Overseers or Undertakers ? Danny Douglas The Lord charges elders: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28). Elders who are true overseers, according to the word of God, are a great blessing to the congregation and to the Cause of Christ. On the other hand, elders who are unqualified or who refuse to do the work that God has commanded, will lead a congregation down the road to spiritual death (cf. Reve. 3:1; Rom. 6:23). If the church would see that only qualified men occupy the office of the eldership (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9), and that the elders do only the work that God has commanded them (cf. Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-3; Heb. 13:17; Tit. 1:9-13), then the respective congregations that they oversee would be in good spiritual condition and pleasing to God. Yet, many congregations today have men over them called “elders,” who are not a blessing but a plague to the church which Christ loved and gave Himself for (Eph. 5:25). Let us consider some things that will cause elders to be “undertakers”, that is those who will bring the congregation down and lead it to a spiritual death. 1. Treat the church like a business, rather than the spiritual body and house of Christ (1 Pet. 2:5; Heb. 3:6). These are more concerned about the numbers on paper (attendance and contribution) than the doing of God’s will. 2. Take the marketing approach by pleasing the people. Do that which will draw people, even if means compromising the truth. They will seek to draw numbers above conversions by the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16). 3. By being more concerned with having a preacher with charisma and speaking ability, who is a good mixer, than have a preacher who knows the truth and is willing to proclaim the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27)! Preachers are charged to: “Preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2), and elders are charged to “feed the church of God” (Acts 20:28). Yet, if the preacher and Bible class teachers are feeding the members with that which tickles the ears (2 Tim. 4:3-4), they will starve to death spiritually! Jesus said, “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Mat. 4:4). 4. Be more concerned about the appearance of the church building than the spiritual welfare of the church. Make community image more important than being right with God, Who sees all things (Heb. 4:13; Prov. 15:3). 5. Be sure to keep the membership happy, even if it means a refusal carry out scriptural withdrawals of fellowship (2 Thes. 3:6), or a refusal to take a stand for the truth, in areas such as, marriage, divorce and remarriage (Mat. 19:4-9). Keep the money people happy and those with position and influence. These kind of “elders” completely disregard God’s warnings against showing respect of persons (James 2:1-5). 6. Be sure to do whatever is necessary to have a lot of children and young people, even if it means hiring a liberal “youth minister,” taking the young people to events at unsound congregations for popular activities, or to liberal colleges for events. To such men the questions is: “Are we having fun?” rather than: Are we hearing and obeying the truth, which makes men free! (John 8:32). 7. Leaders who are “undertakers” rather than overseers of the flock of God (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-3), de-emphasize the importance of doctrinal soundness and abiding in the doctrine of Christ, while promoting only that which is positive and upbeat (2 John 9-11), even if it means inviting false teachers and compromisers to speak to the congregation. With such men, comforting and consoling to people, even those in sin, is highly praised and encouraged! Yet, Peter and the apostles preached to prick hearts and lead people to Christ (Acts 2:36-38)! Such “elders” or leaders may keep up the numbers and the budget, but will slowly kill a congregation! They will lead the members away from Christ and spirituality, and down the road to spiritual weakness and ruin! They may have a name for being alive, but Christ Jesus knows otherwise. Remember what He said to the church at Thyatira: “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead” (Reve. 3:1). Thanks be to God for faithful and godly elders! Be sure that this is the only kind that you have, lest you become dead like those who are not! (Rom. 6:23).
Posted on: Sat, 01 Feb 2014 19:25:41 +0000
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