Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
1 Tim 5:17
The local church is to be 'ruled' by elderS (plural). Furthermore, some (plural) are involved in 'labouring in the word and teaching', not just one man.
What does that word 'rule' mean? I notice it is the same word translated 'maintain', as in 'maintain good works', in
Titus 3:8 and
Titus 3:14. The word means to 'superintend'.
How are elders to superintend the church of God? Jesus gave the answer -
Mar 10:42
But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that
they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
Mar 10:43
But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
Mar 10:44
And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
Mar 10:45
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
The word 'minister' in verse 43 is diakonos. Thus, whoever is to rule in the church of God is be the people's 'deacon'. What is a diakonos?
"one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master, a servant, attendant, minister
the servant of a king
a deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned to him by the church, cares for the poor and has charge of and distributes the money collected for their use
a waiter, one who serves food and drink"
Thus, the elders (plural) who are to 'rule' in the ekklesia are to be servants, who tend to the needs of others. Not merely a 'servant' in name only, like how many government 'servants' actually fancy themselves lords who are to be served by the people, but 'servants' in the same sense as the waitstaff at a restaurant, or in the same sense as one who carries out the commands of another, who tends to their needs. Thus, elders who 'rule' must do so in the same way the Lord did when He was on earth - as a servant, who's entire purpose was to MEET NEEDS, not have his own needs met.
In
Eph 4:11-14, 'pastors' are only one of several servants of the church. The word simply means 'shepherds'. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, and shepherds/teachers, are servants of the church. Apostles are clearly identified as elders, in the book of Acts we see that apparently some designated as 'prophets' functioned as elders as well. In other words, the Ephesians list is a (not all inclusive, or not exhaustive) list of types of service performed by people for the church, fulfilling their role as elders in the assembly.
The idea that a local church is to be headed by one pastor, that he is the sole authority in a church, that he exercises authority over the church in the same manner as the 'rulers of the Gentiles', is wholly unbiblical.
Rather, the biblical pattern is the local church is tended to by elders (plural), who serve as SERVANTS to the church, meeting the church's needs, providing direction and guidance by their example of (true) holiness and by sound teaching.
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