As we continue the Elder conversation, the question comes up, “What are the advantages of adding Elders to our current structure?” Why would we want to elect some lay Elders to work alongside of the Pastoral team. Pastor Mark Dever, Capital Baptist in Washington DC shares these five reasons:
1. Helps with Pastoral weaknesses
2. Diffuses congregational criticism
3. It adds pastoral wisdom
4. It provides continuity
5. It diffuses the us vs. them mentality
The advantages will depend on what we mean when we use the term “elders” and the role elders have in our church. Whether they can, or will, serve each of the functions Mark Deaver identifies will be driven by how willing our pastoral staff is to be accountable to lay leaders within the church. The ability to deal with congregational criticism will depend upon how informed the elders are of the workings of the staff and whether their role includes holding pastors accountable. If elders are selected carefully through the application of the Biblical requirements, they should provide a wider circle from which the pastoral staff can seek wisdom and guidance. Whether elders or anyone else can provide continuity is dependent upon the selection criteria, the selection process, and the term of service. If the criteria or process for selecting elders appears based on personal friendship or the maleability of the selectee, the “us” will view the “them” as fearful or disingenuous. If men can be chosen based on the Bible’s qualifications and their ability to serve these various roles, and the elders have a role that is designed for them to serve each of these functions, there should be less cause for anyone to see an “us” or “them” situation.
Boiled down: After asking the “why” would we elect, maybe the “how” is next in importance.
Blessings,
G