1. WHY DO SOME CHURCHES NOT HAVE ELDERS? Attitudes toward elders, God, the church, and the Bible involved in this matter “If a congregation had a good building paid for and traded it for good elders, they would have made a good trade.” (Irven Lee) Failure to grasp the importance of shepherds to the Lord’s work

2. 1. Fail to see the need “Getting along fine without them” Obedience to God involved Organization important Flock without shepherds Handle discipline, benevolence more readily

3. 2. An unrealistic understanding of the qualifications Looking for perfect men (Peter) Absolute/relative qualifications One man’s opinion not congregational standard––––> friction, no elders

4. 3. Not understood blessing of having elders More unity under strong leaders Lambs nourished, flock fed Members more dutiful Church stronger, more active Greater possibility of reaching more souls

5. 4. Fear trouble over getting elders, having them “Better to have none than to have wrong ones” Danger no proof that scriptural course is undesirable First century elders strayed (Acts 20:28ff), Lord didn’t rescind his will Mature Christians patient to gain scriptural elders, not just personal favorites Humble men admit flaws

6. 5. Not developed elders Preacher’s responsibility Young women need to be involved in training Lack of diligence at home the primary cause of disqualified men

7. 6. Qualified men hesitant to accept appointment Fear criticism, discouragement by wives Teach church on attitude toward elders Responsibility unwanted Other involvements, priorities Feeling of inadequacy

8. 7. Don’t want to surrender influence, control to others Carnal motives, selfish interests, power Need teaching on humility: “Thou art the man!” Rest of church not to allow one man or small group to “run things” Account to God for attitudes

9. CONCLUSION Attitudes crucial in any part fo Lord’s work Eldership crucial to successful work Your attitude? Day of judgment to include such matters-secret things