In The Time Of Moses, the “leaders and officials among the people” were called “elders.” God made it clear that the task of these elders was a proactive one, to “carry the burden of the people” (Num. 11:16-17). God put His spirit on them, for a divine calling requires divine power.
In the days of the early church, those members who were appointed to lead or feed the church of God were called elders, overseers or bishops (Titus 1:7; Acts 20:17-28). Let us bear in mind that an elder in the church was — and should always be — mature spiritually, which means that the inward character is fully developed in godliness and faith.
Respect to be shown
In I Timothy 5:17-21, Paul writes about the position of elders, not as being a high rank, but instead as being an opportunity to use their acquired spiritual knowledge and experience responsibly. The advice of such experienced brethren can be very helpful and necessary, especially in cases where crucial decisions have to be taken. It is therefore essential that other members show respect to these elders. This does not mean that elders are to be “worshipped,” nor are we to be “respecters of persons.” And it certainly does not mean that mature brothers and sisters never make mistakes. But we do need to treat them as experienced leaders. It is Paul who exhorts us to entreat our elder men as fathers and our elder sisters as mothers (I Tim. 5:1-2).
In the ecclesia, the scriptural use of father, mother, brother and sister implies that we consider each other as family members. Never at any time should we lose our temper and castigate an elder (I Tim. 5:1). Any concern should be addressed with respect. If an elder corrects a younger member, it should not be seen as a barrier to harmony. Instead it should be done with admonition in true love, as would be shown by natural godly parents, and received in the same spirit.
Caring for the older ones
According to Galatians 6:6 (NEB) and I Timothy 5:9-10,17, there seems to be the thought that the elders who labour in the vineyard might be, or even should be, taken care of by the ecclesia. This should be treated as a delicate situation, so that the recipient of such generosity does not feel dependent upon the financial support of others. Some old people are very independent, and this should be respected. On the other hand, an elder who has served a lifetime in the Master’s service must be adequately cared for, and not left to experience mean and degrading conditions simply because he or she is old and poor. In many cases, their older years are spent in impoverished circumstances because they have given freely and generously, following the commandment of love, when in their prime. I know one sister who, when she was working, gave freely of her means to help others in desperate need. She retired about 12 years ago after almost a lifetime in the government service, but now her monthly pension will not even buy a week’s groceries.
We see from several passages in Deuteronomy that the elders of Israel were the leaders and decision makers within their own families and then, by extension, of the wider ecclesial family. The responsibility for caring for the family would be entrusted to a senior relative if the father died. Abraham cared for Lot his nephew after his father died (Gen. 11:27-32; 12:4).
I always feel sad when an elder who has given a lifetime of willing and sacrificial service to the house of God is bypassed altogether by self confident younger leaders. It is more than respectful, it is wise, for those younger ones to seek the counsel of the older ones and discuss plans with them, even if they can no longer take an active part. Rehoboam would have been much more sensible if he had done this (II Chron. 10:1-15).
Ecclesial elders today
The ardent elders in our ecclesias today are always busy. There are those who are blessed especially with vigour and strength. This they use in the Lord’s service. They work relentlessly, caring for and instructing the younger ones in the ways of God. Let us appreciate them.
There is the well-respected and trusted elderly brother who seems to be eloquent in writing, and an expert in dealing with topical issues. He has the capacity to be young in mind whatever the age of his body. His decisions and advice need to be accepted with confidence, based as they are upon many years of experience in matters of faith and ecclesial life. It is both arrogant and stupid to ignore such wisdom, even if the head is hoary. Years of godly experience and knowledge will continue to provide our elders with the stamina needed to guide ecclesial affairs in the right way. Somehow, God has seen fit to abundantly bless the Caribbean ecclesias for more than a century with very many wonderful elders of this kind. We may be second-class citizens in a global economic and political sense, but certainly not spiritually. Our ecclesias have been burning and shining lights for more than a century. So don’t forget those elders who are feeble because of age and sickness. Listen carefully to their wisdom. To visit them is not only a Christian duty, it is often a learning experience!
A family unit
The ecclesia is a family that has a closer tie, and an even stronger unity, than has any natural family (I John 2:12-14). The Truth has banded the people of God tightly as links in a chain. This closely knit family is a unit, a unity. Brethren, remember that fact, and do not break that bond. Because the brotherhood is a family, there is a close personal relationship within the Truth. This makes it necessary for ecclesial elders to be aware of the family nature of the ecclesia, showing every care and consideration as they deal with brothers and sisters (I Cot 9:22-23). I grew up in an ecclesial milieu where all the elders were like that. I thought that it would always be so. But nowadays I see some elders who run things and behave almost like directors of a worldly business, and that is not right.
Older brothers and sisters have many opportunities for service that the younger ones have no time for. These should be encouraged as much as possible and given the resources to be pastors of the flock. But just because elders are wise and some are still vigorous surely does not mean that the younger ones should be lazy. It is definitely wrong when an ecclesia becomes over-dependent upon an old and failing leader, and the younger ones do not shoulder responsibilities properly.
So, let us learn from our older ones, follow their example of faith, and care for them in their failing years as deeply respected and beloved members of the family of God.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One