When considering the subject of elders, emphasis is often placed upon the duties and qualifications of the elders themselves. This is understandable, seeing as how these matters are set forth in Scripture. The qualifications must be met and the duties must be carried out if there is to be a scriptural and effective eldership. However, we cannot overlook the fact that God has also told the members of the local church how they are to treat the elders.

The success of an eldership (and thus the success of the local church) has as much to do with the attitude and actions of the members of the congregation as it does the elders themselves. Consider the following words from the pen of brother H. E. Phillips:

"The relationship between the elders and the members of a congregation must be understood and agreed upon by both parties. Unless the members agree to submit to the elders, the elders will not be able to perform all their functions. The elders are to feed the flock - the flock must eat; the elders are to lead - the flock must follow; the elders are to set the example - the church must imitate them; the elders are to teach - the church must learn; the elders are to rule - the church must submit to them. All along the way the duties of the church must be performed before the work of elders is effective" (Scriptural Elders and Deacons, 213).

In this article, we will examine some of the responsibilities that God has given the local church towards her elders.

Recognize Them. "And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you" (1 Thess. 5:12). The idea behind us being able to "recognize" the elders is more than just being able to pick them out from the rest of the congregation. We are to "recognize" or acknowledge them as the leaders of the congregation. We are to respect the authority that God has given them as the shepherds and superintendents of the local church. In doing so, we will readily subject ourselves to their voice; respecting their judgments, teaching, and admonitions as authoritative.

Esteem Them Highly. 1 Thessalonians 5:13 continues, "and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves." The word "esteem" means "to lead before the mind." It is a position of respect that we have for these men in our own hearts. Elders are not mere figureheads, but they are to be held in the highest regard by every member of the congregation.

There is no higher honor bestowed upon a man than that of serving as an elder in the Lord's church (1 Tim. 5:17). The fact that elders are men who have met the qualifications set forth in Scripture (1 Tim. 3, Titus 1) shows that they are worthy of high regard. However, Paul tells us that we are to esteem them highly because of their work's sake. Elders serve the congregation as overseers, making sure everything runs smoothly. As shepherds, they watch out for our souls, making sure we are fed spiritual food and protected from spiritual dangers. It is a sad observation that not many men are qualified or willing to make the sacrifices that are necessary in order to perform this important work. Those who are should be held in high esteem.

Obedience and Subjection. "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you" (Heb. 13:17). Terms such as "obey" and "submit" imply the presence of authority in the eldership. It is not enough to respect and honor our elders as individuals. We must respect their God-given authority.

The idea behind "obey" includes a willingness to trust and be persuaded; to listen to and comply with. It is easy to obey when elders make decisions that we agree with and understand. However, there may be times when elders make decisions that are not understood by the members of the congregation. Sometimes elders are called upon to deal with delicate matters which need to be kept from the rest of the congregation. If the elders have proven themselves to be trustworthy, the congregation needs to trust their judgment and comply with their decisions.

To submit means to yield or to give in to. In the relationship between elders and the congregation, it means that we are to let their decisions prevail over ours. Submit does not mean that we have to agree with their decisions or that they have to do things our way. When there is a conflict between our judgment and theirs, we must yield to their decisions and obey their voice in the Lord.

Elders receive their authority from God. Elders are not legislators; they do not have the right to make up rules. They are to tend the Lord's flock by the Lord's rules. When an eldership steps outside the doctrine of Christ in their decisions, they have sinned and are not to be followed. However, as long as a decision made by the elders is in accordance with the Law of Christ, it is to be obeyed. To disobey elders who are acting within the authority of God is to disobey God Himself.

Elders have a hard job to do, and Christians who benefit from their efforts should be willing to cooperate with them by submitting to and obeying their voice. Members who constantly second-guess and criticize the elders are a grief to them, and will have to answer to the Lord for their poor attitude and conduct.

Inform Them. "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church..." (James 5:14). Elders are shepherds of the flock. As shepherds, they are expected to know the flock and to know what is happening within the flock. However, it is unrealistic for us to expect that elders know everything that is going on in the lives of every member. Elders do not have ESP. Members need to inform the elders when they are struggling physically or spiritually. Those who purposely keep the elders in the dark cannot complain when the elders fail to come to their aid.

Receive No Accusations. Timothy was told, "Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses" (1 Tim. 5:19). No one is above criticism, but there is a big difference between honest criticism and false accusations. Many of us have suffered to some degree because of slander and lies that have been told against us. However, false accusations made against an elder can have a devastating effect upon the entire church. Timothy was to be careful not to accept an accusation made against an elder until it could be proven by at least two witnesses. If the accusation was scriptural, and was backed up by at least two reliable witnesses, Timothy was instructed on how to proceed with correcting the situation (vv. 20-21). However, in the absence of sufficient credibility, all accusations against elders are to be rejected.

Prayer. "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men" (1 Tim. 2:1). Elders would certainly fall under this category. If ever there were men who needed and deserved our prayers, it is those who serve as elders. The importance and seriousness of their work demands thoughtful and diligent prayer on their part. However, they need to know that the members of the congregation are praying for them and their families as well.

Love. We are to esteem elders highly "in love" (1 Thess. 5:13). Love demands that we treat elders the way that we would want to be treated ourselves (Matt. 7:12). We should not make unreasonable or unscriptural demands upon elders. Members of the church need to continue to study and better understand the work that God has given to the elders. This is the only way that we can truly appreciate them and cooperate with them in their work. We cannot expect things from elders that the Lord does not require of them. For instance, elders are sometimes expected to take on role of deacons and perform physical tasks for the members. However, the Bible clearly indicates the work of elders is primarily spiritual in nature, while the work of deacons is primarily physical in nature.

Conclusion: It is God's will that qualified elders be appointed in every local church (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5). Elders have a very serious task to perform. The members of the local church are the ones who benefit the most from their efforts. However, in order for the elders to be effective in their work, the members must likewise fulfill their God-given responsibilities towards their elders.