A Multitude of Counselors

Recently, we have been made aware of a particular line of thought that is being used as a argument against biblical eldership. A statement was made by a Pastor in recent weeks to someone outside of the eldership teaching that one of the reasons why eldership cannot work is because it lacks a central person to do all the counseling.  

A similar argument was made a few years back, but the person who made the prior argument put it a different way. He said that a person seeking counsel would have to be counseled by several different persons and would no doubt receive different instruction. Further, he said, confidentially would be more apt to broken; particularly due to the busy bodying of the elders wives (he assumed all elders are men). 

In light of the scriptures, both of these arguments quickly fall by the wayside.  

First, in whom should we primarily seek counsel? 

Jeremiah 17:7  Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. 

Isa 9:6  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  

Many questions can be answered and many decisions can be made by directly seeking the council of the Lord. He has given us His Word and His Spirit as witnesses. Seeking the Lord should be the first natural reaction when requiring direction. 

If we need further counseling, what does the Bible say with regard to seeking counsel? Does it say to only seek the advice of one counselor or multiple counselors? Which method is safer, or more reliable? 

Proverbs 11:14  Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.   

Proverbs 24:6  … in multitude of counselors there is safety. 

Proverbs 15:22  Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established.  

There are many areas of counseling that are better suited for more than one individual. In fact, it is foolish and absurd to think that one person is qualified to address every situation that develops in the lives of those whom he / she serves. In addition, getting different perspectives from godly saints is not a hindrance to making a right decision, but rather a benefit as it allows for a more well rounded approach.

As for elder’s wives being busybodies, this was a cheap slanderous remark against the many godly and holy sisters in the Lord. It hardly merits serious consideration, but for completeness we will address it: 

(1) To be a biblically qualified overseeing elder, one must meet the requirements identified in 1 Timothy 3. This includes the following: “One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;  (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)”. Plain and simple, if an elder’s wife is a busybody, he is not qualified to be an elder and should be removed from the office of a bishop. 

(2) There is no requirement to receive counsel from every elder serving in a local assembly. Counsel should be sought from those best qualified and experienced to give counsel along the line of counseling sought. 

(3) Counseling should always remain confidential, whether it be with one or several individuals. Spouses need not be involved, unless the one seeking counsel requests their involvement. 

Humanistic reasoning against biblical eldership, such as was presented by these two brethren, is very easily addressed by taking a look at what the scriptures teach.  

Now, let us turn the argument around. Brethren, show us where the scriptures teach that all counseling in a local assembly should be given by the Pastor? 

Try to find that in the Bible!!!!