Quote:
Originally Posted by Nell
Who is the Church?
The Bible tells us to practice conflict resolution, but it doesn't tell us exactly how to do it.
Believers seem to believe that "tell it to the church" means "tell it to the elders" or to the church leadership. What if the sinning brother is an elder? This would seem to present a dilemma. Would you expect a fair hearing from elders who have offended the membership?
Where does it say in the Bible that "tell it to the church" means definitively "tell it to the elders"? Are we not all members of the church, the Lord's Body?
Are we then free to tell all Christians? Technically, probably, yes. Should we? I don't think so. Then, who do we "tell"?
Logically, those church members who have knowledge of the situation, love for the brothers in question, and are in a position to "hear" would be the best church audience to hear a matter of grievance brought against an elder. In a Local Church locality, all regular attendees of meetings would be in a position to "hear" a grievance against an elder.
Nell
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I don't disagree with you Nell. From what you've posted it's sound on paper regarding delegated authority. Problem I find in the current LSM version of delegated authority is the absence of character. Current so-called delegated authorities have exhibit pride instead of humility. So-called delegated authorities are quick to anger instead of slow to anger. From my observation and interaction with elders, they are political showing no impartiality towards their fellow elders who are considered "in good standing" with LSM leadership. Generally the phrase uttered is "cover the brothers"....A more specific paraphrased quote I have been told is "keep matters in house".
Why must all grievances against an elder be confined to "the fellowship room"?