Without a doubt elders of a local congregation have a grave responsibility. God has charged them to watch over the souls of those under their oversight (Hebrews 13:17). They are to protect the church from false teachers who would lead disciples astray from the truth (Acts 20:28). They are to exercise oversight of a congregation without lording it over them, but leading by their example (1 Peter 5:1-3). To accomplish these responsibilities requires many hours spent in prayer, Bible study, contemplation and discussion among themselves about the best course to follow.
One of the strongest denunciations in the Bible is that of God against those who were given the responsibility of being shepherds in Israel. Through the prophet Ezekiel He said, "Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them. They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became food for every beast of the field and were scattered. My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill; my flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth, and there was no one to search or seek for them" (Ezek. 34:4-6, NASB). Just as God was not pleased with the leadership of these shepherds in Israel who failed to look after the nation, neither is He pleased with failure on the part of shepherds in the church who do not provide guidance to spiritual Israel, the church.
A question often contemplated is, "How much authority do elders have in exercising oversight in a local congregation?" The Bible affirms that they do have authority when it urges us to obey them and submit to them (Hebrews 13:17). But, the question is, how extensive is their authority? Do they have authority to lay down the terms of salvation or how a person becomes a member of the church? Do they have authority to dictate the actions of worship in which a congregation may engage? The answer is, "No." Jesus Christ is the One who has all authority (Matthew 28:18). He alone is the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22). He exercises that authority through His word, the Bible. It contains all that we need to know concerning life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). So, Jesus has all authority; that of the elders is delegated authority. Their authority ceases at the point of divine revelation. They have authority only in matters of expediency. For instance, with input from the congregation they may decide what time we meet together for worship on the first day of the week and partake of the Lord's Supper. They are not authorized by God to decide what day of the week we are to partake of this memorial. To decide whether or not we use mechanical instruments in worship is not within the realm of their authority. That has already been decided by God (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
Christians should daily pray that God will bless the elders with good physical health and wisdom as they exercise their responsibilities as shepherds of God's flock. Their task is monumental, deserving of our support and prayers.
