By-Products of Role Changes: Encourages ignorance

The Israel of God today are destroyed by the same thing and for the same reason that destroyed ancient Israel — lack of knowledge and indigent leadership.  Some elders have the policy that the less people know, the less the possibility of departing from the truth.  Therefore, they will purposely keep the information or different views away from their flock lest they follow another path.   In this case, the old adage that “ignorance is bliss” becomes the rule.  Some biblical subjects have been ignored because it may cause disagreements.  Shall we be content to keep people ignorant of the truth when seen beside variant views for fear of having to spend time grounding, correcting, and building up?   Ironically, this is the very reason why God placed them in the body, among God’s people (Eph. 4:11-14).   Yet, the men who should be skilled in teaching the word, avoid such opportunities, stifle sincere questions by offering patented answers that cannot be challenged,  and impose restrictions on what is preached in the pulpit.  We are taught to contend for the faith (Jude 3).   The work of an elder involves him in much “contending.”   Any man who thinks the eldership is a position of authority rather than a work of teaching, warning, etc. is a careless steward.  He has not discharged the most solemn responsibility given by the chief Shepherd.