Gungor “When Death Dies”

Making the Case for a Plurality of Elders: A Study in Church Polity

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.  Ephesians 4:1-6 ESV

In the book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul made it abundantly clear that the unity of the church was, and is, of the utmost importance.  In the aforementioned verse of Scripture, the body of Christ is called to humbly, gently, eagerly, peacefully, and lovingly maintain, not simply strive for, but instructed to maintain unity among its members.  However, these instructions often fall on deaf ears, since the body of Christ is made up of sinful humans that are easily tempted by pride, power, and money (among many other things).  The constant human struggle with the temptation of fleshly desires has torn apart many congregations throughout the history of the church, and will doubtlessly continue to cause division where such idolatry is allowed to continue to run rampant.  It is for this very reason that God calls specific men to be elders in the church; to lead, oversee, and pastor the flock.  The position of the elder is one of utmost importance.  Aside from the responsibilities of teaching and edifying the body through the ministering and guarding of God’s Word, the elder is also called to care for and shepherd the flock, as well as lead the church, ensuring Christ is kept as the head and that unity is maintained.  The problem is, the elders called to lead the church are as human as any other member of the body.  They are born into sin, battle the flesh, and can just as easily give in to temptation as any other child of God.  However, it is for this reason that God did not intend to leave his people in the hands of any one human, born of sinful flesh, to be solely responsible for pastoring and overseeing the flock.   On the contrary, God specifically intended for each local congregation of believers to be led and pastored by a plurality of elders in order to maintain peace and unity within the body of Christ.

Ascend the Hill “Hallelujah! What a Savior”