The Church that Does Not Have Elders
by Kyle Ellison
Do you currently attend a church without elders? Are you an evangelist working within a church that does not have elders currently? It is quite common that this occurs at some point in the life of a local New Testament church. What should our view and response be? If you read this, you will find I may be a bit biased because of the hard work I have witnessed in the elderless church, but let’s consider some essential truths about this sometimes difficult situation.
- We know that churches exist or existed for some undefined time without an eldership. In Titus 1:5, Paul sent Titus to Crete to “appoint elders in every city, and set in order the things which are lacking.” One does not appoint elders and then form a local church, but rather a local church is formed, and then from that group, elders are appointed (Acts 14:23; Titus 1: 5-9). This means that a local church must, by necessity, exist for some time as they work to become organized according to God’s plan. It may be that a church loses its eldership due to sickness, death, or life circumstances, and they, once again, spend some time preparing men for the work so that they may appoint shepherds again.
- God’s plan is to appoint elders and deacons in His church (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5-9). This is not denied at all. Paul describes this work to Titus as “setting in order things which are lacking.” We have no reason to avoid or skirt around the idea that God’s best for the local church is to be fully organized with deacons and bishops.
- It is appropriate and okay to attend a church without elders if you intend to help them prepare men to serve as elders and women to serve as elders' wives. As a smaller church preacher in this situation, please do not pass up a church that can use you! If you are a qualified man and aren’t serving somewhere, or you are close to a church without elders, consider joining yourself to those disciples and going to work!
A few notes to conclude: I know that going to a fully organized church can have its attractions! Who likes having to be involved in what is usually handled by elders? With that said, churches without elders need them, but as they work toward it, they should exist and carry out their God-given work within their surrounding community. Consider how you might help the church without elders by your presence, bring your family, bring your teaching abilities, bring your gifts, and employ them in that group who needs you! Don’t miss a blessing by missing that smaller group.
We need “missionaries” right here at home, and what better time than now to get involved?
