Brown, Stanley wrote:

> Thanks for your response to my question.  However, I was trying to get a
> grasp on the nature of the "rule" elders are supposed to be exercising.  For
> example, we have elders who call folks who do not show up for church service
> (called the covenant renewal service at our church, but that is another
> issue) and accuse them of sin.  This is disturbing to me.  Please, members
> of the list, I need your wise counsel and thoughts here.

>>-----Original Message-----
>>From:	James W. Allen [SMTP:jallen@...]
>>Sent:	Thursday, January 29, 2004 1:58 PM
>>To:	soundofgrace@...
>>Subject:	[soundofgrace] Ruling Elders

>>The idea of a "ruling elder" comes from 1 Timothy, where Paul says that
>>elders "who rule well" are worthy of double honor, especially those who
>>work hard at preaching and teaching.
 >>......

Actually, the use of "rule" in the Timothy passage is an unfor-
tunate translation of a Greek term which means "to lead" or "to
preside" and does not convey the concept of wielding authority
at all. So also the Hebrews passage, "them who have the rule
over you" means "your leaders," coming from a root which means
"to guide" or "to lead" or "to bring."

All authority has been given to the Lord Jesus Christ. The rest
of us in His body are but servants, no matter what our gifts,
calling, or function. Elders are specifically prohibited by
Peter from exercising authority as they do the work of an elder
among the portion of God's flock committed to their care. They
are to serve and shepherd and lead the flock by way of example.
Even the twelve Apostles of the Lamb were forbidden by the Lord
to exercise authority as Gentile kings and rulers do. They were
called to the place and function of servants! "He that is great-
est among you shall be your servant."

     Sprinkle