How to Manage Elders

The elders who are good leaders should be considered worthy of an ample honorarium, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the scripture says: 'Do not muzzle an on while it is treading out the grain, and: 'the worker is worthy of his wages.'

Don't accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. Public ally rebuke those (elders) who sin, so that the rest will also be afraid. I solomnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing out of favouritism.

Don't be too quick to appoint anyone as an elder, and don't share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 1 Tim 5:17-22

Elders were to be leader of good repute, they also had the role of teaching. They had to be above reproach. If they performed their duties well they were to be paid.

If elders sin they are to be uncovered publically so that the church know its stance on sin and also it help them know how to behave and what to expect if they desire to become elders.

Paul tells Timothy not to take accusations against elders unless supported by two or three witnesses. Paul wanted to protect the characters of an elder and keep harmony in the church.

Paul is also telling Timothy to not be shy in addressing the sins of elders, not to cover them up or not to leave unaddressed. We see today what happens in church movements when sin is not dealt with publically. The church people can assume that they will not be protected but also that they can do likewise. Not a good move!