Elders: An Expression of Christ's Rule in the Church

The word is, hagiography. It is the biographical reporting of a person which presents the saint-like behavior only, and ignores the flaws. The Bible of no hagiography. Indeed, this is one of the proofs for the authenticity of the Bible and the Faith. The brutal honesty in the reports about the character of the prominent people in the Bible show them as they were. Whether it reports about the Judges of Israel in the Old Testament, or the accounts of the weaknesses of the disciples and apostles, the Bible presents a clear-eyed report of both strengths and weaknesses. In this vein, the Bible reports something startling in text today; some of those who were ordained as elders would rise up and promote error! In his final words to the Ephesian elders, the Apostle Paul wanted them to be prepared and vigilant against error. And not only regarding those "out there", but among themselves who were "in here". For everyone who bears this office, the words of the apostle, "…take heed to yourselves and to all the flock…," should continually be on their hearts. It is only in this way that they can rule well and express the rule of Christ in the church, for that is their calling. They are to rule while abiding in Christ in both doctrine, practice. – Pastor Schlegel