When There Are No Elders

1. When There Are No Elders Every local church when fully organized will have elders and deacons: “1: Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons” (Phili. 1: 1).

2. When There Are No Elders Some type of “rule” is presupposed, even in the absence of elders: Equal rule, all have an equal say.

3. When There Are No Elders Some type of “rule” is presupposed, even in the absence of elders: Money rule, the wealthier run.

4. When There Are No Elders Some type of “rule” is presupposed, even in the absence of elders: Minority rule.

5. When There Are No Elders Some type of “rule” is presupposed, even in the absence of elders: Majority rule.

6. When There Are No Elders When there are no elders: Often open fellowship (all accepted, cp. I John 1: 7ff.).

7. When There Are No Elders When there are no elders: No discipline practiced (2 Thes. 3: 6).

8. When There Are No Elders When there are no elders: Church meetings (placing all in decision making positions).

9. When There Are No Elders When there are no elders: General lack of structure and organization prevail (I Cor. 14: 33).

10. When There Are No Elders When there are no elders: There is often no protocol as to making charges or pursuing problems, “every man to himself”.

11. When There Are No Elders When there are no elders: There is often no prevailing “authority” within the local church.

12. When There Are Elders The presence of elders is to be acknowledged. Not this: “We expect to have him for a meeting” sort of thing. “We demand…!”

13. When There Are Elders There is leadership and rule. “4: One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5: (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)…17: Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (I Tim. 3; 5).

14. When There Are Elders There is to be love and respect for them. “12: And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13: And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves” (I Thes. 5).

15. When There Are Elders As they biblically lead, they are to be obeyed. “17: Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13).

16. When There Are Elders If an elder sins, a certain protocol is in place. “19: Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20: Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear” (I Tim. 5, cp. 22).

17. When There Are Elders Realize that biblical elders must be serious and stern about their assignment. “9: 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. 10: For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11: Whose mouths must be stopped…” (Tit. 1).