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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).

PRACTICES THAT HARM THE LORD’S CHURCH: Members Who Give Up Too Quickly by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another harmful practice that we can add to the list, and one that has seriously affected the Lord’s church, is that of members who give up too quickly. This problem has hindered the work of the Lord for many years. Since the establishment of the church in the first century, there have always been individuals who, for various reasons, abandon the cause of Christ. Some stop assembling with the saints and gradually grow spiritually cold (Heb. 10:24-25). Others return to the world, forsake the Lord, and never return to the flock (2 Pet. 2:20-22). There are also those who remain physically present within the congregation while their hearts have already drifted away from God (Rev. 2:4; Isa. 29:13).

There may be many reasons why some members give up so quickly. Some succumb to the trials of life (Jas. 1:2-4, 12), while others allow the cares, riches, and pleasures of this world to choke the Word of God in their hearts (Luke 8:14). Some stumble because of personal conflicts, others because of discouragement, persecution, or a lack of spiritual growth. However, from a Biblical perspective, none of these reasons justifies abandoning the Lord. The cause of Christ is infinitely more important than any temporary difficulty we may encounter. Jesus Himself asked, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

The church of the first century experienced countless hardships. Many Christians were persecuted, imprisoned, deprived of their possessions, and, in some cases, gave their very lives for the sake of the gospel (Heb. 10:32-34; 11:35-38). Nevertheless, many of them remained faithful in the Lord’s way. Their love for God was so profound that they were willing to suffer for Christ. They recognized that it was a privilege to suffer for His name (Acts 5:41-42; Phil. 1:29). The apostle Paul and Silas, even while unjustly imprisoned, prayed and sang hymns to God (Acts 16:25). Paul even declared that he rejoiced in his sufferings for Christ (Col. 1:24) and confidently proclaimed, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

When we compare the sufferings of the first-century church with the trials many Christians face today, it becomes evident that those brethren endured far greater hardships. Yet today, some abandon the cause of Christ over relatively minor matters: personal disagreements, criticism, a lack of recognition, financial difficulties, or simply the distractions of the world. Such reasons should never be sufficient to forsake the hope of eternal life.

It is imperative that every Christian cultivate an unwavering faithfulness to God so that nothing in this world will lead him away from the Lord’s path. Our heavenly Father deserves our complete faithfulness and commitment (Rev. 2:10). Our love for Him should motivate us to remain steadfast even in the midst of trials. The Hebrew writer exhorted, “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance” (Heb. 10:35-36). Likewise, Paul wrote, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

The Lord’s work is seriously affected when Christians give up too quickly. The consequences are numerous and have a significant impact on the local congregation. Among them are the following:

  1. The membership of the congregation decreases.
  2. There are fewer workers available to fulfill the responsibilities of worship and service.
  3. The example of faithfulness that other members need to see is lost (1 Tim. 4:12).
  4. There are fewer brethren to encourage one another to love and good works (Heb. 10:24).
  5. The evangelistic effectiveness of the congregation is diminished (Matt. 28:19-20).
  6. Some members become discouraged when they see others abandon the faith.
  7. Families suffer greatly when a father or mother ceases to be a spiritual example in the home (Eph. 6:4; Deut. 6:6-9).
  8. The name of God is dishonored before unbelievers (Rom. 2:24).
  9. The church loses spiritual influence within the community.
  10. The Christian who falls away places the salvation of his soul in jeopardy (Heb. 3:12-14; Rev. 3:11).

These are only some of the tragic consequences of departing from the Lord’s way. It is especially heartbreaking when those who fall away are parents, for they cease to be examples of faithfulness and perseverance for their children and their spouses. Future generations are often deeply affected by the lack of spiritual commitment of those who were entrusted with leading them in the way of the Lord.

We must never forget that the New Testament is filled with exhortations to persevere. Jesus said, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matt. 24:13). He also declared, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). The writer of Hebrews encourages us to run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:1-3). Our strength does not come from ourselves but from the Lord, who promises to help those who remain close to Him (Phil. 4:13; Isa. 41:10).

The worst thing a discouraged Christian can do is to distance himself from the very source of encouragement, strength, and hope. When we need help the most is precisely when we should draw nearer to God, to His Word, and to the fellowship of the saints. The Lord never forsakes those who remain faithful (Heb. 13:5-6).

Therefore, we encourage all brothers and sisters who, for whatever reason, have wandered away from the Lord’s path to return to Christ’s flock. The Good Shepherd continues to call His sheep (John 10:11-16), and our heavenly Father continues to wait with mercy for the son who decides to return (Luke 15:11-24). There is still time to repent and restore fellowship with God (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9).

Let us never forget that the eternal reward belongs only to those who remain faithful until the end. May each of us resolve never to give up, always remembering the words of the apostle Paul: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal. 6:9).

PRACTICES THAT HARM THE LORD’S CHURCH: The Absence of Prayer in the Christian Life by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another harmful practice that we can add to the list, and one that has seriously affected the Lord’s church, is the absence of prayer in the Christian life. There is no doubt that the Bible exhorts men, women, and young people to be people of prayer. Prayer should occupy an essential place in the life of the Christian (1 Thess. 5:17; Eph. 6:18). In addition to the commandments related to prayer, God has left us numerous examples of faithful servants for whom prayer was a priority. Among them we find Daniel (Dan. 6:10), Jesus (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16), the first-century church (Acts 2:42; 12:5, 12), Hannah (1 Sam. 1:10–18), Nehemiah (Neh. 1:4–11), and Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25), among many others.

Prayer is one of the greatest privileges God has granted to His children. Through it we can approach the throne of grace to find help in time of need (Heb. 4:16), present our requests before God (Phil. 4:6), give thanks for His blessings (Col. 4:2), and seek His guidance in the matters of life. When prayer is absent, the Christian loses an invaluable source of spiritual strength, and the church suffers the consequences.

Why is the absence of prayer in the Christian life so serious? Consider the following:

1. It Produces Disobedience to God

Prayer is a divine command that must be obeyed (1 Thess. 5:17; Matt. 26:41). Neglecting it constitutes sin before God (1 John 3:4). God expects His children to depend on Him and seek Him continually.

2. It Hinders Spiritual Growth

God grants wisdom and strength to those who ask in faith (James 1:5–6). Without prayer, spiritual development is hindered, and Christian maturity is delayed.

3. It Sets a Poor Example for the Family

A home that serves God should also seek Him in prayer (Josh. 24:15). Children learn the importance of prayer by observing their parents practice it daily.

4. It Weakens Brotherly Love

The Bible exhorts us to pray for one another (Eph. 6:18; James 5:16). Prayer is a practical expression of Christian love and genuine concern for our brethren.

5. It Exposes Us to Temptation

Jesus taught that we must watch and pray so that we do not enter into temptation (Matt. 26:41). Prayer strengthens our faithfulness during difficult times and helps us resist the attacks of the enemy.

6. It Distances Us from the Needs of the Spiritual Family

The church must persevere in prayer for its members (Acts 12:5, 12). When we stop praying for others, we lose sensitivity toward their struggles and needs.

7. It Weakens Evangelistic Efforts

We should pray that God will open doors for the preaching of the gospel (Col. 4:2–3; 2 Thess. 3:1). When we fail to do so, we neglect an important responsibility related to the salvation of souls.

8. It Limits Our Dependence on God

The absence of prayer can lead us to trust more in our own abilities than in the power of God (Prov. 3:5–6). Prayer reminds us that we are completely dependent upon Him.

9. It Reduces Our Gratitude

Prayer includes thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6; 1 Thess. 5:18). When we do not pray, we risk forgetting the blessings that God pours out daily upon our lives.

10. It Weakens the Unity of the Church

Congregations that pray together develop greater unity and spiritual fellowship. The early church continued steadfastly with one accord in prayer (Acts 1:14), and God greatly blessed their work.

11. It Prevents Us from Receiving the Peace of God

Prayer helps the Christian cast his burdens upon the Lord. Without it, anxiety, worry, and fear can dominate the heart (Phil. 4:6–7; 1 Pet. 5:7).

12. It Extinguishes Spiritual Zeal

When prayer disappears, enthusiasm for the Lord’s work diminishes. The church loses spiritual vigor and becomes vulnerable to apathy and complacency (Rom. 12:11).

Biblical history demonstrates that the great moments of spiritual victory were accompanied by prayer. When God’s people prayed, they received guidance, protection, strength, and blessing. On the other hand, when they ceased depending upon God, they suffered the consequences of their spiritual weakness.

There is no valid justification for church members to neglect prayer. Let us be Christians who pray continually in order to fulfill the will of God and contribute to the strengthening of His work. Prayer will always be a great blessing to the Lord’s church. Therefore, let us cultivate a deep passion for prayer so that it will never be absent from our lives. May God, through His Word, continue to exhort us to be men, women, and young people devoted to prayer, always remembering the words of our Lord: “But you, when you pray, go into your room” (Matt. 6:6), and the inspired command: “Continue steadfastly in prayer” (Col. 4:2).

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Challenges Young People Face: “Cultivating the Desire to Be Part of the Biblical Organization of the Church” by Willie A. Alvarenga

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One important challenge that young people face today is cultivating the desire to be part of the biblical organization of the church. When I speak of the biblical organization of the church, I am referring to the different responsibilities that God has entrusted to elders, deacons, and preachers (Philippians 1:1; Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4). These roles are not human inventions, but part of God’s divine design for the proper functioning and spiritual growth of the Lord’s church

The young Christian should seriously consider the possibility of serving one day in one of these responsibilities and privileges available in the church. The Bible teaches that desiring to serve in these areas is good and honorable: “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work” (1 Timothy 3:1). Therefore, it is essential that young people grow in such a way that they develop a deep desire to serve God—whether as future elders, deacons, ministers of the Word, or as faithful, committed, and active Christians in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

It is a great challenge to think about and pray regarding becoming part of these beautiful responsibilities one day. However, this desire begins with a willing heart to serve. The brothers who currently serve as elders, deacons, and preachers also went through a process of spiritual growth, prayer, and serious reflection regarding their responsibility to serve the church in these areas (1 Timothy 3:8–13; Titus 1:5–9). No one reaches these roles overnight; it is the result of a life of preparation, faithfulness, and maturity in Christ.

The Bible also presents examples of young people who chose to serve God from an early age, such as Timothy (2 Timothy 2:15) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6–7). These servants understood that age is not a limitation to begin serving, but an opportunity to prepare more effectively.

We encourage all young Christians to diligently study the Scriptures so that they may be well prepared to serve the Lord’s church in the future. Knowledge of God’s Word is essential for anyone who desires to serve (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Psalm 119:11). Likewise, it is important to develop Christian qualities such as a good example, discipline, humility, and love for souls (1 Timothy 4:12).

Preaching schools can be a great blessing in training men for the work of elders, deacons, or gospel preachers. However, preparation also begins at home, within the local congregation, and in the daily life of the Christian (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).

If you begin to reflect, prepare, and pray from an early age, God can bless you with the wonderful opportunity to serve the church in different capacities. Remember that serving God is both a privilege and a responsibility (Colossians 3:23–24). I encourage you to place your life in the Lord’s hands and allow Him to use you for His honor and glory.