The persistent witness of the Scriptures is clear: Christ is head of the church (Eph. 5:23). He is the one who bought the church with his own blood, leads the church and sustains her by his mercy and power. The church belongs to him and he cares for her in a way and with an intensity that no one could every aptly imitate. Nevertheless, during this period in which we await his return, he has appointed elders to shepherd the flock that Jesus himself purchased at such a great cost.

The fact of the matter is: God has always entrusted his people to a plurality of leaders. In the few instances where one man tried to lead alone, desperation and despondency ensued, and God tenderly reiterated his prescription: oversight by a qualified and godly team. For example, when Moses became overwhelmed at the burden of leading such a large (and mercurial) nation, God directed Moses to gather seventy of the elders (zaqen) of Israel, whom the Lord would appoint to help Moses lead the people. In the New Testament, as Christ’s envoys encountered enmity throughout their church planting efforts, the divine injunction was repeated: “appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5).

Fast forward to today: God’s design has not changed. The church is to be led by a plurality of elders: called, qualified, and gifted men. Above are the elders serving at Capshaw.