What If There Aren’t Qualified Men?

Yesterday, I wrote a post that generated a good amount of traffic and conversation. It dealt with how those who are supposed to be following the leadership of elders often fail in their task. If you didn’t read it, please take a moment to do so by clicking here.

One of the comments that was shared on Facebook was one that I expected, and is a thoughtful comment. It suggested that there are some areas where there just are not enough men who are qualified, so this isn’t really a problem.

Today, I want to tackle that issue in a general way. Of course, there are some congregations where there are only a couple of men, and where very few–if any–are Scripturally qualified to serve as an elder. Since the New Testament clearly teaches that there must be a plurality of elders, this can be a very real issue.

So what can a congregation do that is in that situation? Let me give 6 suggestions.

1. Desire to have elders. I think there are some congregations that have gone without elders for so long that the desire is not there. We must remember that God designed the local congregation to function in an optimum way when there are qualified men serving as elders. It should be the desire of a congregation to be organized as God commands.

2. Start working with the men you have. No matter their age or experience, begin to teach the men about what it takes to be an elder. Of course, I am not suggesting appointing teenagers who aren’t married to be elders. I am suggesting, though, that we start teaching all our men about the role, to build that “desire” for the office.

3. Be intentional. A man may not be qualified right now, but with some training and encouragement, may be qualified soon enough. Elders are usually shepherds before they hold that title, at least in practice. Look for men who have people looking up to them. They may need some training in other areas, but that’s where you start.

4. Preachers, don’t try to run the show. I wish I didn’t have to write this, but I think some preachers don’t want elders because, when elders are appointed, they now have a “boss” who tells them what to do. That is extremely unChristian! Preachers can have a strong influence even with elders in the congregation, but a true Gospel preacher will never stand in the way of wanting godly leadership. After all, preachers, you need someone to shepherd your soul, too.

5. Pray fervently. If a congregation desires elders, it needs to be regular and fervent in prayer about the issue.

6. Don’t stop just because you “finally” get elders. Too many congregations go through the process and finally appoint elders, only to never train or pray about it again! What, then, will happen when one of the elders dies or is too sick to serve or moves? Congregations should be intentional always about seeking out men who are leaders so that the congregation can have an unbroken chain of leadership.

I hope these suggestions help. What others do you have?

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Photo credit: ColoradoSenate on Creative Commons

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