Every vote counts?

Really? This is not a question of whether every person’s vote counted in the 2008 election. Rather, this is a statement and critique of how many voting members actually attended the meeting and put forth a ballot.

In my last few posts, I commented on the past election and the issues that we, as Christians in particular, face. I queried the role that Christians often take in elections in regard to the big moral issues of our day like abortion and the importance of the traditional family and whether or not we have a mandate to address a more complicated list of issues that face us as a nation. I also addressed the importance of not only civic involvement but also ecclesiastical involvement. It is a great honor to be able to help shape the future of our nation and impact its policies through the political process granted us through the Constitution and citizenship, but it is an even more important privilege given to us by God, our Savior, the Bible, and citizenship in heavenly city to choose wise, able, and God-fearing men, to lead not just our nation but our churches. The future of the church is more important than the future of a nation and might even shape the future of the country.

Now let me comment since both civic and ecclesiastical elections have passed (at least in my church). I was absolutely dumb struck by the small representation of members at the election. As I went to the called congregational assembly, people by the droves filed out of church. Do we have that few members in our church? (See John Piper’s podcast on Church membership from July 13th, (http://www.desiringgod.org/Search/?search
=church+membership&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&submit=submit) for an excellent argument for the validity and important of church membership in our non-committal society. What great dinner coupon could have motivated Christians to abandon such a privilege and honor as to choose men of character (“whose god is their belly”)? I know the meetings aren’t the most exciting and that we “have things to do” and that there can be difficulties in staying longer. I, for one, have two children; one under five and one with special needs, and it is difficult for them to sit for longer than the church service itself. They don’t understand when we can’t go for lunch right away. But that doesn’t dissuade both my wife and I from discharging a sacred duty to our Savior and His Bride.

When considering why we might have such a flippant attitude towards the election of officers, two main thoughts come to mind. But, lets first take a look at what the ruling body of men is to do as leaders. If we do not have an informed opinion as to what officers do, we might be apt to neglect this holy calling. Acts 20:28 says, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Rulers are to shepherd. They are to protect a flock from harm (heresy and false teaching), they are to provide for the needs of the flock (outreach and edification) and they are to lead the flock (instruction and teaching). I Timothy 3:2 and 10 says that, “they are to be above (or beyond) approach”. That is some amazing calling. Leaders not only have a grand calling but a “stricter judgment” (James 3:1).

Let us take a look then at two important reasons why some may choose not to vote. Firstly, people may not think that their votes really make a difference. They may think that the Session of the church, the ruling block of elders who put forth nominations, and both approve and confirm qualified candidates call the shots and that the election is just a formality. They may think of their body of rulers as a “good ole boy’s” club. While I do think that most true churches have relatively honest and caring men in authority, what better opportunity to override deceitful men and their plans than in the membership of their club by investigating the men on the ballot, as to their integrity and ability, and then voting. Next time, be involved and stand for the purity and holiness of your church and her leaders, your ruling elders and deacons. Secondly, people may not think that quality God-fearing leadership is really required to run a church. What decisions are really made any way besides paying the bills, hiring and firing of staff (how good is that organist anyway?), and taking care of the grounds (and oops, I forgot, building that parking garage)? In reality, leadership in the church is much, much more. The leadership determines the doctrinal direction of a congregation (right there can be shipwreck, the removal of the lamp stand), care and support for those in need, the infirmed, the elderly, the disabled, discipline of the unruly, and the spiritual growth and maturity of the entire body of believers at that local congregation. That is quite a heavy mantle. One can more easily understand why Jethro told Moses, who was struggling under the burden of leading the millions of Israelite sojourners (many of whom were grumblers) to choose men who were “able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain.” The ratio of leader to member was one to ten. Oh, that we would heed that admonition!!! Now, I’m going to step out on a limb and say that this needs to be taught from the pulpits. The pastoral staff has a responsibility to teach the congregation about the role of rulers and not just show by example. Not only that, but the rulers of a congregation have a responsibility to be involved at some “hands dirtying” level with the congregation. This is really the only way the people will know that they care.

In closing, may I encourage all of us, those in leadership and those under leadership, to come together to strengthen the church by valuing not only the role of elders and deacons but also honoring the men God has chosen to place in front of us, who God has commanded us not to gripe against but to pray for. Let us rise to whatever challenge we might face as a congregation or as a single Body by encouraging church officers to lead and then following their lead. We must vote but we must also trust Him who is the Great Shepherd and Elder Brother.