When we lived in California, we attended a large church with something like 12,000 members. They believed in the biblical principle of elder rule and had about 70 elders to make church decisions. It is commonly thought that getting that many people to agree on something is nigh impossible, but they had a fascinating but workable way to determine the will of God.
In the Old Testament, the leaders of God’s people cast lots, believing that the sovereign power of God influenced this method. But in the New Testament, this happened only once. In Acts 1:26, the disciples selected a replacement for Judas, the one who had betrayed Jesus and then hung himself. “And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”
After that, the Bible does not mention this. The casting of lots was replaced by reliance on the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s will. But in a world where Christians can and do disagree on so many things, how can a church board of 70 elders be united when it comes time to vote?
In that particular church they had a rule, if it could be called that. In any decisions, they did not depend on majority rule. The vote must be 100%! Even if one person disagreed with the rest, they tabled the motion.
In one instance the issue was whether or not they should go ahead with a new education building. The plans had been draw up, the need was obvious. However, one elder declined. His vote was respected. They tabled the plan and the 69 prayed again, seeking the Lord’s direction. After a period of prayer, the majority began to realize that the Holy Spirit was telling all of them the same thing; it was not the right time to start a building project. While I don’t know why they first voted for it, maybe enthusiasm, they were willing to change their minds at the Spirit’s direction, even though they were not aware why they should. Those reasons later became apparent, long after their agreement.
Sometimes my husband and I do not agree on what we should do. I’m the one with wild and creative ideas. He is more cautious. I often think of that church policy and how the Holy Spirit will not give opposing directions to His people. God is not the author of confusion. He is One God, united in purpose. Sometimes my creative idea is from Him. Sometimes Bob’s caution is from Him. Either way, when we pray about our decisions, the Lord will bring our minds into harmony.
That unity shows up many times, and I think it is one of the coolest things about being a member of the family of God!
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