—This instruction presumes, among other things, that there is a “church” to tell it to.—
Whenever I see the word “church” in the bible, I interpret it as “the body of believers”. And in the example you gave about, I would say your “local” congregation of believers.
—choosing out elders from the assembled Christians for the purpose of ruling over them.—
I am really uncomfortable with that wording. I see them as church leaders. Those that make decisions. Not those who “rule over me”. There have been some bad church leaders in every major religion. I’m glad I never saw them as “ruling over me”.
“I am really uncomfortable with that wording. I see them as church leaders. Those that make decisions. Not those who “rule over me”. There have been some bad church leaders in every major religion. I’m glad I never saw them as “ruling over me”.”
Well, it’s biblical.
“7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. “ (Hebrews 13)
There are other passages as well. If we confess the Bible to be true, we must obey all of it, not just the parts we are comfortable with.