One of the unfortunate translations of PROISTIMI is the English, “rule.” The term “rule” often conjures up in our minds the position of power – the power of decision-making regarding all “church business,” including the expenditure of funds. If we confuse the ekklesia with an institutional church organization, as some claim, one would rightly expect to have such bosses who oversee its business. Unlike an institution to which one must join and fulfill expected functions of membership, the “ekklesia” of God that is made up of individuals whose attitude and work is bound up in the servant’s role. And, the shepherd leads the way to this life of service. Rather than a member who goes to the institution to be served, each individual lives to serve. Shepherds are seasoned veterans in this field of service. It is uncharacteristic of such men to wear a title of promotion and call the shots. There are no shots to call as they are not the head of any organization that requires administrative duties. There is no hierarchy and no positions of authority. Jesus taught against this style of leadership when he explained, “Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be the servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many“ (Mark 10:42-45). New Testament shepherds were godly men that took the lead by being ensamples and thus their words and example coincide to produce a consistent pattern for others to imitate.
The rule in “Matters of Judgment” = Decision-Makers
Some speak of an “eldership” in terms of rank and authority. Instead of their rule being descriptive of leadership in service, it is seen to be a decision making body that legislates in matters of judgment. The biblical justification often heard is that elders “rule.” The argument is that if the rule does not pertain to spiritual things because Jesus is the only head and the kingdom is spiritual (John 18:36), then their rule must be over matters of judgment. However, Jesus had explained to the Pharisees that the kingdom does not come with observation (Luke 17:20-21). Rather than thinking that such rule has no place in the kingdom, we are conditioned to establish a rule in the church that is comparable to the rule in an organization.
It is presented by well-intentioned but misguided men who think their rule involves making decisions for an organization that is staffed and equipped with the educational resources purchased out of the coffers of the institution. They are authorized to silence men by manipulation and shut down open Bible discussions to protect the members. They have determined what is right and any deviant view will not reach the pulpit. The Bible teaches no such pattern of rule. The same kind of rule describes the hierarchy of Catholicism who excommunicated all heretics and burned any trace of their teaching.
One common problem with the human race is the affinity of men to desire positions of power. Even among those who are not in such positions, they recognize and covet their authority. Historically, this same desire to rule fostered the hierarchy of Catholicism that decreed official doctrine imposed on all to follow to remain in the church. This assumed power argued from apostolic succession produced a distinct class of clergy over the laity and a religious organization separate from the people that are ruled.
Paul warned of such men who would speak perverse things to draw away disciples after them. Diotrephes, who loved to have the preeminence, cast some out of their local fellowship and sought to prevent others from entering (2 John 10). Such “rule” is characterized by occupying official positions of authority (“sitting on the right hand…”) over others. Jesus states emphatically, “It shall not be so among you” (Mat. 20:25-26). Service marks true greatness.