J. T. MARLIN
The Principle Stated
An elder of the church who labors both in word and in deed should be supported by the church. This is taught in 1 Timothy 5:17,18, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, the labourer is worthy of his reward” (A.V.) Surely, no one would want to argue that every elder of the church ought to be paid a salary when these verses specify the ones who are worthy of support; namely, “those who labor in [the] word and doctrine.” It is inferred in 1 Peter 5:1-3 that some elders in the New Testament days were paid for service rendered. Or else the warning sounded out in verse 2 concerning using the office for “filthy lucre” is without connection when the idea of support is removed. Some remind us that this is only implied or taught indirectly. To this we reply that the teaching for paying elders is just as direct as that for paying the preacher. The principle for paying those who labor in gospel work is laid down again in 1 Corinthians 9:1-14.
It is understood that the elders considered in this article are qualified for the eldership and for “full-time” work. Of course, a “full-time elder is only contemplated in his individual congregation (a limitation made by the Holy Spirit).
Some Objections Considered
In principle, there are no disadvantages to paid elders. If so God would not have endorsed it (1 Timothy 5:17-18). However, we must not close our eyes to the abuses of men that could follow in many cases. Now let us consider some objections that are made by many good brethren.
1. There is no New Testament Example.
REPLY: 1 Timothy 5:17,18. Example necessarily inferred.
2. Danger of Drifting Into a Presiding Elder or “Bishop” (Ecclesiastical).
REPLY: In many of our elderships this condition prevails today, and he is referred to as the “respected” or “senior” elder. This is wrong whether paid or unpaid, but being paid would not create the condition, and only respect for God’s word will eliminate it.
3. Pulpit Could be Suppressed by Inefficient Men.
REPLY: (1) The Scriptures forbid this in an elder by teaching that he should not be “self-willed” (Titus 1:7). (2) Some preachers are inefficient also.
4. Unqualified Seeking the Place for Ease, Prestige, or Power. (Commonly expressed as “ego.”)
REPLY: This would be the abuse of the office rather than the principle being wrong. Could this be a greater abuse than the practice of the preacher?
5. A Trend Toward Professionalism.
REPLY: This same charge is made against preachers today, but it is the abuse and not the principle.
6. All Elders Might Think They Should Be Paid.
REPLY: All qualified for full-time work, who are doing it, should be paid (1 Corinthians 9:1-14). But the ability of the local church program must determine the number of paid elders.
7. There Are Not Many Churches That Could Afford the Support of an Elder and an Evangelist at the same time.
REPLY: This is a problem to be settled within each congregation. Like the local church problem, it must be in keeping with the ability of the congregation.
8. There Might be a Tendency on the Part of Some to Feel Entitled to Money for any Service Rendered.
REPLY: Not any more so than with the present ministry. Most people realize that he gave up secular work to devote full time to the work of the church.
9. Members Would Expect the Elders to do All the Work and Say, “I’m Hiring My Religion Done For Me.”
REPLY: It could create no greater problem than the paid ministry now doing the work of the elders, members and the preacher.
Advantages of Having Paid Elders
1. Elders could devote more time to the work of an elder and thus the work of “pastoring” the flock would be improved.
2. It would result in less worldliness, indifference, and apostasy.
3. It would create greater zeal within the congregation.
4. This would free the minister (evangelist) for the work of an evangelist, more time to study (prepare sermons and lessons) and should improve his usefulness.
5. This plan would allow elders to take a personal interest in the individual problems of the members, especially new converts, etc.
6. It would cause the elders to assume their responsibilities and would teach the congregation to respect that responsibility and authority.
7. Elders could study, teach, visit, etc. more than now.
8. It would enable the elders to obtain a greater perspective of church work, and thus a greater vision.
9. This system would provide better supervision and naturally better discipline will follow.
10. This would be a step toward eliminating the “pastor system” which is the abuse and never the principle.
11. The church would have a better informed eldership because of time for study and visiting and looking after the flock.
12. They would make work more spiritual because of less distractions.
13. This plan would free evangelists to establish new congregations.
14. This would help the problem caused many times by changing preachers.