THE CHURCH OF CHRIST: ELDERSHIP, AND REASONS FOR SETBACK IN THE APPOINTMENT OF ELDERS.

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST: ELDERSHIP, AND REASONS FOR SETBACK IN THE APPOINTMENT OF ELDERS.
Dr. Benson Omole.

In the Bible, and so in the Churches of Christ, men could be appointed to the same office which Bible describes in three ways:
Eldership,
Shepherds, 
Overseers, and 
Stewards. 
The Men so appointed were to lead, feed, and protect the congregation. Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2, Titus 1:5.

Somehow, the standard of qualification is very high, 1 Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, many congregations experience delays or setbacks, in it's appointments. 

Here Are The Most Common Reasons:

1. BIBLICAL QUALIFICATION ISSUES.
a. No qualified men. 1 Tim 3:2-7 requires being blameless, husband of one wife, sober, hospitable, able to teach, rule his own house well, etc.
b. Family problems. Children not faithful or home not in order. Titus 1:6.
c. Lack of "apt to teach". Some men may be spiritually matured, but may not be able to defend the Gospel publicly.
d. Recent converts. 1 Tim 3:6. 
e. Need time to grow and be proven

2. SPIRITUAL MATURITY & CHARACTER DEFORMATION.
a. Immaturity. Men are faithful but not deep yet in the Word or may not have been proven, over time.
b. Reputation outside the church. Work, community, or past issues that don’t meet “good report”. 1 Tim 3:7.
c. Temperament, and self-control issues. Not meek, quick to anger, or lacks sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7, Titus 1:8.

3. CONGREGATIONAL ISSUES.
a. Division or Lack of unity. If the church is fighting, it’s unwise to appoint leaders. 
1Cor 1:10.
b. Fear of man. Members may be afraid to nominate and choose because of relationships.
c. Low expectations. "No one is perfect" attitude lowers the Bible standard.
d. Rushing or delaying. Either appointing too fast without testing. 1Tim 5:22. or waiting too long

4. TEACHING & UNDERSTANDING ISSUES.
a. Misunderstanding the role. Thinking Elders only handle money, and buildings instead of souls. Heb 13:17.
b. No training, no mentoring. Men aren’t being developed to lead. No "Timothys" to be raised up. 2 Tim 2:2.
c. Cultural pressure. Wanting Elders who are rich, popular, or "CEOs" instead of shepherds, at heart.

5. PRACTICAL, and DEMOGRAPHIC ISSUES.
a. Small congregation. Not enough Older men, Married men in the church yet.
b. Youth Dominated Church. Young church planted with mostly young men.
c. Men unwilling to serve. Service is good, but some refuse the responsibility. 1Tim 3:1.
Loss of Elders. Death, moving away, or moral failure may leave a gap.

6. THE ENEMY'S OPPOSITION.
Satan targets leadership. 1Peter 5:8.
He uses discouragement, sin, division, or busyness to keep qualified men from stepping up.

WHAT SCRIPTURE SAYS TO DO ABOUT IT.

1. Pray. Luke 10:2. "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send workers"
2. Teach the qualifications. So men know what to aim for. Titus 2:1.
3. Mentor men. Older men train younger Titus 2:2-5.
4. Be patient but don’t lower the standard. 1Tim 3:10. "Let them first be tested"
5. Let the faithful men, the Brethren serve while you wait. Acts 6.

CONCLUSION.
A setback is not failure. God wants qualified shepherds, not just warm bodies.  “I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jer. 3:15. 

A Church without Elders can still function with the Faithful Brethren, but the goal is to grow men into the role.

(KINDLY SEND IN YOUR QUESTIONS, CONTRIBUTIONS, COMMENTS, ETC., BELOW)

THANKS.

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