role of elders

Frank Turk writes regarding elders/pastors and in that I think we can see a difference in 'philosophy of ministry' which in the past has caused tension between TeamPyro and myself. Here I agree with Turk in the fundamentals of what he is saying but in the analysis and practice, I think we differ. That is, in his bottom line, we agree, we can know truth and where we do, we should act accordingly.

In this article, Turk said the following about Paul's statements regarding qualification for elders and pastors.

[T]he qualifications for elders in the church (both to Titus and to Timothy), he makes it clear that along with character an elder/overseer must have the gift of teaching.

Elders are not the welcoming committee; they aren't the ones who necessarily are the first ones to meet people in the church. But they are the ones who are willing and able to teach what is right and to identify and rebuke false teaching. Their perspective on the church ought to be that they are guiding all the other gifted people to mutual maturity, and that those who are not going to be guided in and up need to be guided (quickly, clearly, with gusto) out.

It's pretty striking how Paul doesn't say, "you know: it's a journey and we're all sort of screwed up, so who's to say if we're making a mistake about this doctrine or that one. Be kind to your web footed friends, for a duck may be somebody's, um, pastor?" He says instead that those who stray from the teaching are making a shipwreck of their faith.

I like the gift of teaching piece. Turk is exactly right, I think we must be able to defend the faith. I do not find any where in Scripture where we are taught to present the truth prefaced with, "well I kinda think ..." or "there are a lot of ideas, here's one that might work ...", etc.. I think we need to preach boldly and as one with authority. We need to proclaim truth and combat error. Hence the word 'orthodoxy' .

So why do I say there is a difference in philosophy of ministry? Because while I think there are some who mean exactly as Turk suggests, I believe many don't really think that, they simply got themselves trapped in false-humility or a wrong mindset of how to reach others.

That is, too many times, in response to arrogance, error of tradition disguised as orthodoxy, etc. we have reacted and said we cannot be so bold, we need to talk about the journey, we need to hi-light what we don't know, etc.. I think that is false humility (and wrong).

As an example, I see this in Christians who are talented. Someone will say to them, "wow, that piano piece you played was wonderful" to which they reply, "oh no, that wasn't that good" (or worse - they add, "it wasn't me, it was God").

It seems that in an effort to not appear arrogant or to open a relationship, we say things like Turk is pointing out. So while his statement is technically correct, I think the motives behind them are varied and require different kinds of confrontation. The person that thinks we cannot boldly proclaim the truth requires something different than the person that thinks he is representing a better front by feigning humility.

The other point in Turk's statement that should not be overlooked is "those who are not going to be guided in and up need to be guided (quickly, clearly, with gusto) out." Ultimately, if 'alignment' to the truth cannot be reached, sure - out they go. But I think I would have emphasized the patience, love, sorrow, etc. prior to the point of be being guided out. I have never taken pleasure in removing someone from the community of believers. It was always with a sad and heavy heart. I think the swiftness depends greatly on the nature and divisiveness of the error.

I don't presume to know the exact meaning of Turk's words but the choice of words may reflect another difference in philosophy of ministry. I agree with the "in and up or out" statement but my emphasis would have been weighted differently. Using Paul's words to Titus as an example, notice the balance and tension between standing for right and loving respect. I see the harder words not for the one in error - in fact Paul cautions not to get caught in foolish controversies - his harder words are for those causing division.

I'm looking forward to watching the new blog, New Attitude: Humble Orthodoxy, evolve.

Titus 1.5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

2:1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

3:1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.