Paul instructed Titus to set in order the things that were wanting in order that the church might grow and be able to do it's work and thus be pleasing in the sight of God. In Titus 1: 5-9, the apostle lays down the qualifications for faithful brethren who should be appointed as elders and thereby taking the oversight in every church. One of the last qualifications was . . . "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."

Yes, indeed, we need preachers today who are not afraid to stand for all of the Truth all of the time! We also need members of the church who are faithful and steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord! But the NUMBER ONE NEED today, is STRONG ELDERSHIP.

Brethren, there would be no divisions, no strife, and not nearly so many lost souls in the church, if elders were fulfilling their obligation to 'STAND PAT' and 'HOLD FAST' the faithful word! When elders let the members of the congregation and even some preachers run the church, to the extent of teaching false doctrine, those who are supposed to watch the flock of God are failing in the very thing that Paul warned against in this Epistle and in others!

Place the blame on anyone you choose, but I believe the Word of God teaches that the responsibility of teaching the Truth, guarding against all error, and holding fast the faithful word, falls squarely upon the shoulders of the eldership! Brethren, we need to "Take heed . . ." (Acts 20:28 and to take the OVERSIGHT of the flock ( l Peter 5:2). I for one, have great respect for scripturally qualified elders who are UNITED in standing for the truth . . . AND THIS IS THE GREATEST NEED IN THE CHURCH TODAY, I am convinced.

TRUTH MAGAZINE X: 10, p. 7July 1966