How can we implement "call the elders" in our church community today? The biblical mandate: James 5:14–15 “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 restore the one who is sick; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.” Who are the elders? • Acts 20:17,28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3 show elders are spiritually mature, biblically qualified men entrusted with shepherding, teaching, and oversight. • They function as a team, not solitary figures. • Their primary tools are Scripture, prayer, and example. Preparing our church to obey the command 1. Identify qualified elders • Evaluate current leaders against 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. • Install additional elders if needed through congregational affirmation and laying on of hands (1 Timothy 4:14). 2. Teach the congregation • Preach and provide handouts explaining James 5:14-16. • Emphasize that initiating the request comes from the sick person (“he should call”). 3. Establish clear pathways to “call” • Dedicated phone line, email, or online form. • Printed cards in pews with elder contact information. • Announce availability at services and small groups. 4. Equip elders for the ministry • Regular prayer meetings among elders (Acts 6:4). • Training on sensitive visitation, confidentiality, and biblical counseling. • Keep small vials of olive oil ready for anointing (Mark 6:13). Conducting a biblical elder visit • Respond promptly; aim for same-day or next-day visitation when possible. • Meet in the home, hospital room, or church office—wherever the sick person requests. • Open with Scripture (e.g., Psalm 23; Isaiah 41:10; John 14:27). • Ask gentle questions about physical condition and spiritual state (James 5:16). • Anoint with oil – A simple dab on the forehead or wrist while stating, “We anoint you with oil in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Oil symbolizes consecration to God; the power is in the Lord, not the substance. • Pray in faith – Each elder may pray, focusing on God’s character, Christ’s atonement, and the Spirit’s comfort. – Include confession if the sick person desires, guarding privacy and grace. • Encourage ongoing trust, medical care, and church support. Following up • Record the visit (date, elders present, main requests) for accountability. • Assign an elder or deacon to check in regularly. • Share testimonies of answered prayer (with permission) during worship to build faith. Maintaining biblical balance • Healing is God’s sovereign work; we pray expectantly yet submit to His will (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). • Not all sickness is due to personal sin (John 9:1-3), but unconfessed sin can hinder prayer (Psalm 66:18). • Continue normal medical treatment; Scripture never forbids it (Colossians 4:14 notes Luke as “the beloved physician”). Benefits to the whole body • Elders exercise shepherding; members experience pastoral care. • The gospel is displayed as the church bears one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). • God receives glory through healing, perseverance, or a faithful homegoing (Philippians 1:20). Moving forward together • Schedule a congregational meeting to explain the process. • Commission elders publicly, praying Acts 20:32 over them. • Encourage every member: when illness strikes, don’t hesitate—call the elders. |
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