In this past week’s message, we tackled the topic of why Holy Covenant Church is an elder-led congregation. We discussed why this is the case, what the saints at HCC can expect from their elders, and what the saints’ responsibilities are to their elders. In the last point, I briefly gave you four responsibilities. In this post, I want to revisit and expand upon three of the ones mentioned in the sermon.
The first responsibility of a congregation is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:13, where Paul writes:
And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.
In this responsibility, there are two commands: to recognize and to esteem. The Greek word behind “recognize” conveys more than simply knowing someone by name or face. It carries the idea of understanding the nature of their work and all that it entails—including their authority. The second command, to esteem, is just as important. But notice how elders are to be esteemed: “very highly in love.” This esteem is directly connected to the nature of their work. Ideally, a congregation should understand the value of an elder’s labor and demonstrate that understanding tangibly—through honor, likely remuneration (1 Tim. 5:17), fairness (1 Tim. 5:19), and a commitment to living in harmony with one another (1 Thess. 5:14).
The second responsibility mentioned in the sermon comes from Hebrews 13:7, where the author writes:
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
This verse begins with a call to remember the leaders who taught the Word of God. But the focus here is on the exhortation to “imitate their faith.” What does that mean? First, note that this imitation is grounded in observation. It’s difficult to imitate someone’s faith without having seen it in action—especially in challenging situations or over time. So as much as this is a call to imitate, it’s also a call to observe. Once faithful character has been observed, the author encourages the saints to imitate what is good and Christlike about their leaders’ walk. Is the leader patient? Gracious yet firm in dealing with sin? Is he teachable and willing to make sacrifices to shepherd others? Does he consistently entrust himself, his family, and even his reputation to the Lord? If the answer is yes, then you are called to imitate those traits in your own life.
The third responsibility—and I must admit, these grow more challenging—is found later in Hebrews 13:17:
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.
As you read the words obey and submit, it is a good time for a heart-check. How does this verse strike you? If it makes you squeamish or uncomfortable, that’s revealing—and worth prayerful reflection. Yet this is the teaching of Scripture, and it describes a real responsibility of the congregation toward its elders. This verse implies there will be times when the session of elders will instruct you to do something that you may not naturally want to do. Of course, no such instruction should be followed if it is sinful—and the elders of HCC will not call anyone to sin. Nor will they be overbearing or seek to micromanage every detail of your life. Nevertheless, there will be those moments when submission and obedience are expected, because the elders must give an account to God for their shepherding or lack thereof.
There are additional responsibilities laid out in Scripture regarding the relationship between the congregation and her elders, but most of them fall under the three outlined above. As I close this post, allow me to end the same way I ended this week’s sermon—with a call to pray for Craig, for me, and for anyone else who may be brought on as an elder. We deeply covet your prayers—and we need them. So please, pray!