Article: Plurality of Eldership

I believe what we generally see today in regards to leadership does not follow the scriptural example. Although there are many good Bible loving men preaching from pulpits, who I respect, but the question remains, is today's church structure the New Testament example? If the scriptures be examined, I believe, we can see that the one man ruling over "his flock" is not the New Testament example.

The New Testament church is first and foremost Christ's Church. He is the head of the Church because He purchased it with His own blood. I believe, in many instances, Christ has lost His rightful place as head of His Church. Ephesians 4:11-12 says, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."

There are three main areas of ministry in effect today: evangelists, pastors, and teachers, and all are necessary for the edifying of the body of Christ. He does not generally give these gifts to one man over "his flock". These gifts generally ought to be manifested in the local assembly.

Here is the important question, where does the elder fit in here? We understand that bishop or elder, both of these are the same office and are used interchangeably. The elders or overseers could be shepherds over the flock, and pastor means "shepherd." It is also possible that a pastor may not necessarily be an elder.
The elder is not a hireling, when a man receives a salary that makes him a hireling. The work of the ministry was distributed among the men of the church who had been called to execute that ministry. They were not called by men but by God ultimately, although their gifts and callings were recognized by the overseers and exhorted to stir up these gifts and callings.

The scriptures teach plurality of eldership:Acts 14:23 - "And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed." Here we see elders (plural) ordained in every church (singular).

Acts 16:4 - "And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem." Here we see plurality of elders with the apostles in Jerusalem.

Acts 20:17 - "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church." Here see the plurality of elders in the church of Ephesus.

Titus 1:5 - "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee." Here elders(plural) were ordained in every city.

James 5:14 - "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." Here James teaches plurality of elders in the church.

I Peter 5:1 - "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder. . ." Here Peter acknowledged the plurality of elders.

The scriptures consistently teach a plurality of elders and that the leading, teaching and preaching were distributed among the elders and those men of the church who were called.

I Timothy 5:17-18 - "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, the labourer is worthy of his reward." Here is another reference regarding plurality of eldership, also implying that not all elders were teaching and preaching elders. And verse 18 is used to justify being a hireling with a fixed salary, the minister of God is to live by faith. God will supply the need to support full time ministers. Buying, bargaining and selling, in relation to ministry in the church of God, must be wrong. Can we think of the Apostle Paul hiring himself to the Corinthians at a fixed salary. Sometimes Luke 10:7b, "...for the labourer is worthy of his hire", the meaning here is reward, but the analogy of a hired labourer is used. God provided for Paul through other believers. This was God's provision. I don't know how a fixed salary fits in. The church of Christ is not a corporation. It is the body of our Lord Jesus Christ and is to reflect His glory (II Corinthians 8:23 and Ephesians 3:21).