Home | About Us | Past Featured Subjects | Bulletins | Sermons & Audio | Studies In The Cross Of Christ | Classes | Questions

Click Here for the Latest Edition of the Charlottesville Beacon

Planning to Visit Us?

What to Expect
Current Class Information

Elders Relationship With One Another

by Ralph C. Scott

SHORTLY AFTER THE first worship service held by the 77th Street church of Christ in January of 1949, elders were appointed. Since that time I have had the unique opportunity to be under, and to observe, a group of elders at work. The difficulties and joys of serving as an elder were not fully appreciated until, upon being appointed a deacon, I began to attend regular business meetings.

In business meetings I soon realized that the decision‑making process used by the elders was sometimes simple, sometimes complex, and always challenging. How could men who had come from different backgrounds—men who had varying degrees of Bible knowledge and education, differing talents, experiences, attitudes and interests work together in a harmonious way making decisions about a myriad of subjects? It seemed to be a challenge made even more difficult because no one man had the final word and each one had equal say‑so and authority.

It seems that it would be a rare eldership that never had disputes and disagreements. Great men of the Scriptures had disputes: Paul and Barnabas disputed over taking John on the second missionary journey (Acts 15:38‑39); the apostles and elders disputed over the question of circumcision of Gentile converts (Acts 15:6‑7). One dispute was over a matter of judgment, the other over a matter of doctrine. These examples are not there to encourage us to imitate their actions, but possibly to show us their human side—to show us that good, spiritually‑minded men may not always be in agreement. The challenge lies in avoiding disputes with other elders within the bounds of truth (unity is a by‑product, not the main goal); and in working as one, as a team, supporting, trusting and regarding one another with love and humility.

God, in His infinite wisdom, set forth certain qualifications that men must have if they would serve as bishops. Does not the very nature of these qualifications suggest that God expects those who serve to be men who could and would serve in peace and harmony with other men in overseeing a local congregation? From 1 Timothy 3:2‑3, we learn that a man must be "temperate", "of good behavior", "gentle" and "not quarrelsome". If all who compose the eldership in every congregation of the Lord's church possess these qualities, along with all the other qualifications set forth, then unity, peace, harmony and progress will exist.

The manner by which elders conduct business meetings and their decision making process is, of course, a matter for each eldership to determine. The Scriptures are silent regarding this. The process, or understanding, by which the elders at 77th Street make  decisions has remained the same for at least the past 20 years. It seems a rather simple process which sometimes can get very complicated.

When a question arises or a decision needs to be made, all known information is shared—openly, frankly and in full confidentiality, if the subject requires such. Each elder then has the opportunity to express his opinion and his recommendation of what should be done. When a final recommendation is formed regarding a course of action and all are in full agreement—fine! A unanimous decision, no problem; go on to the next subject. Maybe being an elder is easy after all! But wait—what if some one does not agree? Now what? Maybe being an elder is not easy after all! Should we take another vote and majority rules? Or, make no decision and minority rules? No, our aim has been to be in agreement with one another and with God's word. We try again, looking for another, perhaps a slightly different recommendation or proposal on which we can all agree.

When I began serving as an elder with brother Bruce Crawley, I was always impressed with his ability to listen to each of the elders express himself and listen to all the information available, then come up with a recommendation that, more times than not, was acceptable to all—quite a unique and wonderful man.

Sometimes it becomes necessary, when all cannot agree, for each elder to consider the matter privately for a few days, then discuss the matter again to see if agreement can be made. Incidentally, to my knowledge, there has never been any effort by any of the elders to influence or pressure another elder privately to change his mind or to "go along with the rest." There is always respect for each man's viewpoint. Any discussion about a matter is always done with a majority of elders present. Any who are absent are informed of what took place in the meeting and participate in the decision.

The elders with whom I serve— Barrett Billingsley, Richard Buchanan, Ray Sanders and Charles Wheeler—are among the finest Christian men I have ever known, men whom I love and whose judgment I respect. I have seen each of these men, time after time, when they would hold a different viewpoint different from the others in a matter of judgment, express their confidence in the judgment of the majority and submit to their recommendation.

Peace and harmony will exist in every eldership when men truly love God and want with all their hearts to faithfully serve Him—when they love, respect and prefer others before themselves, "in honor giving preference to one another" (Romans 12:10b). - 1988

  Other Articles
A Healthy Church
Build - Keeping Emotions in Balance
Eli - A Weak Leader