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When Elders Are Jerks

6. Beware group think (Mark 7:8-9).

You want to promote unity, yes, but you also want to keep going back to Scripture, and making sure you are all in accord with Scripture. It is so easy to fall into patterns of thinking and traditions that subtly, silently take us away from Scripture.

In fact, apart from constant recourse to Scripture, we will slip into either conservative fundamentalisms or liberal compromises.

7. Be shrewd (Matt. 10:16).

It is a good skill to learn how to persuade people, and frankly, it is a skill that I am not sure I have. But I know I need to learn it, especially for the sake of elder meetings.

Can anyone help me? I’ve been told it has to do with knowing when to come at issues head on, and when to come at them from the side — understanding what makes other personalities tick and how to step around their personal landmines.

Frankly, it requires paying attention to others and being conscientious, and if you are not naturally conscientious, it will be difficult. I think that’s probably my problem. Such conscientious shrewdness, ironically, can be an activity of love, at least if you are seeking to help others gain wisdom, assuming that wisdom is what you have to give.

8. Be courageous (Josh. 1:7).

God has made you an elder. The church has affirmed you. You are in that meeting for a reason. So stop fearing men, fear God, and be willing to speak and even make mistakes.

It’s okay to make mistakes. You’ll learn. When you do, stand up, and keep walking. Try not to make the same mistake again. And ask God for a thick chest.

9. Trust God!

Trusting God, finally, is the antidote to fear of man. Trust God that the fate of the church does not depend on any one meeting or decision. Trust God that the fate of the church does not depend upon any one church!

Frankly, you can wreck your church (please don’t!) and Jesus will still come back to redeem his people and show his glory to the nations. Being confident of Jesus’ victory will help you to keep things in perspective. Your compass for when to push, and when to hold back, will be more accurate.