It is almost impossible to adequately fulfill the office of church elder without having a firm commitment to studying and obeying God’s Word. The nature of the office, the qualities of those who exert it and the responsibilities implied in it, compels the church elder to be a person with a good knowledge of the Bible.
Christian maturity, life example, the ability to teach others, and the knowledge of God’s plan for His church are prerequisites for being a good elder. On the other hand, it is expected that the elder be able to preach and counsel, always focusing on what the church believes and preaches. How could an elder do that if he or she is not connected to the Word of God, the source of all knowledge? Impossible!
The apostle Paul was right when, in counseling Timothy to learn how to conduct the church, he included advice such as the following; similar advice may also be found in Paul’s epistle to Titus.
• “A bishop then must be blameless . . . able to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2).
• “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:13).
• “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).
• “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:14, 15).
• “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).
• “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers” (2 Tim. 4:2, 3).
These texts clearly reveal the value the apostle gives to the fact that each church leader, especially elders, should study the Bible so that he or she may talk about it, teach it, and preach its truths. Furthermore, Paul presents it as the power that can make church members improve themselves in following God’s will.
Therefore, it is the duty of each church elder to be committed daily to studying the Bible as a matter of great personal importance and as a need for their office. I believe studying the Sabbath School quarterly and reading the Bible helps us to become better leaders. We also need to read it to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of church doctrines. On the other hand, it is very healthy for elders to share biblical truths with other people and with small groups; this practice will improve the elder’s ability to teach the distinctive elements of the Adventist faith, and he or she will seek opportunities to teach the Word of God publicly. Regular church services, public evangelism, and special weeks of spiritual emphasis may be a great help for doing that.
Are you an elder? Then start studying the Bible!
Roberto Herrera is the head of the Religious Liberty department for the Inter-American Division. He is a distinguished preacher and author of the books 101 Ideas Para Usar la Vida Sabiamente and Primero lo Primero.
