A conversation on church elders and their responsibilities (Part one)

I've been writing to a friend of mine for a couple weeks on the topic of elders. I feel like the last exchange we had was particularly good if you would care to read it. In it, my friend is discussing how we show grace to others and how we are to call out others (even elders) on their sin. What should the consequence for elders be when we do so? My response follows these lines of thought as well. Some thoughts are not fully fleshed out in this post so if you have any questions feel free to ask! Enjoy!

My friend writes:

I definitely agree that we can see Christ in others. I have been so blessed by the people God has put in my life, and I think the Lord speaks through people too. But, I think we can also get into trouble if we depend on others to show Christ's love, because we are so imperfect. That's why so many are turned away from Christianity...because of the hypocrisy. I do agree that elders are called to very important responsibilities but that does not mean they don't need the same grace we do. Yes, they should be awesome examples of what it means to live a righteous life, but does that mean if they aren't perfect they should be kicked out of their responsibilities?

It's kind of hard to talk about this so broadly because there are so many circumstantial situations, but I guess I struggle with calling people out on their sin because I have so much of my own, and most of the time I don't know the whole story. That's not to say I shouldn't at times, but I would rather error in grace and love and let God deal with convicting hearts. Again, this is a very broad comment I am making and sometimes, yes, we do need to stand up for what we know is right in order to protect and uphold a righteous church.

You asked to what capacity are they called to lead? Well I guess that is subject to debate which is why there are so many denominations today, and why it is neat that we can choose a church. Ultimately I think we need to ask ourselves, is it a salvation issue? So many little things can be argued over when no one really knows! Everything will be revealed one day in heaven.

My response:

Many people are turned off from Christianity because of the hypocrisy in the church. There can be no argument there. However, this is where the need for healthy elders is so important and why it is absolutely necessary to hold them to a higher standard of conduct than non-elders. They are to reflect Christ and be able to contend for the faith.

We are given qualifications on how to choose elders precisely because they are held to a higher standard to effectively represent the church and feed the flock. Do you know any elders who are forced to take that responsibility? They should accept the standard to which they are held because they are already holding it! That being the case, if an elder no longer meets the qualifications laid out in scriptures they should no longer be an elder. Otherwise, why would we need them (scripture and elders)?

Of course elders need the same amount of grace as other believers but that grace is not given in relation to the position they hold. It is given in the love we have for that person. Consider this for instance: Would you show the same amount of love to a new believer who committed adultery as you would show to an elder who committed adultery? Would you allow the elder to maintain his position after such sin?

In such a case, it is absolutely necessary to call people out on their sins. It is loving to do so and unloving not to. Remember, the church was called to cast from their midst the man who took his father's wife in order to eventually restore him to a faithful walk instead of condoning his sin within the body of God's visible church.

If you had little kids and an under shepherd were leading them what standard of conduct would you hold that man to? If you found out that he was/had been a sexual predator would you be comfortable having that man around your kids? If you approached that elder and he shrugged his shoulders and said, "We're all sinners" would you agree with that sentiment? I ask these questions in order to call you to figure out what you believe in. Don't be content to say that for these reasons churches have fractured into different denominations. Don't give room for people who shepherd you to excuse their sins. We may not be talking about a salvation issue concerning ourselves and those we call out on sin, but we are talking about a salvation issue for those who consider God and turn from Him because of the misconduct they see in His children.