Elders Need to Lead With Compassion

  [322 words] Elders face problems of all shapes, sizes, and colors. A few years of putting out fires can leave them burned out. They can come to rule with an iron fist rather than a velvet touch–more of the shepherd’s rod than his crook. Early Roman philosopher Publilius Syrus said, “You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.” Peter explained that elders take the oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over close in your charge, but being examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:2-3).” A couple facing an imminent divorce will be more open to counsel from elders whose eyes fill with tears and whose voice shake with tender emotion. A wayward member will be more likely to humbly return when elders gently plead and softly admonish. A congregation that sees the compassion of…