tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15839039.post7638998983639669906..comments2023-07-08T02:43:16.150-05:00Comments on Philanswers: "Preachers Can't Be Elders" and misspeakingPhil Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730256837717993061noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15839039.post-6550751097759840652008-02-14T12:42:00.000-06:002008-02-14T12:42:00.000-06:00Preacherman,Whether it is Scripturally permissible...Preacherman,<BR/><BR/>Whether it is Scripturally permissible for a preacher to become an elder also is one question (and yes, he can); but whether it is the best thing for him to do so is another question altogether. <BR/><BR/>I was once asked to be an elder. I declined, because some felt that the congregation might think I had too much power. Some preachers who are strong personalities might very well gain too much control of a congregation.<BR/><BR/>The other problem I faced, thanks to the counsel of my good friend Greg Tidwell, was that I would have my priorities mixed. Some preachers who become elders lose sight of the need for evangelism, since they are busy in the role of elder/pastor as well as preacher.<BR/><BR/>Preachers enjoy the protection good elders provide for them in not having to make controversial decisions over expedients. My elders care what I think and often ask me, but I am glad the final decision and accountability is theirs.<BR/><BR/>I do have to say that I do not believe that Hebrews 13:7 and 13:17 apply only to elders. Preachers are also leaders. When they are preaching God's word, they too have an authority (Tit. 2:15). I don't think elders always consider that.<BR/><BR/>PhilPhil Sandershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17730256837717993061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15839039.post-6002781984953201602008-02-14T12:09:00.000-06:002008-02-14T12:09:00.000-06:00Phil,I understand that preachers can be qualified ...Phil,<BR/>I understand that preachers can be qualified as elders and some are elders. Yet preachers who do become elders can tend to becoem a "Pastor" role and not listen to the "authority of the elderships." I believe this can cause divisions within the body of Christ if we aren't careful. What do you think?preachermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09922837614859997243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15839039.post-923920692909519542008-02-13T08:59:00.000-06:002008-02-13T08:59:00.000-06:00Caleb,Certainly a preacher can be a deacon, and mo...Caleb,<BR/><BR/>Certainly a preacher can be a deacon, and most are qualified to do so. I think most elderships do not wish to put more on the preacher than is necessary, so they do not appoint him. <BR/><BR/>The word diakonos is translated as deacon (3 times), servant often, and minister on some occasions. Jesus was called a diakonos in Romans 15:8.<BR/><BR/>The general term "servant" for diakonos can fit any faithful Christian.<BR/><BR/>PhilPhil Sandershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17730256837717993061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15839039.post-87943548270685923102008-02-13T00:32:00.000-06:002008-02-13T00:32:00.000-06:00The real question is can a preacher be a deacon an...The real question is can a preacher be a deacon and if so do you know of a case where a preacher was appointed a deacon too?<BR/><BR/>OK, maybe it's not the real question but I am curios what you think, and more importantly why you think it <BR/><BR/>CalebCaleb O'Harahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00545999921978371250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15839039.post-752587948307855542008-02-12T22:26:00.000-06:002008-02-12T22:26:00.000-06:00Phil, I heard your comments and in the context of ...Phil, I heard your comments and in the context of your comments, I understood what you were saying. --Good lesson!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15839039.post-62899820137015352822008-02-12T18:55:00.000-06:002008-02-12T18:55:00.000-06:00Yeah, Phil, those slips of the tongue are a pain a...Yeah, Phil, those slips of the tongue are a pain aren't they! :)<BR/><BR/>You did well and I also wish I had had more time to visit with you. <BR/><BR/>BTW, I knew you didn't mean that preachers couldn't be elders but I didn't know what you actually meant, either. Glad you were able to clarify.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your work here on your blog.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08744129812834158205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15839039.post-54180502640452325232008-02-10T13:00:00.000-06:002008-02-10T13:00:00.000-06:00Phil, It was good to see you at Lectureship, wish ...Phil, It was good to see you at Lectureship, wish I had a chance to chat with you more. Also, I like the point of an elder has to submit to the eldership. This is a good point, that you made me think about.Matthewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12804021069554494090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15839039.post-64757511234370737222008-02-09T21:23:00.000-06:002008-02-09T21:23:00.000-06:00Phil, I served as both an elder and the preacher a...Phil, I served as both an elder and the preacher at the last work I was in. Yes it is possible but it is very difficult to do both works well. Keep preaching brother.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com