Disciple Elders: Then and NowAn edited excerpt from Peter Morgan's newly revised Disciple Eldership: Quest for Identity and Ministry. "In the early years of the nineteenth century, Americans of European lineage moved west in great numbers, settling in Appalachia and the rich land beyond. Many saw it as a time of expectancy, excitement and optimism; a time for new beginnings, a time to shake off the interminable quarrels and corruptions of humanity." These pioneers had a love of freedom, a respect for the individual, a pragmatic approach to problems, a suspicion of intellectuals, and a democratic spirit. They held a reverence for the Bible, a strain of anticlericalism, a tendency toward congregational polity, and a high regard for lay leadership in the church. Just as the ancient church developed a monarchial church in a monarchial society, so churches of all kinds have tended to become more democratic in a democratic society. Disciples were born into this social context. They had a vision of a church united simply on the basis of faithful obedience to whatever is clearly taught by precept or practice in the New Testament. Alexander Campbell believed Christians are privileged to share actively in all ministries of the church, including the celebration of the Lord's Supper. He believed that the traditional churches of Christendom were too much under the control of the professional ministry - "the kingdom of the clergy" he called it. As the years went by, Campbell's role shifted from critic to that of responsible leader of a growing movement. He saw the need for an educated special ministry. Through study of the New Testament he came to believe that there should be a three-fold special ministry of elders, deacons, and evangelists all selected and approved by congregations. The elders (or bishops) were ordained to serve in the ministry of teaching, ruling, guarding, shepherding, and leading in worship. Deacons serve in managing the material and financial concerns of the church. Evangelists were sent out to preach the Word to those outside the faith and to help new converts form congregations. In practice this distinction between elders who ministered within the church and evangelists who were sent out broke down, as evangelists increasingly accepted calls as settled pastors of churches In looking back over Disciples history, a definite trend can be seen: The power of the elders has diminished while that of the board and professional minister has increased. But these shifts in power and responsibility are certainly not fixed or final. Disciples are a practical people and whatever "works" in making a church more effective is likely to commend itself to them. What will be the future for Disciples eldership? In the past the office of elder has undergone many changes. It will continue to do so as the church grows and adapts to a changing world. Still, some elements of eldership seem to remain constant. First, the eldership seeks, and needs, persons of character and integrity. Second, the office of elder has always carried a special responsibility for spiritual guidance and pastoral care. Finally, it must be said that no one person can fulfill all the responsibilities that go with being an elder. The treasures of the Christian faith are contained in earthen vessels and all are finally dependent upon the grace of God. Nevertheless, those who find themselves in this particular form of ministry are likely to find that the yoke of Christ is easy and his burden is light. To aspire to eldership is to desire a noble task (1 Tim.3:1). Edited excerpt from Disciples Eldership: Quest for Identity and Ministry by Peter Morgan with permission of Chalice Press, St. Louis, MO, 63103. This book may be ordered for $12.99 plus shipping and handling from Christian Board of Publication at (800) 366-3383, or on the Web at www.cbp21.com or by e-mailing customerservice@cbp21.com. By Peter Morgan |
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