A TEST AFFECTING APPOINTED ELDERS

The test of humility also includes those who are appointed as elders. Many of these men have served as presiding ministers for a number of years. They were looked to as the “number one” man in the congregation. Often theirs was the deciding voice in accepting or rejecting suggestions. How do they feel about relinquishing the chairmanship of the body of elders to someone else? Are they fearful that things will not go as well? Are they willing to give due consideration to the suggestions of others? Or do they, because of their past experience, tend to override the suggestions of others?

Former presiding ministers with the right attitude appreciate that Jehovah’s arrangement is always best. They earnestly desire to handle matters in harmony with the apostle Paul’s counsel to ‘consider that others of God’s servants are superior to themselves.’ (Phil. 2:3) With due modesty, they acknowledge that others are superior to themselves in certain qualities. Some brothers are outstanding in their display of empathy, kindness, friendliness and generosity. Others have an excellent grasp of the Scriptures and are able to apply them effectively when problems arise. Still others possess remarkable zeal, enthusiasm and drive. Truly, no one man has all the desirable qualities in complete balance. So these humble former presiding ministers rejoice at the enriching effect the rotation of the chairmanship accomplishes on behalf of all in the congregation.​—Compare 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

The brothers appointed to serve as new chairmen or presiding ministers in rotation also have their humility put to the test. Will they now try to impress or superimpose their image on the congregation, changing matters to suit their personal tastes? Not if they are truly humble and modest. They recognize that their appointment does not make them the most prominent man in the congregation. They do not have all the answers. They are simply one member of the “body of elders.” They need the balancing effect of the other brothers. It is just as Proverbs 15:22 says: “In the multitude of counselors there is accomplishment.” Yes, a body of elders, functioning as a united whole, can reflect the beauty of godly qualities in a way that no one man ever could. That means that every elder must feel free to express himself and initiate suggestions or recommendations for the other elders to consider.

The elders must be humble to heed the inspired command: “Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under compulsion, but willingly; neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; neither as lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.” (1 Pet. 5:2, 3)