The Rule of the Eldership
By Timothy Glover
In this issue, we will explore some thoughts about the way elders “rule” and what relationship exists between them and the membership. To accomplish this task, we need to establish some basis for a discussion of that kind. Views.
The Bible teaches that we are to obey them that have the “rule over us” (Hebrews 13:7) that “rule well” (1 Tim. 5:17), and are “over us in the Lord” (1 Thess. 5:12). Many believe that the rule consists of an arbitrary power vested in the office. Since elders rule, it naturally follows that they must be voted into that position. Otherwise, it is reasoned that they would be “lording it over the flock.” So, they enter, upon the vote of the membership, an official position that recognizes their rule. Once in position, some either believe that the eldership has no more authority than the congregation can or will give to them, i.e., they cannot do more than the congregation permits. If the authority is from the congregation, it can be taken away, changed, or modified at the will of the congregation..
Others believe, that once elders are in position, they have the authority to make all the decisions regarding every aspect of the work of the church and in some unfortunate occasions, aspects outside the realm of the church’s work. Still, many believe that since the elders cannot rule in matters of faith, that being already decided, that they must have the rule only in matters of judgment. That thought lends itself to a view that elders are decision makers in matters of opinion. Others qualify this by adding that elders do not have absolute authority in matters of judgment else they would be “lords” which is forbidden (1 Peter 5:2) but that if they “rule,” they must have the final say in matters of judgment. .
According to this view, they cannot rule in the spiritual realm. This view is supported by the example of fathers who are the heads of the household. In this arrangement, elders would, like fathers, listen to the input of other members, then make the final decision that seems best for all concerned and in their judgment is the most expedient. It may be the majority view, the minority view, or neither. Still, others reason that elders’ rule by example alone. Another retorts that one cannot “rule” by example, as it does not convey any power “over” another. On and on the debate continues and this summary hardly covers all the views. It is only briefly stated to show that there is much confusion (and repercussions, I might add) about the “rule” of elders..
Definitions.
W.E. Vine gives six verbs that translate into English, “to rule.” They are as follows:.
1. archo, in the Active Voice denotes to rule, Mark 10:42 and Rom. 15:12 (A.V. “to reign”). .
2. oikodespoteo, from oikos, a house, and despotes (a master), signifies to rule the household; so the R.V. in 1 Tim. 5:14 (A.V., “guide the house”)..
3. proistemi, literally, ‘to stand before,’ hence, to lead, attend to (indicating care and diligence), is translated to rule (Middle Voice), with reference to a local church, in Rom.12:8, proistamenos; perfect Active in 1 Tim. 5:17; with reference to a family, 1 Tim. 3:4, 12 (Middle Voice); verse 5 (2nd aorist Active).
4. hegeomai, to lead, is translated to rule in Heb.13:7 (ton egoumenon) ,17, 24 (A.V. marg., in the first two, “are the guides” and “guide.” McGarvey: Hebrews 13:7,17, 24 “term heegeomai, means primarily, to lead. When applied to the mind it means to think or suppose, because in this mental act the mind is lead to a conclusion (Acts 26:2; Phil. 2:3-6). The present participle of this verb came to be used in the sense of ruler, because a ruler is one who leads, sometimes, indeed, it means a leader in the sense of a chief man, as when Silas and Judas are called “chief men among the brethren.” Acts 15:22. Pharaoh made Joseph ruler over Egypt (Acts 6:10) where the expression, “over Egypt” indicates the relation of authority..
5. poimaino, to act as a shepherd, tend flocks, is translated to rule in Rev. 2:27; 12:5; 19:15, all indicating that the governing power exercised by the Shepherd is to be of a firm character; in Matt. 2:6, A.V., “shall rule” (R.V., “shall be shepherd of”) Also, “to feed, to tend a flock, keep sheep” (Jo.21:l6, Acts 20:28, I Pet.5:2h “to rule, govern” (Mt.2:6; Rev 2:27)..
6. brabeuo, properly, to act as an umpire (brabeus), hence, generally, to arbitrate, decide, Col. 3:15, “rule” (R.V., marg., “arbitrate”), representing “the peace of Christ” (R.V.) as deciding all matters in the hearts of believers; some regard the meaning as that of simply directing, controlling, ruling. (W.E. Vine, Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words, 307)..
These six verbs are not all used in reference to elders. Three are used and three are not used. In any effort to arrive at a clear understanding of the elders rule from these three words, we must not just appeal to the one word nor one definition of each word that we like and attempt to force our conclusions. Rather, we should use the one that fits the context of each passage and is consistent with all that is revealed about the role of elders.
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