What An Eldership Owes The Local Preacher
Robert Meredith
In Romans 10:15 the Holy Spirit guided the Apostle Paul to write, “And how shall they preach except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.” The work of an evangelist is one of the greatest works in all the world. I believe it is second only to that of an elder. As God decreed in the above passage, a preacher who faithfully proclaims the gospel is a treasured being. Many of my dear friends are sound preachers of the gospel and are engaged in local work in the United States and abroad. As I considered writing this particular article, I determined to approach it from a generic viewpoint, not one which had a hidden agenda. I am very grateful for all the blessings from God as I labor in His kingdom. I count it a tremendous privilege to so work in His vineyard, and to have worked together with some fine elders over the years. We have been studying different relationships within the church and we need to look at what the leadership owes the local preacher.
James tells us, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).
Preachers desire the prayers of all saints and the eldership certainly must be composed of men of prayer, who will continually keep their local preacher in their prayers. Paul often petitioned the prayers of others (Romans 15:30; Colossians 4:2-3; 2 Thessalonians 3:1), and so should preachers of today.
Hospitality is another thing that an eldership owes the local preacher. The Apostle Paul, on different occasions, asked brethren to show hospitality to fellow laborers that he sent to other places of labor (Philippians 2:29; Colossians 4:10). Local evangelists need to be made to feel that they belong and are appreciated. Often it is the case that many in a congregation are physically related to one another. The preacher is often an “outsider” who moves to that area to work with that group of God’s people. As he works to strengthen the brethren and convert others to Christ, he needs to know he is considered part of the family and not simply someone who can be replaced.
Support is owed to the preacher. As was just discussed, the preacher should be made to feel as if he and his family belong. Every Christian faces moments of discouragement. Preachers are not different. They need encouragement as much as any other member. Too, the leadership needs to show support in a public manner when the truth is proclaimed. When a difficult or controversial lesson clearly teaches the truth, it is good for the congregation to know that the elders support it. This type of support encourages the preacher and lets him know that he is not the only one who will stand firmly for the truth. It will also show the membership that it is not just what the preacher thinks.
Support is also owed in finances. The Apostle Paul showed that a laborer is worthy of his hire (1 Corinthians 9:6-14; 2 Corinthians 11:8; 12:13; Philippians 4:14). Some members believe that the preacher and his family can live on next to nothing because, “We provide him a house and give him a salary.” The preacher’s house is not really the preacher’s house, it is the church’s. When the preacher leaves, he does not get any equity out of it. If the preacher meets with death of becomes disabled, his family has no roof over their heads. A preacher must plan ahead so that one day, when he is forces to “slow down,” he can provide housing for his family. The preacher should not be supported in a fashion in which he is taking advantage of the congregation, but he should not be made to struggle to make ends meet. God expects those who benefit spiritually to help the teacher survive materially (Galatians 6:6). Expense accounts and health insurance can help a preacher’s “pay” go further and the congregation is not out anything extra.
The eldership also owes the preacher time: time away, time off, time to prepare. A local evangelist primarily works with the congregation, however, he should not be limited to only working with them. Years ago I was asked to help teach in a preacher’s school one day a week. The local congregation would not allow me to be away, but said, “We want you to be ours.” My friends, the local evangelist is a co-laborer with the saints, he is not their employee. The local preacher should be given time away to hold gospel meetings, attend a few lectureships to recharge his batteries, and a vacation or two per year (all work and no play?). Often times, time is of a premium. In many locations either the preacher is doing the work of the elders (tending to the sheep) or the work of the deacons. Luke records, “Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them” (Acts 13:2). Paul and Barnabas were called in a special way. Today this does not happen, but evangelists still have a work to do (2 Timothy 4:2-5), and should be allowed to do it.
The Apostle Paul told Titus, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” (2:15). This verse shows that respect and honor are owed to faithful preachers. In some churches worldly minded members have more influence with the elders than godly Christians. Respect should be given and shown to individuals who are spiritual. Respect is also shown by following the “golden rule.” Sadly, some preachers are treated with a total lack of respect. When there is no appreciation for his labors, there will not be any respect shown to him.
The elders are the leaders of the congregation, not the preacher. The elders will not be at liberty to reveal everything they know. There will be confidential matters and possible plans to which the preacher should not be privy. The preacher should be informed on how he can best help the congregation. If there are special needs, then the preacher needs to know so that he can best help and address certain topics. Too, preachers are owed a truthful evaluation of a congregation before they accept a local work. Information is owed to the preacher.
The greatest institution that has ever been established is the church (Isaiah 2:2). Within the church there are numerous relationships. The relation between the elders and the preacher is a vital one to the congregation. Neither the work of the preacher nor the work of the elders will prosper if there is strife between these two groups. Elders are the shepherds of the congregation and preachers are co-laborers with them as they teach and preach God’s word. Preachers are owed certain things if they are to strive to convert the lost and strengthen the members.