Clergy

2023-07-02

We have done a terrible thing by having “clergy.” Having church leaders, namely elders and deacons, is a Biblical concept. Putting them on a pedestal and putting the burden on them to do everything is not Biblical.

Everyone has a role in the church. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many” (1 Corinthians 12:13-14). “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ” (Ephesians 4:7).

Elders rule the church and deserve compensation, if they will accept it or need it: “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17). They offer guidance and protection from evil influences. “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31). They do not have to be fulltime, but they can be. They may need to be employed elsewhere, much like the apostle Paul was: “Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:8).

However, many churches have decided to make the elders do everything, requiring as much education as a doctor, living on low salaries with no additional employment, while the rest of the church has minimal responsibility. We put them on a pedestal, and when they fail our ridiculously high standards, we want them removed from their office.

Give grace to your elders. Help them with responsibilities. They need help and do not have unlimited energy. Do not expect them to do everything. They are not a separate, special class of people and not “clergy.”