Stanley,

        Stanley, "However, I was trying to get a
grasp on the nature of the "rule" elders are
supposed to be exercising."

        The Greek word, proisthmi, translated
"rule" could also have been translated as "care
for" or "be concerned."  Rule is definitely part
of caring, but this is not an oligarchy.  Thus, an
elder teaches you God's word and calls you to
believe it and live by it.  

        Stanley, "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."

        It certainly is within the responsibilities of
elders to confront believers concerning sin.  Such
confrontations are to be handled Scripturally.

        According to Galatians 6: 1, these elders,
assuming they are spiritual (but that's another matter)
should gently restore those caught in sin.  They
must be careful to look to themselves to avoid
the temptations that arise in such situations.  

        I think another issue here is whether or not
it is a sin to miss a church service.  It is one
thing for someone to stay home to watch the
Superbowl.  It is something else to miss church,
because I am required to work some Sundays
or due to illness.  A lot of this also goes back
to the heart.  

                                                Jim
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