November 1, 2004, Vol.3, No.21.

Decision-Making in the Local Church

Keith Sharp

Introduction

       Several years ago the issue “du jour” among brethren was the method of decision-making in the local church. One brother contended the New Testament pattern was for male leaders to build a congregational consensus. Recently I read a church bulletin in which a brother argued that, in a church which did not yet have elders, the spiritually more mature men were “leaders” (Hebrews 13:7,17, NIV) who have the authority to make decisions for the congregation. All of my life the vast majority of Christians I have discussed the matter with have believed that, in a congregation with elders, they are the ones with authority to make decisions for the congregation. At the same time, there has always been a sizable minority of brethren who believe elders only lead by example and have no authority to make binding decisions for the local church. Obviously, if a congregation is to function as an organized whole, there must be some method of arriving at decisions. Has the New Testament revealed one?

Rule

      To make decisions others are obligated to follow is to rule. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, was struck by the burden of judging all Israel that Moses bore alone (Exodus 18:1-18). He advised Moses to appoint judges to decide for the people (verses 19-23). Moses followed his advice and appointed these judges, who were also termed “rulers” (verses 24-26). Judges, who made decisions Israelites were duty bound to follow, were ruling.

 Male Leadership 

      The Lord has set up male leadership in two realms, the home and the church. “For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church.” (Ephesians 5:23) As he regulated conduct in the church (1 Timothy 3:14-15), the apostle Paul declared, “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” (1 Timothy 2:12)

 Elders 

      The New Testament pattern is for a plurality of elders to be appointed in every congregation (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). Elders are also called overseers (sometimes translated “bishops”) and shepherds (also rendered “pastors”) (Acts 20:17,28; Titus 1:5,7; 1 Peter 5:1-4). Elders are overseers. This word means “superintendent.” (Arndt & Gingrich. 299) Elders have the authority to rule (1 Timothy 5:17) in the church where they are members (1 Peter 5:1-4).

But before men can serve as elders in the local church, they must meet divinely decreed qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9), be selected by the congregation (Acts 6:1-6), and be appointed to this work (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). How are decisions to be made in congregations which do not yet have elders?

Leaders

       The phrase “those who rule over” (New King James Version, Hebrews 13:7,17,24) is from one Greek word, translated “leaders” in the New International Version. Some argue this is a reference to more spiritually mature male members who, as a body, have decision-making authority in a local church which has no elders. The obvious problem is there is no passage where the term is clearly used of such a group. Rather, this position is supported by elaborate human sophistry. 

      The church in Jerusalem was blessed with both elders and apostles (Acts 15:2,4,6,22). Yet, in this congregation there were others besides the apostles and elders, who are called “leaders” (verse 22, NIV, same Greek word as Hebrews 13:7,17,24). They certainly didn’t make decisions for the church, for it had both apostles and elders who made congregational decisions (verse 22). Rather, it appears to be a general word for those who take a leading role, whether by preaching and teaching (Acts 15:22; Hebrews 13:7) or ruling (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Timothy 5:17). There is no authority from the Lord Jesus Christ for a self-appointed elite group of men in the congregation to assume rule. Rather, this is an unscriptural formula for spiritual tyranny.

How, Then?

      There are New Testament principles which apply to the congregational decision-making process. It is true that male members are to rule, i.e., make decisions the church is to follow (1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:12). It is also true that the younger should be submissive to their elders (1 Peter 5:5). But, in humility, the older men should not use this as an excuse to domineer the younger (Ibid; Matthew 20:25-28). No one should seek or be allowed to have dominance (3 John 9-10). All members of the church (including women and young people) have the rights to have their opinions and needs considered (Acts 6:1), to be kept informed of decisions (Acts 6:2-4), and to have their approval sought (Acts 6:2-5). The whole church - men, women, and young people - is to select its own officers (Acts 6:3) and to withdraw from impenitent sinners (1 Corinthians 5:4-5). All should strive for unity and peace (Ephesians 4:1-3). These principles apply even in congregations which have elders (Acts 15:22). Above all else, all decisions must be authorized by the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:17).

Conclusion

      This leaves no place for the domineering, rule or ruin attitude, whether the church has elders or not. It does recognize the principle of mature, male leadership. It is the Lord’s plan to bring peace, unity, and spiritual growth to the local body of believers and to activate that body to win the lost to Christ.

 Work Cited

W.F. Arndt and F.W. Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament.