OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
By George I. Butler
Thoughts on Church Government.—No. 5.
OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES.
ELDERS are to be examples of the flock. The church have a right to expect of them an example in all good things. An elder has no justification for setting an example of selfishness, covetousness, and evil, in anything. They will be responsible, not only for the sin in a personal sense, but for the example and the influence upon those who look to them for advice and guidance. They can, by pursuing an evil course in these directions, by even a slight deviation from the right course, do far more harm than any private member. How quick an example of selfishness or meanness in an elder will be followed by those similarly inclined in the church! Did not the elder do it? will be asked. Such an example does much harm. An elder should make up his mind, to be foremost in every good work, setting an example of noble generosity and self-sacrifice, bearing pain and unjust criticism without complaint, and not waiting to be driven by public opinion to good works, but willingly, cheerfully assuming the lead in all good things. “Not by constraint, but willingly.” The time for his reward is when the “chief Shepherd shall appear.” A glorious crown will then be given. Paul speaks further of elders in 1 Tim. 5:17, and Rom. 12:8. “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor,” and, “He that ruleth with diligence.” This latter scripture plainly implies that a person in this office should be active and energetic in the discharge of his official duties; that he is not to be a sluggard and have no interest in his work. But the special point to which I refer, is concerning the word “rule” or “ruleth.” The original word from which these are rendered signifies “to preside over, rule, or superintend.” Either of which shows plainly a measure of authority superior to that of the private members of the church. There can be no question but that this position gives such authority. This is not to be exercised, however, as worldly rulers govern. This authority is not to be enforced by temporal pains, and penalties, or anything of this sort. Modesty and humility, instead of self-assertion and pride of position, ever become the under-shepherd. But he should not demean his position by counting it a matter of no consequence. He should rather honor it by dignified and serious efforts to make it tell for the salvation of those under his charge. He has been appointed by the church to the responsible place of overseer, to attend to their spiritual interests. That is his position. The work of correcting, admonishing, and overseeing in the church belongs upon him far more than it does upon any other. Matters of difficulty should generally be referred to him. It is a sad thing in a church for members to feel that they must take the burden of reproof and correction upon themselves, regardless of their fitness to do these duties. This nearly always brings far more trouble than it cures; because it is a fact that but very few people have the tact and judgment to deal with minds. There is no more particular work in this world. The elder is the man supposed to be the best qualified to do this work of any in the church. Others should not, therefore, assume to do his work for him. They may inform him of facts which they think demand attention. Indeed, it is their duty to do so, if contrary to good behavior. They may strive to help and encourage their brethren. But in matters of labor for the church, as a general rule, these belong to the elder’s position. If there are others better qualified to do them, it shows that a wrong selection has been made. Steps can be taken to put better men where they may also labor in this sphere. It is not necessary to have only one elder. Several may be chosen if necessary to help each other. The special work of elders is set forth in 1 Thess. 5:14, “Warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” This is work for all brethren, but specially for those who are overseers. Oh! that the elders of our churches would realize their high duties, and act accordingly! There is work enough to be done, but very few realize their complete unfitness to do it. Such need converting themselves. Then may the flocks under their charge be assisted in the work of grace, and spiritual growth be discernible. Souls who are on the road to ruin must be warned. Are some of the members given up to the world? Then should the teaching in public and private be such as to admonish and arouse. Is a member guilty of an immoral or dishonest act? Then the elder should go to him in the spirit of love and true principle, and try to make him see his fault. Here is delicate work to be done; but it must be done, or the church is sure to be disgraced, and souls ruined. What if the member will not hear? Then go again, and after it is proven that there is no confession when the wrong is plain, no willingness to make wrongs right, then it will be the elder’s duty to call a meeting of the church. Give all parties ample notice of what is to be done, and a special invitation to be present. Then lay the matter before the church calmly and in love, stating what steps have been taken and how these have been met. Then give the party involved full opportunity to make reply or explanation. If an investigation is demanded to ascertain facts, conduct it calmly, kindly, thoroughly, to ascertain the simple truth. Deprecate a spirit of rancor and party feeling, and keep before the mind the great principles of love, righteousness, the certainty of the solemn Judgment, when all wrongs must meet their just desert, and with humble reliance upon God and earnest prayer, steadily pursue the thread of truth till the facts are brought out. As the elder is an advisory officer, it is proper for him to give advice and judgment in regard to the case, and his reasons for so doing. Then he can call for the judgment and decision of the church, whether such and such a wrong has been committed. When they decide that there has been, this amounts to a vote of censure upon the individual. Or the vote of censure may be specially designated. When the party in the wrong has the judgment of the church upon his course, he should be left for reflection a reasonable length of time unless the offense is of so outrageous a character as to demand immediate expulsion. After a sufficient period of time for this vote of censure to rest, say a month or two, in ordinary cases, the elder should bring up the case and recommend such action as in his judgment the case demands, whether expulsion or something else. This course the writer believes would be conducive to good results, and the work of God would thereby be helped onward. In reference to the office of deacon, its qualifications are set before us in 1 Tim. 3:8–10. This office requires faithfulness in the watchcare over the temporal matters of the church. His office properly makes him treasurer of the church to handle and guard the money. He should of course see that wood, lights, &c., are provided for the church, and bread, wine, &c., for communion services. He should have a special interest to look after the poor, that their wants may be supplied. The office seems to have been specially created to meet this want. Acts 6. The deacon should be a man willing to work, a real helper, ever ready to put himself to inconvenience, to labor for the prosperity of the church and in every good work. In the absence of the elder, the duty of opening meetings, &c., naturally falls upon the deacon, as he is the next highest in office. His special office, however, is concerning the temporal matters of the church. The clerk of course should be a man capable of writing properly and keeping the books, records of meetings, &c. He should see that proper blanks are kept in the church for necessary purposes, and that proper notices are given of meetings. In keeping the church book, the full account of the organization of the church should be given and the names so recorded, with dates, showing the time of admission, death, disfellowshipping, or removal by letter. This may be done with proper columns by the side of the names. In all these duties of officers, let all things be done decently and in order.