Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro: Last week we talked about what is wrong when a local church does not have elders.

There must be reason(s) why.

I would like to identify four main areas that I believe cause churches today to stray from God’s will in this matter.

Not all of these originate from evil motives, but they still do harm.

I don’t know the situation here, so no one should think I am personally attacking anyone.

I) Lack of faith

Some give up and say it just can’t be done – – “we don’t have enough men here”, “there are too many obstacles”

If we trust in God, He will provide the means –

II) Some do not want elders

Friend told me of one man who opposed appointing elders and said, “We haven’t have elders for 35 years, and look at us.” – people don’t like change and too many of us have become comfortable with not having elders

Some do not want to give up power – – churches without elders are often guided by the loudest, not the wisest

Some do not trust others to lead them – ; – perhaps because of misunderstandings concerning their role, afraid of dictators (abuses can happen, but abuse does not change the command of God)

III) Some make the qualifications too strict

No one is directly accountable for the actions of another – – yet many do that in setting the qualifications of elders; examining in great detail their wives and children; we cannot interpret scripture to violate other scripture

Appointment process has become much like our political campaigns, we appoint men on the basis of negatives instead of positives, yet 15 of 25 qualifications are positive

Elders will not be perfect men, one mistake – even a public one – does not necessarily disqualify a man

IV) Few men (and women) desire the role

Too few (parents, teachers, preachers, and other influential leaders) instill the desire to serve Christ in this, or any other capacity, in our children – we encourage advancement in this life, yet expect service to God to “just happen”

Time (often years) spent depending on others to substitute (ie.

business meetings or preachers) in this role has caused many to stop preparing for this service, we become lazy spiritually

Too few desire the work, responsibility, and persecution of serving as elders – – even heard one man say in Kentucky, “Who would want to be an elder here?”

– ; – when are elders needed more than in trying times?

Concl: Perhaps you might think of other reasons as to the lack of elders, but these are illustrative of the problems local churches face.

Determine what you can do to help fill this void here.