Biblical Eldership Church Leadership

Peter’s Instruction to the Asian Elders

Judas’ replacement: “And they drew lots [kle'rous] for them, and the lot [kle‘ros] fell to Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles” (Acts 1226). But kléros also means an “allotment” or “por tion assigned to someone” (Acts 1217; 8:21).'3 Kle’ros, then, is some thing given, not earned. In this context, it is not land, money, or re sponsibility that is allotted, it is God’s people. Thus the elders are pro hibited from dominating people. Peter is saying that God has allotted portions of the whole flock of God to various groups of elders (John 10:16; 1 Peter 529). In a similar way, Peter refers to the specific flock of God in which the respective elders function as “the flock of God among you [in your care]” (1 Peter 5:2; italics added). The elders, then, are not to lord it over their allotted portions of God’s flock. Peter’s strong warning against lording it over others certainly demonstrates that elders had authority to govern. In contrast to lording it over others, elders are to be examples or models of godly living. “Being an example,” says commentator Peter Davids, “fits well with the image of ‘flock,’ for the ancient shepherd did not drive his sheep, but walked in front of them and called them to follow.”'4 The Spirit of God places in the hearts of obedient believers a desire to seek godly examples to follow. Much of the Bible is bio graphical, demonstrating by example how and how not to live for God. Jesus is the greatest example of all and the chief example to follow (1 Peter 2221). So in the church, the elders’ primary style of leadership is to model Christ. Throughout this epistle, Peter emphasizes the importance of humil ity and submission (1 Peter 2:13-3212; 525). If elders are petty tyrants who lord their authority over the local church, others will follow their example, abusing and fighting one another to gain power and recogni tion. If the elders are examples of uncompromising fidelity to Scrip ture, then the congregation will be loyal to Scripture. If the elders trust God, the people will trust God. If the elders love God and His people, the people will love. If the elders are peaceful, gentle, loving, and prayerful, the church (for the most part) will emulate their pattern. If the elders are humble, the people will be humble, avoiding much con tention. If the elders are servant leaders, the church will be marked by Christlike, humble servanthood. “What a blessed influence,” writes Scottish pastor and commentator John Brown (1807- 1 85 8), “is the holy character and conduct of Christian elders calculated to diffuse through the church.”15

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