Church Practices

Church Membership and the Elders (Ezekiel 34:1-16)

Church Membership and the Elders (Ezekiel 34:1-16)

“Another way I see domineering leadership enter the church is when church elders try to force the change they wish to see in people rather than to teach the word, set an example with the way they live their own lives, and then give time for the gospel to do its work. We can be very sincere in our desire for holiness in the church and to see people changed, but if we try to accomplish the sanctification of God’s people by authoritarian means, we have become oppressors rather than shepherds….Hearts are not changed by threats and anger, but by greater understanding of the loyal love and gentle compassion of our Lord.