Are some overseers entitled to more spiritual weight than others?

Are some overseers entitled to more spiritual weight than others?

This questions requires particular balance in its answer, because the answer is both "yes" and "no." The consistent character, experience, and Biblical understanding of some overseers gives them greater "moral authority." The insights of such men deserve particular consideration. That consideration is afforded by others. If a man demands or obviously expects that consideration, he loses moral authority. Neither personality nor manipulative skill gives spiritual weight, not even age alone (Pro 16:31).

While each overseer is personally accountable to the Lord (Acts 20:28; Heb 13:17), the oversight functions as a unit (1Ti 4:14) in which each elder is essential to the working of the whole. Spiritual weight will influence the decisions of the overseers only to the extent it addresses the issue at hand with the truth of the Word of God. Oversight decisions are not by majority vote, by weighted votes, or by a poll of all in the assembly, but through a consensus that considers all the overseers. Only such consideration fulfills the servant-leadership role the Lord described and exemplified (Mark 10:42-45; Phi 2:3-8).

The suggested answer then is "yes," because the character and Biblical insights of some will have greater influence on the oversight’s deliberations, and "no," because each overseer has equal responsibility for the decisions made by the oversight.

D. Oliver
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