Tonight the elders will meet with the shepherd and S. As six men who want to serve God through ministries at this local church, they will meet. They will eat together and share in the Lord’s Supper.
They will also make decisions that could forever effect many lives. The elders will be faced with repentance and working towards restoration. The shepherd and S will be deciding if they can partner with these men in this capacity.
As the Shepherd’s Wife, I sit back and listen to the shepherd’s thoughts. I add a few of my own. Ultimately, I know the magnitude of what is taking place, but I have no real participation. I am not a part of the meeting.
Here I will try to work out some of my thoughts.
1. The Eldership became very lazy. They made decisions without considering people. Instead they sought to use Scripture as a rule book. They failed to see its purpose is to bring unity to the Body of Christ, not to divide it. They have drawn a line to divide “Good Enough” and “Not Good Enough” Additionally, they relegated contact with people to Ed, and Ed alone.
2. The Eldership has been paralyzed by its fear. In fear of making the wrong decision, they made no decision. Ed’s behavior has been ungodly for a long time. Many families have left this congregation because of Ed’s disregard of people. The elders have heard the rumblings for years. Instead of any of the elders addressing it, they have directed people to confront Ed. The elders were supposed to be protecting the people, not sending them back to be injured again.
3. If the eldership loves the Church, they have not served her well. It is not for disrespect or love. They did not want to tarnish Her image with public rebukes. They did not want to hurt Her feeling with discipline. Those of us with children know you cannot lead with aversion of those things. However, we all understand the temptation.
The elders fell into the trappings of being ordinary men.