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