Christians...

Obey your leaders (rulers) and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. 
--Hebrews 13:17

The word ruler is a valid translation choice, but it can be misleading since it carries a wide range of meaning. In addition, there are several Greek terms that are translated ruler, the most common meaning: One who holds a position of authority to govern as well as to create and execute laws (rules). This word describes Jewish rulers in Luke 23:13; governing authorities in Romans 13:3; and rulers of this age in Romans 6:12.

A different word is used in Hebrews 13. Instead of emphasizing authority, it emphasizes leadership. So, again, the word ruler is accurate, but potentially misleading to today’s English reader.

In addition, the companion words obey and submit in Hebrews 13:17 both carry the idea of yielding to or giving in to. The overall picture is one of trust and cooperation. This combination of words reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s appeal to Philemon regarding his runaway slave, Onesimus.

Paul was sending Onesimus back to Philemon, but with a request that Philemon would voluntarily release Onesimus from slavery. 

But without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would not be, in effect by compulsion but of your own free will. 
--Philemon 1:14

The Hebrew writer instructed his readers to “yield to” their leaders who “keep watch over your souls.” It is fitting that he continued:

Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. 
--Hebrews 13:17

So, are church elders rulers?

Certainly NOT like kings or government officials. They do not even have the same level of authority as parents in the home. Rather, they rule as leaders, like shepherds. They might stand in front and ask the flock to follow where they go or ask the flock to follow their example. They might stand among the flock to encourage, settle disagreements, and calm fears; or they might stand behind the flock to motivate them to move forward.

Christians are to obey and submit, that is, to yield to their elders, not because elders hold a position of authority over them, but because elders are watching over their souls. Instead of a picture of an elder barking orders and enforcing rules, the Bible has elders pleading lovingly and Christians yielding to their appeals.

Authoritarian ruler-ship with the expectation of blind obedience can easily foster attitudes of resistance or even rebellion. Yet, even a strong appeal from a loving leader promotes cooperation and a heart willing to yield. Church elders rule, but only as shepherding leaders.

Mark Stinnett

Blah, Blah, Blah

In your mind you think, “Oh, no! Not ‘so-and-so.’ He never let’s you get a word in edgewise. Talk, Talk, Talk.”

I grew up hearing the not-so-lovable reference: Chatty Cathy. It described the girl or woman who just never seemed to stop talking. Often times it was even used as a double put-down for a boy who could not control his tongue.

Perhaps you’ve heard the amusing saying: “It is better to be silent and thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”

Or, "Blessed is he who has nothing to say and refrains from using words to express it."

There are many amusing, and no-so-amusing sayings to describe those who have little control or discretion over their speech.

• It is embarrassing to “stick your foot in your mouth.”
• It would be very embarrassing to learn that your closest friends refer to you as a ‘Chatty Cathy.’
• It would be ‘beyond embarrassing’ to learn that people actually avoid you because you simply talk, talk, talk . . . too much!

Embarrassment is not the real concern.

   When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
   But he who restrains his lips is wise.
   --Proverbs 10:19

Be wise!

Would You Give Someone a Drink?

Not everyone can go overseas as a missionary. Not everyone can give up a career to preach. Not everyone is equipped to teach. Christians are not able to serve in the same way.

Some Christians serve in a visible way when we all assemble for worship or Bible study. Others serve in ways that are mostly invisible to fellow Christians.

We are not all created with the same abilities and interests. In fact, our individual abilities change over time. So, what is a Christian to do?

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
—Ephesians 2:10

Before the first disciple of Christ was called, God had already planned for his people to do good works. In fact, we are crafted by God for the purpose of good works. Good works are seen as a direct result of having been saved by the grace of God. In addition, the Bible tells us that we formerly walked in “trespasses and sins,” but are now expected to walk in good works. He is moving us from a life of selfishness to a life of selflessness.

So, what is a Christian supposed to do?

Do we really need to ask? Do you remember the man who wanted to justify himself when Jesus taught “Love your neighbor as yourself”? Are we tempted to ‘justify’ ourselves by asking, “And what good works are we to do?”

Jesus made a remarkable statement about discipleship that relates to this question:

"And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you he shall not lose his reward."
—Matthew 10:42

To give something in the name of a disciple is, by extension, giving in the name of the disciple’s teacher. Prior to this verse Jesus had explained that “He who receives you [His disciple], receives Me and he who receives Me, receives Him who sent Me [God].”

From time to time my wife and I have reflected on couples we know who have had a profound influence on us. When thinking about these few couples we agree, “We want to be like them.” We see their godly example, their good works, their tireless service, their devotion to God and His word.

There are things we have done to specifically follow ‘their’ example. ‘They’ are our motivation. In short, we have done things “in the name of a disciple” of Jesus. So, even though we may be thinking of our ‘example couples,’ it all goes back to Christ. When we follow their example, we are following Christ because they are following Christ.

Now, back to Matthew 10:42...why give a cup of cold water?

Perhaps it is as simple as this: Someone needs a drink.

May God open our eyes to the needs of people and give us the courage and motivation to fill those needs by engaging in good works. Ultimately, our service is all to His glory.

Mark Stinnett