Monthly Archives: September 2026

PRACTICES THAT HURT THE LORD’S CHURCH: Members Who Set a Bad Example by Arriving Late to Church Services by Willie A. Alvarenga

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One of the practices that we should consider among those things that can hurt the Lord’s church is that of members who consistently arrive late to the services and activities of the church, thereby setting a bad example before others.

This problem may seem small to some, but when it becomes a habitual practice, it reveals something that may be much deeper: an improper attitude toward God, His church, His Word, and spiritual things. We are not simply talking about arriving five or ten minutes late on an exceptional occasion because of an emergency or circumstance beyond our control. We are talking about those who consistently arrive late, even though they have the ability and means to arrive on time.

Punctuality, by itself, is not the center of our relationship with God. However, the way we manage our time and our willingness to be present when the church assembles can reveal much about our spiritual priorities.

GOD DESERVES THE BEST FROM US

The Bible clearly teaches that God deserves the best from each one of us. The Lord Jesus said:

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30).

Notice the words “all” and “all your.” God does not desire only a portion of our heart, our time, our strength, or our attention. He deserves our complete devotion.

Paul also wrote:

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

If everything we do should be done for the glory of God, then we need to ask ourselves: Am I giving God the best of my time, my energy, and my willingness?

It is interesting to observe that many people can be extremely punctual for those things they consider important. They arrive early to work, to a medical appointment, for a trip, to a sporting event, or to any activity they consider a priority. However, when it is time to assemble with the church to worship God, some consistently arrive late.

This should cause us to seriously reflect.

If I can arrive at work on time because I consider my work important, why can I not make the same effort to arrive on time to worship my God?

We must not forget that our secular work is temporary, but our service to God has eternal consequences.

Jesus said:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

The kingdom must occupy first place.

WE MUST NOT GIVE GOD OUR LEFTOVERS

In the Old Testament, we find a principle that helps us understand the importance of offering God our best. God rebuked His people because they were offering Him defective and inferior animals.

Malachi 1:6-8 clearly demonstrates the wrong attitude of the people. They were offering God sick, lame, and defective animals.

The principle is very important: God does not deserve our leftovers; God deserves our best.

Although we do not offer animal sacrifices as the Israelites did under the Old Law, we do offer God our lives, our time, our strength, and our service.

Paul exhorted:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

Our entire life should be presented as a sacrifice to God.

Therefore, we should ask ourselves:

Am I offering God the best of my time?

Am I offering God the best of my strength?

Am I offering God the best of my willingness?

Am I doing everything possible to be present and participate faithfully when the church assembles?

CONSTANTLY ARRIVING LATE MAY REVEAL A PRIORITY PROBLEM

We must be very careful not to judge a person’s heart simply because he or she occasionally arrives late. There are legitimate circumstances that may prevent someone from arriving on time. An emergency, an accident, an unexpected family situation, a vehicle problem, or some other circumstance beyond our control may cause someone to arrive late. In such cases, we should show understanding.

The problem we are addressing here is habitual and voluntary tardiness—that which occurs because a person does not properly organize his or her time, does not prepare in advance, or simply does not consider arriving on time important.

Jesus taught:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Our habits frequently reveal our priorities.

If we consistently find time for everything else but never seem to have enough time for the things of God, we need to carefully examine ourselves.

Paul wrote:

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

The word “diligence” implies care, attention, and seriousness. The Christian must learn to wisely manage the time God has given him.

OUR EXAMPLE SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WE THINK

Another very important aspect is the power of our example.

Jesus said:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Paul told Timothy:

“Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Our example matters.

The member who constantly arrives late may think:

“I am not doing anything wrong; I was only a few minutes late.”

But we must consider how that behavior may affect others.

The new convert is watching.

The young people are watching.

The children are watching.

The visitors are watching.

The members who are trying to develop good habits are watching.

And, whether we want to admit it or not, our behavior can teach others that being late for the things of God is not important.

This is especially dangerous when parents constantly arrive late with their children. Children may learn that punctuality is important for school and work, but not necessarily for the church.

What are we teaching by our example?

A BAD EXAMPLE CAN DISCOURAGE OTHERS

Paul said:

“Let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way” (Romans 14:13).

He also wrote:

“Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God” (1 Corinthians 10:32).

The Christian must think not only about himself but also about how his actions affect others.

A person may arrive late and think that his tardiness does not affect anyone. But when this happens repeatedly, it can become a negative influence.

Furthermore, when someone enters late during the prayer, preaching, Lord’s Supper, or another act of worship, that person may unnecessarily distract those who are already participating.

This does not mean that the person who arrives late should remain outside or should not participate. It is better to arrive late than not to come at all. But precisely because of this, we should do everything possible to prevent tardiness from becoming a habit.

WHAT ARE WE COMMUNICATING BY OUR TARDINESS?

We must be careful with our actions because they communicate messages, even when we do not say a single word.

Constant tardiness may communicate:

  • “The church is not a priority.”
  • “I do not need to prepare in advance.”
  • “Others can wait for me.”
  • “I do not consider it important to participate from the beginning.”
  • “I can give God whatever time I have left.”

Perhaps that is not our intention, but our actions can communicate that message.

James 2:18 reminds us that our faith is demonstrated by our works:

“Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

Our attitude toward the church’s assemblies can also demonstrate how much we value spiritual things.

THE CHURCH IS PRECIOUS TO GOD

We must remember that the church is not simply a human organization that we attend whenever it is convenient for us.

Christ died for it.

Paul said:

“Which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).

Paul also taught:

“Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25).

If Christ loved the church so much that He was willing to die for it, should we not also demonstrate a deep love and respect for it?

The church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23), and Christ is its Savior (Ephesians 5:23).

For this reason, when the church assembles to worship God, we should consider that moment extremely important.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says:

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another.”

The church’s assembly is not only about our vertical relationship with God; it also concerns our horizontal responsibility toward our brethren.

My presence may encourage someone. My absence may discourage someone. My punctuality may be a good example. My constant tardiness may be a bad influence.

“BUT GOD KNOWS MY HEART”

Someone might say, “God knows my heart; He knows that I love Him even though I arrive late.”

It is true that God knows our hearts.

1 Samuel 16:7 says:

“For man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

But precisely because God knows our hearts, we should be concerned about what our conduct reveals.

We cannot use the fact that God knows our hearts as an excuse to live carelessly.

Jesus said:

“If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

True love for God is manifested through obedience, sacrifice, diligence, and faithfulness.

HOW CAN WE CORRECT THIS PROBLEM?

If we recognize that we are constantly arriving late, what can we do?

1. Honestly Examine Your Priorities

Ask yourself:

Am I really putting God first?

Matthew 6:33 reminds us:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”

We cannot correct a problem that we are unwilling to acknowledge.

2. Cultivate a Deeper Love for God

True love produces sacrifice.

Mark 12:30 commands us to love God with our entire being.

When we truly love God, we do not view worship as a burden but as a privilege.

The psalmist said:

“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the LORD’” (Psalm 122:1).

Is that our attitude?

3. Plan Ahead

Punctuality does not happen by accident. It generally requires preparation.

Prepare your clothes in advance.

Organize the things you will need.

Prepare the children ahead of time.

Consider traffic.

Leave home with sufficient time.

Do not plan to arrive exactly at the starting time. Make every effort to arrive a few minutes early.

Proverbs 21:5 says:

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.”

Diligence includes good planning.

4. Do Not Allow Secondary Activities to Control Your Spiritual Life

We must learn to say “no” to certain things.

We cannot do everything.

If an activity regularly prevents us from faithfully participating in the work of the Lord, we should reconsider our priorities.

Colossians 3:1-2 says:

“Seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

5. Remember That You Are an Example

Parents, especially, must remember this.

Their children are constantly learning from them.

If parents arrive early, children learn diligence.

If parents constantly arrive late, children may learn that the church and its activities are not a priority.

Paul said:

“Be an example to the believers” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Ask yourself:

What kind of example am I leaving for the next generation?

6. Consider Others

Philippians 2:3-4 says:

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself; let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Arriving on time can also be a way of demonstrating consideration for our brethren.

7. Remember the Sacrifice of Christ

When we consider what Christ did for us, our attitude changes.

He left the glory of heaven.

He took the form of a servant.

He lived a perfect life.

He suffered rejection.

He was scourged.

He was crucified.

He shed His blood for us.

Paul said:

“And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

Christ gave everything for us.

Should we not, therefore, be willing to give Him the best of our time?

A FINAL EXHORTATION

Brethren, we must not allow a seemingly small practice to become a habit that harms our spiritual lives and our example before others.

I am not saying that a person who occasionally arrives late is unfaithful. Neither am I saying that punctuality is the criterion by which God determines our salvation. Salvation depends upon our faithful obedience to the gospel of Christ and our perseverance in Him.

But we must recognize that constant negligence, lack of preparation, and indifference toward the church’s assemblies can reveal spiritual problems that we need to correct.

Paul wrote:

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

The word “always” reminds us of the importance of consistency.

He also wrote:

“Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).

The church needs diligent members.

It needs responsible members.

It needs members who love the Lord.

It needs members who love His church.

It needs members who are good examples.

It needs members who can be counted on.

And it needs members who understand that serving God is not something we do when we have time left over; it is a priority of our lives.

Let us remember the words of Jesus:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

May God help us examine our priorities, wisely manage our time, deeply love His church, and always give Him our very best.

Let us not be late for the things of God, because He has never been late for us.

His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

He has been faithful.

He has been good.

He has given us His best.

Now we must ask ourselves: Are we giving Him our best?

May our answer, through our lives and our actions, always be:

“Yes, Lord.”

CHALLENGES FACING YOUNG PEOPLE: STAYING AWAY FROM THE PRACTICE OF LYING by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another important challenge that young people face today is staying away from the practice of lying. This is a serious problem that has affected the lives of many young people and that, sadly, has sometimes come to be considered normal. Some young people lie at school, to their parents, teachers, friends, at work, and even within the church. For some, lying has become a habitual way of avoiding problems, hiding mistakes, getting what they want, or protecting their reputation. 

However, the young Christian must understand that lying has never been acceptable before God. Although the world may consider it something small or justified under certain circumstances, God continues to consider lying a sin. For this reason, the young person who desires to please the Lord must make the firm decision to always speak the truth.

GOD HATES LYING

The Bible clearly teaches God’s attitude toward lying. The wise man wrote:

“Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight”(Proverbs 12:22).

Carefully observe what this passage teaches. Lying lips are an “abomination to the LORD.” Lying is not simply a bad habit; it is a practice that God hates. On the other hand, God is pleased with those who speak and practice the truth.

Proverbs 6:16-19 also includes among the things that the LORD hates:

“A lying tongue” and “a false witness who speaks lies.”

This should help us understand the seriousness of this sin. If God hates lying, then the young Christian must learn to hate it as well. 

THE CHRISTIAN YOUNG PERSON MUST SPEAK THE TRUTH

The priority of the young Christian should always be to speak the truth. Paul wrote:

“Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor’” (Ephesians 4:25).

Notice the first part of the command: “putting away lying.” The Christian should not merely learn how to control lying; he must learn to put it away, that is, remove it from his life.

Colossians 3:9 also says:

“Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.”

Lying belongs to the “old man.” When a person obeys the Gospel and begins a new life in Christ, he must abandon the sinful practices that previously characterized his way of living (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Ephesians 4:24 reminds us that we must:

“put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”

Therefore, the life of the young Christian must be characterized by truth, not by lying. 

LYING CAN BEGIN WITH “SMALL” THINGS

One of the greatest dangers is thinking that there are “small” lies that do not matter. A young person may begin by saying something that appears insignificant and, over time, become accustomed to lying about increasingly serious matters.

For example:

  • “I didn’t do anything” when they actually did something.
  • “It wasn’t me” when they know it was them.
  • “I already did my homework” when they have not done it yet.
  • “I wasn’t using the phone” when they were.
  • “I wasn’t late” when they know they were late.
  • “I don’t know that person” when they do know the person.
  • “I didn’t see the message” when they did see it.
  • “I already did what I was asked to do” when they have not done it yet.
  • “It only happened once” when they know it has happened several times.

The problem is not merely the size of the lie. The problem is the heart that has decided to deceive.

Jesus taught:

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34).

The lie that comes from our lips reveals something that has first taken place in our hearts. For this reason, young people must work not only on the way they speak but also on the condition of their hearts. 

LYING IS NOT ONLY SPOKEN; IT IS ALSO PRACTICED

Some people think they are not lying because they did not verbally speak a lie. However, we can also deceive through our actions.

We can lie by:

  • deliberately hiding information;
  • presenting a situation in a deceptive manner;
  • altering the facts;
  • using false excuses;
  • cheating on an exam;
  • forging a signature;
  • altering documents;
  • manipulating information;
  • deceiving our parents;
  • presenting someone else’s work as our own.

The Bible teaches:

“You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another” (Leviticus 19:11).

Although this passage belongs to the Old Testament, the principle of honesty and truth continues to be taught in the New Testament. The Christian must be a person of integrity both in words and in actions. 

LYING AT SCHOOL

One of the places where young people may face this challenge is at school.

Some young people may be tempted to lie to avoid a consequence, obtain a better grade, or hide improper conduct. For example, cheating on an exam, submitting work that someone else did, telling the teacher that an assignment has been completed when it has not, or making up an excuse to justify an absence are practices that do not belong in the life of a Christian young person.

God’s Word teaches:

“He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known”(Proverbs 10:9).

Young person, even if other students cheat, you must choose integrity. Your goal should not simply be to obtain a good grade, but to please God. 

LYING AT HOME

Another place where this problem can manifest itself is in the home.

Some young people lie to their parents to avoid discipline, hide friendships, conceal where they have been, explain a poor grade, or justify something they have done.

However, the Bible teaches children to obey and respect their parents:

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1).

Colossians 3:20 also says:

“Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.”

Young person, remember that a lie never fixes a problem; it only creates additional problems. Perhaps a lie will allow you to temporarily escape a consequence, but eventually it can destroy the trust your parents have in you. 

LYING AT WORK

The Christian young person must also be honest in the workplace.

He or she should not lie about hours worked, steal time, falsify information, hide mistakes, blame others for something they did, or say that a task was completed when it was not.

Paul taught:

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23).

If we work for the Lord, then we must work with honesty, responsibility, and excellence. 

LYING DESTROYS TRUST

One of the consequences of lying is that it destroys trust.

When a young person repeatedly lies, their parents, friends, teachers, coworkers, and brethren in Christ may begin to doubt everything they say.

Proverbs 25:19 says:

“Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.”

A reputation for honesty may take years to build, but it can be destroyed quickly because of lying.

Therefore, young person, protect your good name.

Proverbs 22:1 says:

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.”

Your reputation before God and others is worth far more than any temporary benefit you may obtain through a lie. 

LYING CAN BRING SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES

Lying can bring very painful consequences. For example, if you are caught lying at school, you may receive a disciplinary action, lose privileges, fail a class, or even be expelled. If you are caught lying at work, you may lose the trust of your supervisors or even your job. If your parents discover that you continually lie to them, they may lose trust in you and discipline you.

These consequences are serious; however, there is a much more terrible consequence: losing your soul.

The Bible makes it very clear that liars who do not repent will not inherit eternal life.

Revelation 21:8 says:

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Revelation 22:15 also says:

“But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.”

These words are strong, but we need to hear them. God does not want us to lose our souls because of any sin, including lying.

LYING CAN ALSO DESTROY OUR INFLUENCE

The Christian young person must remember that others are watching his or her conduct.

Jesus taught:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

How can a young person be a light if he or she continually lies?

Paul told Timothy:

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Notice that Paul specifically mentions “word” and “conduct.” The Christian young person must be an example of honesty in what he or she says and does. 

WHAT SHOULD A YOUNG PERSON DO WHEN HE HAS LIED?

What happens if a young person has already fallen into this sin? Is there hope?

Yes!

The Bible teaches that God is willing to forgive the sinner who sincerely repents and seeks His forgiveness.

Proverbs 28:13 says:

“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”

The young person who has lied must recognize the sin, confess it, ask God for forgiveness, and, when necessary, ask forgiveness from the people he or she has deceived.

1 John 1:9 reminds us:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

We should not allow shame to cause us to continue lying. The right thing to do is to acknowledge the sin and begin walking in the truth again. 

DECIDE TODAY TO BE A PERSON OF TRUTH

Young person, decide today that you will be known as a person of honesty, integrity, and truth.

When you make a mistake, admit it.

When you do something wrong, acknowledge it.

When you have not finished an assignment, say so honestly.

When you are late, do not make up an excuse.

When your parents ask you something, tell them the truth.

When your teacher asks you a question, be honest.

When your boss asks you about your work, answer with integrity.

And when you have sinned, do not try to hide it. Confess your sin and seek God’s forgiveness.

Remember the words of Jesus:

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

Young person, do not allow lying to become a normal practice in your life. The world may say that some lies are necessary, convenient, or harmless, but God has spoken clearly about this sin.

Lying may seem like an easy way out, but its consequences can be painful. It can destroy trust, damage relationships, affect your reputation, harm your future, and, above all, put your soul in danger. 

REMEMBER:

God hates lying (Proverbs 12:22).

Lying belongs to the old man (Colossians 3:9).

The Christian must put away lying and speak the truth (Ephesians 4:25).

God desires that we walk in integrity (Proverbs 10:9).

Liars who do not repent will face eternal condemnation (Revelation 21:8).

Therefore, young person, do not lose your soul over a lie. Do not exchange your integrity for a temporary benefit. Do not sacrifice your reputation to escape a consequence. Do not allow one lie to become another, and then another, until it becomes a way of life.

Speak the truth! Practice the truth! Love the truth! Live the truth!

May God help you to be a young person who can say with the psalmist:

“I have chosen the way of truth” (Psalm 119:30).

And may you live each day in such a way that others can trust your words because they know that you are a young person who loves God, respects His Word, and always seeks to speak the truth.

PRACTICES THAT HURT THE LORD’S CHURCH: Establishing Elders Who Are Not Qualified by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another extremely harmful practice that we must add to this list is establishing elders who are not qualified to carry out this important responsibility. Sadly, this problem has occurred in several congregations of the Lord’s church. In some cases, the legitimate desire to have the Biblical organization of the church has led certain brethren to establish men as elders who still do not meet the requirements that God has established in His Word. However, we must remember that the desire to have elders must never be placed above the desire to do God’s will. 

The organization of the church is not something that we can modify according to our circumstances, preferences, or needs. Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18), and He has all authority over it (Matthew 28:18). Therefore, the church must carefully respect the pattern that God has established in His Word.

The Requirements for Elders Come From God

The Holy Spirit, through the inspired writers of the New Testament, clearly established the requirements that a man must meet in order to serve as an elder. These requirements are found primarily in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4; and Hebrews 13:7, 17. 

Paul wrote:

“This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work” (1 Timothy 3:1).

It is important to notice that Paul not only speaks about the good work that the man who aspires to the eldership desires to accomplish, but he immediately presents a list of qualities that this man must possess. Among them, he must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain, gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous, one who rules his own house well, and one who has a good testimony from those outside (1 Timothy 3:2-7). 

Likewise, Titus 1:6-9 presents additional and parallel requirements: blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain, hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, and holding fast the faithful word.

These requirements are not suggestions. They are the qualities that God has established for those who desire to serve as bishops. Therefore, no man, preacher, evangelist, elder, congregation, or group of brethren has the authority to eliminate, modify, or minimize any of them. 

We Must Not Alter God’s Requirements

At times, desperation to have elders can lead a congregation to look for ways to justify selecting a brother who is not qualified. I have also heard of congregations where a prominent brother comes, teaches several classes on the organization of the church, and later proceeds to establish elders who do not meet the Biblical requirements. 

There are also cases in which people attempt to alter the mandatory requirements for elders and deacons in order to accommodate certain brethren who do not qualify. Such a practice has no Biblical authorization.

We must remember the words of God:

“Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set” (Proverbs 22:28).

Although this text belongs to the Old Testament and originally refers to established boundaries, the principle of respecting what God has established is clearly important. In the New Testament, we find the same principle of respecting Biblical authority:

“That you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6).

Colossians 3:17 also teaches:

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

To do something “in the name of the Lord” means to do it under His authority. If God has established specific requirements for elders, we have no right to change them. 

An “Emergency” Does Not Authorize Us to Disobey God

Sometimes it is argued that a congregation urgently needs elders. Perhaps a church has only two elders and one of them is no longer able to continue serving. In such a situation, there may be great pressure to quickly find another brother to fill the vacant position. 

However, an emergency does not change God’s will.

If only one qualified elder remains, the solution is not to hastily appoint a man who does not meet the requirements. If the time comes when a congregation no longer has the necessary number of elders to continue functioning with a plurality of elders, then that reality should be honestly acknowledged, and the congregation should diligently work to prepare and equip brethren who may become Biblically qualified in the future.

It is much better to say, “We do not yet have qualified elders,” than to say, “We have elders, even though we know they do not meet God’s requirements.”

We cannot do evil that good may come (Romans 3:8).

Obedience to God must always come first:

“We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). 

The Requirements Have a Purpose

We must understand that the requirements established by the Holy Spirit for elders have a purpose. God did not place them in the Bible to make it difficult for a congregation to have elders. He established them to ensure that the men who oversee and shepherd the church possess the character, spiritual maturity, knowledge, and ability necessary to carry out this work. 

An elder must be able to:

  • Rule his own house well (1 Timothy 3:4-5).
  • Be an example to the congregation (1 Peter 5:3).
  • Shepherd the flock of God (1 Peter 5:2).
  • Watch over the souls of the members (Hebrews 13:17).
  • Exhort with sound teaching (Titus 1:9).
  • Convince those who contradict (Titus 1:9).
  • Protect the church from false teachers (Acts 20:28-31).
  • Serve without exercising lordship over the congregation (1 Peter 5:3).
  • Be a spiritual example worthy of imitation (1 Peter 5:3). 

Therefore, appointing a man or men who are not prepared for these responsibilities can bring very serious consequences upon the entire congregation.

The Eldership Is Not Simply a Title

Another problem is viewing the eldership as a title, position of honor, or personal recognition. The work of an elder does not simply consist of participating in meetings, making administrative decisions, or representing the congregation. 

An elder is a spiritual shepherd who must care for the flock of God.

Peter exhorted the elders:

“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly” (1 Peter 5:2).

And he added:

“Nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3).

The true elder does not seek authority in order to be served, but opportunities to serve. He does not seek to control the congregation, but to help it grow spiritually. He does not seek personal recognition, but the glory of God (Galatians 6:14).

Jesus taught this principle when He said:

“Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). 

Elders Have a Great Responsibility Before God

The work of elders is not just any kind of work. They have the responsibility of watching over the souls of those under their care. 

Hebrews 13:17 says:

“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.”

The expression “as those who must give account” should produce reverence and seriousness. Elders will have to answer before God for the way in which they carried out this responsibility. 

Peter also reminded the elders that when the “Chief Shepherd” appears, they will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away (1 Peter 5:4).

For this reason, a brother should not accept the eldership simply because others want him to. He must carefully examine his life in light of God’s Word and honestly ask himself whether he meets the qualifications established by the Holy Spirit. 

The Church Also Has a Responsibility

Not only do the men who aspire to the eldership have a responsibility. The congregation also must be diligent when selecting its elders.

A church should not select a man because he is popular, has money, is a businessman, has been a member for many years, is a friend of the preacher, or because the congregation greatly admires him.

The primary question should be:

“Does this brother meet the requirements that God has established?”

The church should carefully study 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4; and Hebrews 13:7, 17 before considering any brother for the eldership. 

Furthermore, favoritism must be avoided. Paul wrote:

“I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality” (1 Timothy 5:21).

The selection of elders must be done with prayer, reverence, Biblical knowledge, and absolute honesty. 

What Should We Do When We Do Not Have Qualified Elders?

If a congregation does not have men who meet the requirements, it should not feel pressured to appoint unqualified men. Rather, it should begin working to prepare future elders. 

Men should grow in:

  • knowledge of God’s Word;
  • Christian character;
  • self-control;
  • spiritual leadership;
  • ability to teach;
  • faithfulness to their wives;
  • proper leadership of their homes;
  • hospitality;
  • service to the brethren;
  • defense of sound doctrine;
  • good testimony among those outside.

Paul told Titus that he was to appoint elders in every city (Titus 1:5), but those men had to meet the qualifications that immediately follow in the subsequent verses.

Likewise, Paul taught that faithful men should be trained to teach others:

“The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

The solution, therefore, is not to lower the standard, but to raise the level of spiritual preparation among men. 

A Strong Church Needs Spiritually Strong Leaders

When a congregation appoints elders who truly meet the Biblical requirements, the church can receive great benefits. The elders will be better equipped to fulfill their responsibility of protecting, feeding, guiding, and caring for the flock.

Acts 20:28 says:

“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God.”

This passage demonstrates the enormous responsibility that rests upon the shoulders of those who serve as elders. 

A congregation with faithful and qualified elders can be greatly strengthened. But a congregation that appoints unqualified men may experience conflicts, poor administration, lack of spiritual direction, tolerance of error, favoritism, divisions, and, in some cases, apostasy.

For this reason, we should not rush to appoint elders simply so that we can say that we have the Biblical organization of the church. We must seek to have elders who truly conform to the pattern that God has established. 

The establishment of elders who are not qualified is a practice that can deeply hurt the Lord’s church. Although the desire to have elders is right, the method used to accomplish that goal must also be right.

We must never sacrifice truth in order to achieve a goal that we consider good. God desires for His church to be governed and guided by men who meet His requirements. We must not add human requirements, but neither should we eliminate or minimize Divine requirements.

Let us remember that the church belongs to Christ (Matthew 16:18), He is its head (Ephesians 1:22-23), and we must respect His will in everything we do.

If a congregation still does not have men who are qualified to serve as elders, let it not become discouraged. Let it teach the Word, prepare men, strengthen homes, and help future leaders grow spiritually. In time, the Lord can bless these efforts with men who come to meet the requirements established in His Word.

But in the meantime, let us not alter God’s pattern because of pressure, tradition, convenience, or a supposed emergency.

May every congregation be able to say with the psalmist:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

And may we all remember Paul’s exhortation:

“Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).

May God help us to respect His will, faithfully teach His Word, and appoint only men who are truly qualified to care for and guide the church that Christ purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28).