Jesus built the church (Matthew 16:18) and is the head of it (Colossians 1:18). By His words we will be judged (John 12:48). The name on our building, the doctrine we teach inside of it, and the way we act outside of it identify a church as “of Christ.” Jesus is in charge.
However, without Jesus’ physical presence (Acts 1:11), who makes day-to-day church decisions? Thankfully, He put a plan in place so that we do not have to figure this out on our own.
The early church ordained elders in every church (Acts 14:23). They were told, “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God” (Acts 20:28).
Paul left Titus in Crete to “set in order the things that [were] lacking, and appoint elders in every city” (Titus 1:5). Elders are not decided at random, or by a popularity contest, but by meeting God-given qualifications (Titus 1:6–9; 1 Timothy 3:1–7). Elders are to serve willingly and oversee as they lead by example (1 Peter 5:1–3).
Every church today should have a plurality of qualified men overseeing, leading, serving, and teaching the members and acting as overseers. A church may temporarily find itself without elders, but should either have them or be working toward them.
Is the church you attend led by elders? If not, would it be willing to change to be like Jesus intended? Things work better when we follow the plan that Jesus put in place.
