Spiritual Leaders in the Local Church - Chapter 5
The Diversity of Spiritual Rulers In The Local Church
or
What differences are there within the eldership?
by Fred G. Zaspel
Published by Word of Life Baptist Church, Pottsville, PA
copyright © 1987; revised, 1998. All rights reserved
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Chapter 5
The Diversity of Spiritual Rulers In The Local Church
or
What differences are there within the eldership?What is the elders' relationship to one another?
With a plurality of men ruling, the question of their relationship to each other naturally arises. Is each elder the same as the others? Are they all equal? Do they all have the same function?
In other words, what differences, if any, exist between the elders in a given local church?
Differences in Function
There is no reason to assume that all elders must perform the exact same duties. Indeed, the indications of the New Testament are to the contrary.
Diversities of Gifts
God has told us that He sovereignly gifts all men differently (I Corinthians 12:11, 18) not only with various gifts and abilities, but also with varying degrees of effectiveness in the exercise of those gifts (cf. Romans 12:3, 6, "measure of faith"; I Corinthians 12:6, "various energizings").
Romans 12:6-8
In Romans 12:6-8 the apostle Paul distinguishes between those who are given the gifts of teaching, exhortation, and ruling. These gifts are not all given to one and the same person, and no one person is necessarily intended to perform all these functions (see I Corinthians 12:12-39). The one with the gift of teaching is to teach (verse 7); the one with the gift of ruling is to rule (verse 8).
I Timothy 5:17
I Timothy 5:17 may offer help here as well. We know that all elders both rule and teach (I Timothy 3:2, 4-5). This verse tells us that all elders rule and that as such they are worthy of compensation. But it specifies, "especially those who labor in the Word and in teaching." The question here is the meaning of "especially" (malista). As it stands, it appears to have this narrowing force: all elders rule, while some specialize in teaching. By virtue of their giftedness, their labors are directed more to the public ministry of the Word.
It has been fairly well demonstrated, however, that malista ("especially") later in the first century had taken on a more descriptive meaning ("that is"); it was used to specifically designate the identity of the one(s) just mentioned. It has further been argued that this is the meaning of the word in the Pastoral Epistles. If this understanding is correct, Paul's meaning here would be "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, that is, those who labor in the Word and in teaching." In this understanding, "teaching elders" is but a more precise designation of "ruling elders."
I favor the former interpretation, but I am uncertain. This verse may indicate a relative difference in function among the elders. All elders rule, and all elders teach. But some may "especially" be given and gifted to the one or the other.
Ephesians 4:11
This "teaching elder" is so designated in Ephesians 4:11. Here Paul teaches that among the gifts Christ has given to His church is the gift of "pastors-teachers." The wording of the verse indicates that Paul does not intend to distinguish between "pastors" and "teachers" but rather to identify them together ("pastors-teachers"). "Pastors-teachers" are "teaching elders" in contrast to "ruling elders," in terms of primary function.
Summary & Conclusion
Paul writes in I Timothy 3:2 that all elders ("bishops") must be "apt to teach." He indicates in I Timothy 5:17 that all elders rule. He further teaches that some are especially gifted in one of these areas more than in others. Putting this all together reveals that while all elders must be capable in both areas, administration (ruling) may be the special duty of some and teaching the special duty of others. Overlap there surely is, but some distinction is obvious. Within the plurality of elders in a local church there is a diversity of function.
Differences in Honor
It is further evident that since all elders are members of the body of Christ, they are subject to the very same rule which they themselves exercise. While each rules, each is also ruled by the others. All are said to have authority, all are also under the same authority, and none are said to have authority over all. So there is a kind of parity among the elders, an equality.
Yet it is also evident that within this equality there is a diversity of honor.
Examining the Evidence
If our interpretation of 1 Timothy 5:17 is correct, Paul implies that some degree of priority is given to teaching elders. These teaching elders would presumably be the same as the "pastors-teachers" of Ephesians 4:11. This does not imply a spiritual superiority or even a higher ruling authority on the part of the teaching elders but rather emphasizes the superior honor attached to the ministry of teaching the Word of God.
Paul emphasizes this also in I Corinthians 12:28. In listing several of the spiritual gifts in order of importance ("first ... secondarily ... thirdly" etc.), the gift of teaching is ranked "third" behind apostles and prophets only and above governing.
In the mind of the inspired apostle, the public ministry of the Word of God carried with it a unique honor.
Examples
Accordingly, Peter is seen in the Gospels and the book of Acts as the leader, the spokesman of the twelve, and as we follow his life through the book of Acts it is he who is the preacher, while his companions James and John are relatively silent.
Similarly, James is portrayed in Acts 11 and 15 as the prominent one in the Jerusalem church, yet there were other elders who served with him (cf. Acts 11:30 & 16:4).
Likewise Paul was more prominent than his associates Barnabas, Silas, and Timothy.
(Note too that these examples reveal a diversity of function as well as honor.)
Conclusion
It is clear that the rulership of the church is properly the work of several men together and not one only. The elders in Scripture are seen as working together while differing in function and honor (I Timothy 5:17). This type of ministry serves well today also: it is a deterrent to any Diotrephes (III John 9), and it increases the effectiveness of the elders and their ministries, allowing them to focus on their personal area of giftedness. It is a most wise arrangement given to the church by her Head!
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