These Six Words Can Change Your Ministry for the Better
Sometimes we as preachers forget this.
These six words are some of the best advice I’ve ever received for my local work as a preacher.
“Let the elders do their job.”
The Elder’s Role.
The elders serve as the shepherds of the Lord’s church - the flock which He has purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28). They have authority in the local congregation and should be followed humbly since their purpose is to watch out for the souls of the flock (Hebrews 13:17).
Their leadership is not to be self-serving but to guide the local congregation after the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:1-4).
Elders have an essential role in the local congregation - Paul even gave qualifications that these Christian men must meet to serve as elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
As local preachers, we serve under the oversight of the elders. We are not above their authority, nor are we on an equal level with the elders - unless a preacher also serves as one of the elders.
As local gospel preachers, our role should assist the elders in overseeing the flock. By preaching the word (2 Timothy 4:2), we help them feed the congregation with God’s Word (1 Peter 2:1-3).
We must ensure we do not overstep our role and cause problems for our shepherds.
Don’t “Jump the Gun.”
A lot of preachers I know - including myself - are action-oriented people. We’re used to getting things done. One of the blessings (and/or a curse?) of our work is that we can do much of our work in the way that we see fit.
Most of the sermons are our own selections, and we can develop those sermons according to God’s Word as we think best.
Most articles we write are ideas or topics of our own choosing.
Most Bible classes we teach cover subjects and books of the Bible that we choose, and we can cover them at our own pace.
Sometimes we as preachers “jump the gun” a little bit and run ahead of the elders in our desire to see something accomplished.
Maybe we think the elders are a little slow to deal with specific issues. Perhaps they are - or perhaps they also have more information than we do and believe the current course is best in dealing with the situation.
Trust that your elders are making the best decision possible, and offer to help them in any way they think you can be of service. But be careful not to run ahead of them.
Don’t Expect a “Say-So.”
Sometimes we as preachers believe we deserve a “say-so” in decisions that are being made - or at least, we want to throw in our “two cents” worth before the elders make a decision.
I have appreciated it when my elders run something by me before they make a decision - but they are by no means required to do that.
I believe it wise to express our appreciation when the elders include us in their decision-making process or if they come to us to receive feedback about a particular issue, but we should not expect to be included.
Preachers and Elders.
Preachers can be among the worst when it comes to complaining about elders. I have probably heard more complaints about elderships come out of the mouths of preachers than anyone else.
Brothers, these things ought not to be so.
Certainly, there is a time and place for confronting an elder who is sinning (1 Timothy 5:20), but unless there are two or three witnesses, we must not even receive accusations against an elder (1 Timothy 5:19).
The relationship between elders and preachers ought to be pleasant since both should have the congregation's good in mind. If both sides are willing to be patient with the other - and certainly, we as preachers need plenty of patience extended our way - then the relationship should be good for many years.
A bit of a personal word here, I’ve been blessed to work under elders at both congregations where I have served.
Neither group was/is sinlessly perfect - but I believe they truly cared for the flock and were giving their best in guiding the flock behind the Chief Shepherd.
A good eldership has always made my work as a preacher better and easier. God’s design for the church is best and works when we follow His directions.
Let the elders do their job brothers, and your work as a gospel preacher will flourish.
Some of the best advice I have been given: “Let the elders eld, the deacons deac, and the preachers preach.”