Call for the Elders

My current church leadership, which has dwindled to less than a handful of men, continues to turn a blind eye to the fact that their controlling and authoritative style of leadership is unhealthy and causing the church to be sick. A few weeks ago, the chair of the church board was a cheerleader at the podium saying how great things were going…then Sunday his written resignation was read. He has not attended worship in a few weeks and his family is looking for another church. So, the path he helped design for our congregation is now no longer the path he wants to be on. Hmm… Our church has numerous men who were previously preachers, elders — they have just opted out of official leadership. It’s time to call on these self-retired spiritual leaders. James said, “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven” (James 5:13-15 NIV).