Perhaps the greatest conceptual issue to arise as we seek the development of ministry by the Spirit of God will be the understanding of the difference between the role of elder, and the gifts and ministries of the Body. It may be noted that while the apostles established elders in the various cities, elders are not listed among the ministries and gifts given to the Body of Christ.

The ministry of pastor-teacher is so close to that of elder it would be difficult to separate the two. The pastor is a shepherd. He is to lead the flock beside the quiet waters of God's rest and guard against the wolves who would enter among the believers in order to destroy them. He teaches the Word of God, and demonstrates the Word by his godly example.

This is also the office of the elder.

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (I Peter 5:2)

Peter implies that the elders are shepherds (pastors).

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (I Peter 5:4)

Those who today are serving as chief elders, pastor-teachers, with their various gifts, are in line with the Scripture. However, the other ministries and gifts, particularly the ministry of the apostle and of the prophet, without which the Body cannot grow as it should, are not always recognized.

Babylon (organized Christianity) usually attacks apostles and prophets. This is why the Spirit says, concerning the fall of Babylon:

Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. (Revelation 18:20)

While there are many true men of God in the pulpits of today, there also are numerous administrators who want to dominate their group and have status among the believers. They may find it difficult to submit to the ministry of an apostle or prophet—particularly if such a ministry arises in their own congregation.

The truth is, elders-pastors-teachers have fallen into the snare of the devil. They are lifted up in pride over their brothers. They have gained an organizationally assigned position and would find it difficult to recognize the spiritual authority of a prophet.

The concept of elder, while closely related, is not identical to that of pastor-teacher. Any older Christian of proven consecration and wisdom may serve as an elder in the Body of Christ.

However, the ministry of pastor-teacher is given by the Holy Spirit. It cannot be gained by attendance at a seminary or Bible school; neither can it be imposed by an organization. It is the gift of God.

Some of the presiding elders (senior pastors) of today are evangelists or apostles or prophets, by calling. Some have a ministry of ruling, and are to practice their office with diligence.

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:8)

The two different functions, rulership (administration) and anointed ministry, often go together as we have said. But they need to be separated in our minds if we are to pass from the organizationally imposed assignments of leadership and ministry to the development and operation of Spirit-chosen ministries and gifts.

To be continued.