Friday, October 30, 2009
Elders and preachers...
I have been hearing a lot of talk lately about the relationship between preachers and elders. Are they employer/employee? Are they joint partners in leading the church? Are the inevitably going to be at odds? Do they have be locked in a power struggle? Who sets the vision for the church?
I don't know that I have all the answers, but I do have a few observations. And remember, I have been in full-time ministry, I'm currently serving as an elder (at one of the churches where I was once on staff). And, tho I am not paid by Southern Hills, I am a preaching elder because of Wed. nite HIP.
Elders and preachers have different tasks. Elders are to shepherd the flock. Ministers are involved in teaching, preaching, and evangelism.
Elders answer to God for the souls of theri flock. Preachers answer to God for their ministry.
Elders generally are volunteers. Ministers are generally paid.
Elders are generally selected by the congregation. Ministers are generally selected by the elders.
Don't forget that ministry is not just a calling... it is a job also. And elders do control the paycheck.
Elders generally stay. Preachers generally do not.
In the United States particularly, we have a professional clergy (yes, even in churches of Christ). Elders are "amateurs".
Preachers often have a very clear vision of what the church ought to be; they then persuade others to "buy in" to their vision and they have multiple avenues to do that.
Elders have to work in concert with others to form a vision, and then do not have very many obvious ways to communicate it.
Many, if not most, elders could not be effective as professional ministers (not saying that is a good thing, just that it is reality).
Many, if not most, preachers are not qualified to serve as elders.
I have always wondered if the church would be healthier with more full time elders and less full time ministers.
You can draw your own conclusions. And feel free to share them.
Well, just more ramblings from this preacher... or elder... or elderly preacher.
I don't know that I have all the answers, but I do have a few observations. And remember, I have been in full-time ministry, I'm currently serving as an elder (at one of the churches where I was once on staff). And, tho I am not paid by Southern Hills, I am a preaching elder because of Wed. nite HIP.
Elders and preachers have different tasks. Elders are to shepherd the flock. Ministers are involved in teaching, preaching, and evangelism.
Elders answer to God for the souls of theri flock. Preachers answer to God for their ministry.
Elders generally are volunteers. Ministers are generally paid.
Elders are generally selected by the congregation. Ministers are generally selected by the elders.
Don't forget that ministry is not just a calling... it is a job also. And elders do control the paycheck.
Elders generally stay. Preachers generally do not.
In the United States particularly, we have a professional clergy (yes, even in churches of Christ). Elders are "amateurs".
Preachers often have a very clear vision of what the church ought to be; they then persuade others to "buy in" to their vision and they have multiple avenues to do that.
Elders have to work in concert with others to form a vision, and then do not have very many obvious ways to communicate it.
Many, if not most, elders could not be effective as professional ministers (not saying that is a good thing, just that it is reality).
Many, if not most, preachers are not qualified to serve as elders.
I have always wondered if the church would be healthier with more full time elders and less full time ministers.
You can draw your own conclusions. And feel free to share them.
Well, just more ramblings from this preacher... or elder... or elderly preacher.
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Our preacher made a comment once, "I am Sales, the Elders are Management." Loylene
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: 10:19 AM PST
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