How do elders relate to the authority of the congregation?
- Elders are installed and removed by the will of the congregation. Even though they should have considerable authority over the congregation, they are finally accountable to the congregation and their continuance in office depends on the consent of the congregation.
- Congregation should trust and follow their elders in matters of Christian discipleship. The New Testament commands church members to obey and submit to those in authority over them (Heb. 13:17, 1 Thess. 5:12).
- Elders have the “authority of counsel,” to use an old phrase. That is, they lead the congregation by teaching the Word. Their authority is ministerial and declarative. They teach the Word of God and so authoritatively instruct and lead the people. Their authority depends on their faithful teaching of Scripture and obedience to Scripture as they lead the church.
- Congregations have the “authority of command.” That is, the elders’ authority is finally advisory in matters of membership, discipline, and even doctrine. They cannot effectually unite Christians to the church, or discipline them from it. They cannot give themselves office. The elders teach, but the church is ultimately accountable to God for what they believe and who they listen to (Gal. 1:6-9). The elders oversee people’s lives and lead the church in dealing with sin, but the congregation finally decides whom to accept into membership and whom to exclude (Matt. 18:17; 1 Cor. 5:12). While the church recognizes its elders precisely so that they can lead them by teaching the Word to them and watching over their lives, God holds the church finally accountable for its membership, discipline, and doctrine.
