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 Exhortations
to ”obey” and “submit” to overseers (Heb. 13:17), and to
“esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” (1
Thes. 5:12-13), show the necessity of respect for those selected
as overseers-- as it is apparent that team work would flounder
if, having been appointed, their position had to be re-examined
every time they tried to function. They are protected from
capricious and irresponsible criticism, some -times judged
worthy of double honor and support (1 Tim. 5:17-20); and yet are
subject to rebuke for their sins the same as any other
Christians.
With
this fresh in mind, we face the question of what to do when
there are no qualified men to appoint as overseers of a
congregation. A local church can exist and function in the
absence of elders (ACTS 14:21-23), although something is “wanting”
(lacking, Titus 1:5). I find nothing to indicate that an
evangelist has “charge” in such cases — although in places
where there are none but babes in Christ, and especially in the
time before the written New Testament was available to all, it
would reasonably fall to the more knowledgeable and experienced
men to guide and instruct the group so they could fulfill their
responsibilities before the Lord.
A
“business meeting” of the men is simply a human expedient,
with no more “authority” for its existence than any other
expedient. If this plan is used, it should be remembered that it
is but a method for letting the saints of the congregation
express themselves, and function orderly as a team. It should
not be regarded as the equivalent of a of bishops or elders, for
the
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experience, spiritual development, and
acumen of qualified overseers is not here. These men are
novices. They may be self-willed, easily angered, etc. They are
not what qualified overseers should be, or they would be
appointed as such. So, it does not follow that all things said
of scriptural overseers now applies to the “business meeting”
arrangement.
One
who devotes his full time to preaching and teaching, being
supported by the brethren so that this work is possible, is as
much a member of the congregation — and no more so — as any
other member. Both the church and the preacher are in error if
he is a “hireling” — subject only to the rule of “so
much preach for so much pay.” In any “business meeting” he
should be heard to the extent of his learning, experience, and
wisdom — and that goes for every other member of the
congregation. If not, why not??
In
the final analysis, we must learn to “submit.. .one to another
in the fear of God” (Eph. 5:21). This does not eliminate God -
appointed “headship” necessary for orderly function of the
home, church, etc., (the next verse says, “Wives, submit
yourselves unto your own husbands. .“) but it would erase the
“lording” complex that wrecks havoc in all phases of the
work of the saints.
In
the absence of a humble spirit of love and mutual concern, there
are no rules of order or oversight that can make a congregation
function for the Lord as it should.
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