Biblical Leadership: The Harmony of Plural Elders and a Senior Pastor

In the landscape of church governance, few topics generate as much discussion and debate as the structure of church leadership. While various models exist, ranging from single-pastor leadership to congregational rule, this article will explore a model that finds strong support in Scripture: a plurality of elders with a senior pastor or elder serving as a first among equals. This model seeks to balance the biblical emphasis on shared leadership with the practical need for clear direction and accountability.

The New Testament Pattern of Plural Elders

As we delve into the Scriptures, we find a consistent pattern of plural elder leadership in the early church. This pattern is evident in several key passages:

1. Acts 14:23 - During their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas "appointed elders for them in each church." The use of the plural "elders" indicates that multiple leaders were appointed in each local congregation.

2. Acts 20:17 - When Paul was bidding farewell to the Ephesian church, he "sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church." Again, we see a plurality of leaders in a single church.

3. Titus 1:5 - Paul instructs Titus to "appoint elders in every town" on the island of Crete. This demonstrates that the pattern of plural eldership was to be established in newly planted churches.

4. James 5:14 - In giving pastoral advice, James writes, "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them." This indicates that plural eldership was the norm in the churches James was addressing.

5. 1 Peter 5:1-2 - Peter addresses "the elders among you," further confirming that multiple elders in a single church was the common practice.

This consistent New Testament witness suggests that plural eldership was not an anomaly but the expected structure of leadership in the early church.

Biblical Qualifications for Elders

The New Testament not only establishes the pattern of plural eldership but also provides clear qualifications for those who would serve in this capacity. Two key passages outline these qualifications:

1. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 - Paul provides a comprehensive list of qualifications for overseers (a term used interchangeably with elders). These qualifications focus primarily on character, including being above reproach, faithful in marriage, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach.

2. Titus 1:6-9 - In his letter to Titus, Paul reiterates many of the same qualifications, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine and the ability to refute false teaching.

These passages underscore that eldership is not merely about skill or charisma, but fundamentally about godly character and the ability to handle God's Word faithfully.

The Concept of a Senior Leader Among Elders

While the New Testament clearly presents a model of plural eldership, it also provides examples of leaders who seemed to have a primus inter pares (first among equals) role. This concept of a senior leader among elders can be seen in several biblical examples:

1. James in Jerusalem: In Acts 15:13-21, during the Jerusalem Council, James appears to have a leading role in summarising the discussion and proposing a solution. Later, in Acts 21:18, when Paul visits Jerusalem, he meets specifically with James, with the other elders present.

2. Peter among the apostles: While Peter was not given authority over the other apostles, he often took a leading role. In Matthew 16:18-19, Jesus gives Peter a special role in the founding of the church. In Acts 1:15-22, Peter takes the lead in the process of replacing Judas.

3. Paul's relationship with his co-workers: Paul often placed trusted co-workers in leadership positions. For example, he chose Timothy to accompany him (Acts 16:1-3) and later left him in charge of the church at Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3).

These examples suggest that while leadership was shared, there was often a recognized leader among the leaders.

Biblical Principles Supporting a Senior Elder

Several biblical principles lend support to the idea of a senior elder or pastor among a group of elders:

1. The principle of order in leadership: In 1 Corinthians 14:33 and 40, Paul emphasizes that "God is not a God of disorder but of peace" and that "everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." A recognized leader among elders can help maintain order and provide clear direction.

2. The principle of accountability: Hebrews 13:17 speaks of leaders who "will give an account" for their oversight of the church. A senior pastor can serve as a point of accountability both for the elder board and for the congregation.

3. The principle of giftedness: Romans 12:6-8 and Ephesians 4:11-12 teach that God gives different gifts to different members of the body, including the gift of leadership. It's natural and biblical for those with strong leadership gifts to take on more prominent roles.

Balancing Plural Leadership and a Senior Pastor

While recognizing the role of a senior pastor or elder, it's crucial to maintain the biblical model of shared leadership and mutual accountability. Several considerations can help strike this balance:

1. Guarding against autocratic leadership: The negative example of Diotrephes in 3 John 1:9-10, who loved "to be first" and refused to welcome other leaders, serves as a warning against domineering leadership.

2. Practicing mutual submission: Ephesians 5:21 calls all believers to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This principle should be exemplified in the relationship between a senior pastor and other elders.

3. Understanding the senior pastor role as "first among equals": In 1 Peter 5:1-3, Peter addresses his fellow elders as one of them, modeling a leadership style that is among the people rather than above them.

The role of a senior pastor in this model is not to rule over the other elders, but to facilitate their work, provide visionary leadership, and serve as a primary teacher and public face of the church.

Application for Today's Church

Implementing a model of plural eldership with a senior pastor can bring several benefits to a church:

1. Shared wisdom and accountability: A group of elders brings diverse perspectives and experiences to decision-making, and provides mutual accountability.

2. Clear direction and efficient decision-making: A senior pastor can help synthesize various viewpoints and guide the elder board toward unified decisions.

3. Diverse gifts and perspectives in leadership: Different elders can take on roles that match their particular gifts, whether in teaching, administration, pastoral care, or other areas.

For churches considering moving toward this model, several practical steps can be taken:

1. Study the relevant Scriptures as a congregation, fostering a shared understanding of biblical church leadership.

2. Identify and train potential elders, ensuring they meet the biblical qualifications.

3. Gradually implement shared leadership, perhaps starting with an advisory board before moving to a full elder board.

4. Clearly define roles and responsibilities for both the elder board and the senior pastor.

5. Establish processes for decision-making and conflict resolution within the leadership team.

The role of the congregation in this model is crucial. While the elders are entrusted with the spiritual oversight of the church, they are to serve the congregation, not rule over it. The congregation should be involved in affirming elder selections, major decisions, and providing feedback and support to the leadership team.

Conclusion

The model of plural eldership with a senior pastor finds strong support in Scripture and offers a balanced approach to church leadership. It honors the New Testament pattern of shared leadership while recognizing the practical benefits of having a primary leader. This model can provide churches with stable, accountable, and effective leadership that is well-equipped to shepherd God's people and advance His mission.

However, it's important to note that while this model has strong biblical support, it's not explicitly commanded as the only valid form of church governance. Churches must prayerfully consider how to best apply biblical principles of leadership in their specific contexts.

Ultimately, whatever leadership structure a church adopts, the goal should be to honor Christ as the true head of the church and to effectively equip and mobilize God's people for ministry. As Ephesians 4:11-12 reminds us, the purpose of church leadership is "to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."

In implementing any model of church governance, leaders and congregations alike must remember that they are ultimately accountable to Christ. All authority in the church is delegated authority, and it must be exercised with humility, love, and a servant's heart. When church leadership is approached in this way, with a commitment to biblical fidelity and a focus on building up the body of Christ, the church can thrive and effectively carry out its mission in the world.