by Jereme Toreja
Synopsis: Since qualified elders are an essential part of God's pattern, brother Toreja discusses ways that spiritual leaders can help develop the talents and skill-sets of each member.
Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28, NASB).
Elders of a local church play an important role in making sure that everything is in order according to the Bible. In all operations, from monitoring physical systems to having spiritual concern for each member of the congregation, overseers are responsible to check what is lacking and correct what is wrong based on the word of God. Christ loves the church (Eph. 5:25), being the head of the church and the Savior of the body (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:24). He wants all things in order. Each member should obey God's commandments and follow all instructions. Jesus' aim is "That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" (Eph. 5:27, KJV). How do these things happen? That is why the apostle Paul left Titus in Crete and commanded that he should set in order the things lacking and appoint elders in every city.
With these verses mentioned, we can think of the importance of having elders who are commanded to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28). If no one is taking care of the flock, it will go astray, and each member will do the things he would like to do. This may expose the congregation to false teachings that will lead the church into danger. No group of people can guard or look after the welfare of the congregation as effectively as elders. The preachers preach, but elders are specifically mentioned in the Bible, being assigned oversight of local congregations.
What can we do if we are members of a congregation without elders? What if it seems impossible in your present situation to follow the instructions in appointing elders? Yes, we should always go by the Bible pattern. We cannot appoint elders just to have elders. It is really a sin if we will have elders appointed not based on the Bible requirements. In such situations, we teach and preach, and help men grow to the point where they are qualified to scripturally serve.
The Kapitbahayan church of Christ is blessed to have members in almost all age groups. We presently have elders and have several young men and young adults preparing to serve as deacons and elders someday. To succeed, we should trust in the Lord, obey from the heart, and follow God's commandments.
A key point to consider is the need for "Planning and Preparation". You have the goal "to have elders someday" for the sake of the church, and for the glory of God. He knows our heart and He is always there to guide us if we continue on the right path.
Long-term planning will benefit the next generation of Christians. It is like planting a seed, which eventually becomes a mature plant, growing and bearing fruit. The one who harvests will enjoy the fruits, and the process will repeat again and again. Continue teaching members to do the same thing with the seed (the word of God) to preserve the life of the church. Don't stop. Keep planting the seed. It will not dissolve or die by itself because it is sustained by God's power. Remind brethren to go "Back to the Basics" in order to preserve purity of teachings and the church as a whole.
Be active in continuously preaching and spreading the gospel. Convert people to become Christians. Gear the members to grow spiritually in all aspects and to be edified in the faith according to the Bible. Do not stop with baptism. Converts should continue toward maturity. Usually preachers report many numbers of souls who are baptized, but next comes the difficult job of edification. Through encouraging growth, you are preparing members to develop their hearts to desire to become mature disciples, even to someday serve as elders or deacons according to the will of God.
What activities help achieve this desired goal efficiently and correctly? Here are some things we are doing in the Kapitbahayan congregation that you may consider implementing also:
Elders should think of programs where individual members can benefit. You may choose to conduct a men's training class where young men are given a chance to develop as preachers. Schedule a ladies' Bible class where women of the church are trained to teach other women and children. Hold children's Bible classes where little children are nurtured with the word of God, so that, in years to come, they will not depart from the faith. Have classes for newly baptized Christians, so that they may grow in knowledge of the basic Bible teachings, so that they will know of your concern for their spiritual welfare.
At Kapitbahayan, we invite preachers from other churches of Christ, local or foreign, to lead in the studies, and to deliver sermons. We welcome sound preachers who are interested in conducting lectureships and preacher training seminars, and in teaching different Bible lessons that enhance the knowledge of truth among the brethren, especially the men of the church.
Elders may ask deacons to assign young preachers who are in training to join with adult preachers by two's in different respective preaching engagements, so they can learn from the example of those who are mature. Every two to three years, our congregation holds a gospel meeting where every member of the church is asked to bring at least one person whom they have invited. (After the assembly, the brethren share a meal together as individuals, much like American brethren do with "pot-lucks." by MM, editor) We use personal individual contributions that are separate from the Sunday contribution to feed visitors who are non-Christians.
We schedule visitation and distribution of tracts every Saturday. These activities are led by preachers of the congregation and various groups of members. We schedule a church forum every first Sunday of the month after worship services when each member is allowed make suggestions, offer comments, and express their concern for the church according to the Bible. Women can speak when they ask permission from the elders with submission. These questions are written down by the deacons who are present during our meeting and included in their finished report.
On top of all these activities, the future life of the congregation will develop from the obedience and faithfulness of our young individuals, as they mature through efficient and correct activities. Young people are the future leaders of the church, if they are being trained according to the will of God (Prov. 22:6). Let us, therefore, be dedicated to molding their heart to serve in the church for God's glory! Younger preachers of today should desire in their hearts to someday, at the proper time, become elders of the church when they meet the requirements set forth in the Bible. Let us manifest obedience every day, at every service, and trust in the Lord with all our hearts.
Author Bio: Jereme Toreja serves as one of the elders in the Kapitbahayan congregation in Navotas which is located in greater Metro Manila region of the Philippines. He can be reached at akoaticao@gmail.com.
