Turn The Clock Back
We have wandered so far from those apostolic days and ways,
Thus, our present condition folly and rebellion displays.
We have sought to please man, we’ve fallen victim to compromise,
Yes, we’ve strayed from truth, our actions no longer harmonize.
A case in point?
Elders, were meant to shepherd (pastor) each church, not just one man,
Thus, pastors as we know them, aren’t part of that original plan.
Biblically, a pastor and elder are one and the same,
There’s no distinction, no separate office, as many claim.
Yes, a number of elders, and not a pastor, was the plan,
For where’s the wisdom in control being in the hands of one man?
Not that any elder should control, as such, but humbly serve,
Hence the ways of the Great Shepherd Himself, elders should observe.
Yes, even elders can err, via domination or ego,
Acting like Pharisees, when self-interest they should forgo.
Each elder should study the life of Paul, who served selflessly,
And who never misused his apostolic authority.
Now back to the main point:
The brotherly oversight by elders got replaced, you see,
By bishops, clergy, yes, a most unbiblical hierarchy.
Thus, church eldership soon disappeared, hence why today we see
A free for all, as it were, or an unbiblical clergy.
A pastor’s nothing more than an elder — head elder, presumably,
He shouldn’t be some lone ranger who’s ruling the roost locally.
He might be engaged in church planting though, and overseeing,
That is, keeping an eye on existing flocks, and their well-being.
And if doing the latter, he shouldn’t be tied locally,
But should be allowed to rove, spreading the Gospel as his ministry.
And only in that sense, should he differ, be out on his own,
An apostle, as it were, evangelist, sent by the Cornerstone.
Meantime, it’s the elders that should be shepherding the local church,
Working together, (lest one man at the helm cause it to lurch).
And guiding, nurturing, upholding truth, lest members go astray;
And each elder out in the workforce, thus paying their own way.
When roles are elevated, as these days pastors’ roles can be,
Pride is often the outcome, and misuse of authority.
But paid and settled pastors simply soak up precious money
That’s better spent on a roving elder's Gospel ministry.
Settled pastors, (unlike those roving), largely preach to the converted,
Therefore, their ministry can become somewhat introverted.
That is, more focused on believers, not non-believers, you see,
Which leaves souls in darkness, while pampering members unwisely.
Settled pastors can weaken a church, create dependency,
Thus, members become spiritual weaklings, eventually.
Also, eldership is robbed of its authority, potency,
And the church robbed of energy; no longer visionary.
Yes, it’s time we turned the clock back, returned to the better way,
The way that the apostles were led — Spirit led, that’s to say.
Yes, let the elders shepherd each church, each flock — not just one man,
Thus acting in accordance with the Spirit led apostolic plan.
By Lance Landall
Worth reading: "Biblical Eldership" by Alexander Strauch