Don Smith
Introduction
The title of this article is a subject that may not cross the mind often. However, it is, nonetheless, a very important topic that should be taken with the utmost of seriousness. To understand the importance of elderships in scheduling assemblies, this article will cover a range of aspects which form such scriptural understanding. The teaching of the Bible on the authority of elders and congregational duty to obey will be touched on. We will consider various assemblies and obligations to partake in them. Finally, some arguments against such obligations will be reviewed.
Authority of Elders
The office of the eldership is granted a certain measure of authority in the oversight of the congregation by which they have been appointed. Even the term “oversight” denotes authority to wield as managers of the congregational affairs (1 Pet. 5:2). The interchangeable term pastor for this office brings with it the idea of leadership and guidance (Eph. 4:11). What does this, then, mean for the duty of the members of the congregation to obey? We know they are to know the elders and esteem them very highly—could this be done while simultaneously disobeying their direction (1 Thess. 5:12-13)? Could the members be following the elders’ example by disobeying (Heb. 13:7)? The Bible is clear in no uncertain terms that one is to submit to the elders of the local congregation and obey them (Heb. 13:17).
Scheduling According to Wisdom
The eldership has the authority (and duty) in matters of faith to uphold all that the New Testament teaches regarding the church. They also have such authority and duty to effect matters of opinion upon the congregation as wisdom dictates. Scheduling the various assemblies, such as men’s meetings, women’s Bible studies, assemblies for evangelism, etc., would be one of these tasks. The expert wisdom that the eldership ought to have would suggest that these assemblies be scheduled at the most convenient time wherein the most members of the congregation could, or would, participate. For example, the scheduling for midweek Bible class is typically most convenient when most of the workplace employers have scheduled their non-working hours—in the evening. The same would hold true for the day and time of scheduling the women’s Bible study and any other assemblies. Scheduling these most convenient times also gives members the opportunity to seek employment changes if their work schedule conflicts, since most places of employment would be off during these times. Would it be sinful, then, for elderships to schedule assemblies at times that are not most convenient? The answer to this would depend greatly on the particular situation. However, if an eldership chose assembling times for 1:00 a.m., for example, without an extremely good reason, this would not be wise leadership, and would be a sinful practice of their oversight. Such a foolish move should be grounds to disqualify them from the eldership. Would not the same be true for scheduling any other mostly inconvenient times for no apparent reason, or even flippantly? The elders’ wisdom in scheduling is very important.
Obligation to Partake
What, then, is the obligation of the congregation to comply with the elders’ scheduling? “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13:17). When elders schedule a women’s Bible class, all women should make a concerted effort to attend. When elders schedule evangelistic efforts, all should partake. These assemblies are just as important as the midweek Bible class and Sunday morning and evening assemblies. All of this is not to say that the aged and infirm would be in sin for missing any assemblies—they know their bodies and capabilities, and that is between them and God. However, if one chooses not to attend these assemblies for unscriptural reasons (work is not a scriptural reason; cf. Matt. 4:18-22; Luke 14:15-24), then they are certainly in disobedience to the eldership and to God; that is sin.
Contrary Arguments
Many arguments have been put forth in opposition to the obligatory nature of attending assemblies scheduled by elderships (the elders themselves sometimes denying their obligation to submit to their own dictates). When attempting to give excuse regarding evangelistic schedulings, some argue members have different talents, and then attempt to prove their case by using Matthew 25:14-30. However, even the most novice Christian should be able to tell someone what they did to be saved—and Christ requires it of them (Matt. 28:18-20). The “talents” in Matthew 25 refer to something of great value given of God, and everyone has an ability to use it (Matt. 25:15). Nowhere does this give an excuse not to partake in the evangelistic assembling. Along the same line of reasoning, some will say there are many members who play different parts and have different roles within the congregation (Rom. 12:4; 1 Cor. 12:14-27). Again, this still leaves no room to willfully forsake any assembling.
Others argue that elders are not Lords over the church, implying it is not sinful for members to skip their scheduled assemblies. They erroneously use 1 Peter 5:3 to justify the position. However, Peter was not negating the authority of the eldership, nor the obligation of members to obey them. He was directing elders not to use the office for self-benefit—they were not to make personal gain from it. This is just as Jesus teaches that disciples were not to be benefactors, though they may hold authoritative positions (Luke 22:25-26)—all were equal in benefit and cause. Therefore, this argument holds absolutely no water, either.
Some argue that there has to be officers of the law, medical professionals, and other essential professions, which gives excuse for recurring and perpetual absences from assemblies. There will always be people of the world to fill these positions. If they are causing a Christian to forsake the assembling, that Christian ought to seek new employment. After all, what is more important, God’s will or a job (Matt. 6:33)? There are many excuses given to disobey the elders’ scheduling of assemblies, but God’s word stands against them all.
Conclusion
The office of the eldership certainly has authority to schedule assemblies at times they find most wise. There are various reasons for assembling, and if these fall under the works of the church (evangelism, edification, benevolence), all applicable parties should attend. They are not just suggestions, but obligations that the true faithful will abide by. Many excuses can be put forth to justify forsaking the assembling, but beyond a real emergency, injury, or feebleness, they do not stand the test of God’s word. As we strive to walk faithfully, may we ever remember the high esteem we are to give elders as they feed the flock through the many avenues of guiding us to our home.
