An Elder’s Priority
by Tom Ellsworth
According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, priority can be defined as “superiority in rank, position, or privilege.” I am amused how often we use – or misuse – the word. I’ve been guilty of referring to a task as my “top priority,” as if to suggest multiple priorities can be ranked in order of importance. “Top priority” is redundant. It is like saying “wet water” or “pizza pie” – the word priority assumes “top of the list.” And while we’re discussing the misuses of the term, how about the plural use of the word – priorities? Can you really have several priorities? Doesn’t the plural usage water down the very meaning of the word?
The creation narrative in the opening chapters of Genesis makes it clear that God had a priority – humanity. Everything in creation, from the unicorn beetle to the universe, is described as good. But only humanity is created in the image of God. As God finished with his crown of creation, he declared it very good. When Adam and Eve sinned, the redemption of lost humanity became God’s priority. There is a single scarlet thread that weaves its way through every book of Scripture – it is the blood red narrative that points to the coming of the Savior and what he would accomplish once he arrived. In other words, we have been God’s priority from the beginning of time; not his top priority among several or one of many priorities, simply His priority! And if we – broken and sinful – are the Almighty’s priority, then what should that communicate to us about our priority in life?
Scripture makes it clear that our priority in life is to glorify God. God should not have any peers or rivals for our attention; nothing can compete with Him as our priority. He isn’t just the top priority on our list of equals nor is He one of many priorities, he stands alone – the priority!
In your role as an elder, the church is your priority and that will require focus and even limitations. When you choose to send a parcel via Priority Mail, the USPS has certain guidelines. The parcel cannot exceed seventy pounds or a maximum combined length and girth of 108 inches. If those guidelines are ignored, your package won’t go Priority Mail.
Likewise, you will need to guard your priority as the elder team with some guidelines that may require focus as well as limitations. Let me suggest some ways to protect your priority.
Do what only you can do. In ministry, it took me a while to realize that I couldn’t do all the good things ministry offered. I couldn’t even do all the things I enjoyed doing. I discovered I needed to delegate certain tasks so I could focus on the things that only I could do. That’s not easy, but it is vital. As an elder, you need to do the same thing. Don’t spend your time on church minutia; focus on those areas that only a God-called shepherd and overseer can do. Leave the other good things to capable people who are not elders.
Learn to say no. People will come with many good ideas, thoughts, and suggestions. The people may be well-intentioned and have well-conceived ideas, but if their idea doesn’t fit the congregation’s vision, you need to offer a gracious “thanks but no thanks” response. A local church can only do so many things well; stick with what you do best and say no to the rest.
Shield the Body. Most of us are concerned about maintaining healthy bodies. We seek to eat right, get proper exercise, and avoid those things that are detrimental to physical longevity. Elders must do the same for the Body of Christ. Church health is vital for church growth and longevity. So, ensure that the congregation is being fed “fresh bread” from the pulpit and in small groups. Exercise those muscles of service and volunteerism – help people find their role in the family. And work to avoid anything that would be detrimental to the image of Christ. We are His reflection in this world.
There is no other role in the church quite like that of an elder. Make it your priority to glorify God by being the best elder possible!