Set Your Hand to the Plough: Practical Advice for Gospel Ministers
#7 Sharing the Load: Build a Biblical Eldership
As you step into gospel ministry, you might feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. The temptation is real: to think it’s all up to you, that the success or failure of the church hinges on your preaching, your vision, your leadership. But let me stop you right there—it’s not all on you. One of the most critical pieces of advice I can offer as you navigate this work is to build a biblical eldership. This is part seven of a ten-part series offering honest, practical counsel for those entering ministry, and this truth is foundational: the ministry is a shared calling, and a faithful pastor commits to building a plural, biblical eldership to carry the load together.
The Error of the Lone Ranger Pastor
When you walk into a church as a new pastor, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, This is it. It’s make or break, and it’s all on me. You might envision yourself as the hero who single-handedly shepherds the flock, preaches in a revival, and reforms the church, but that’s not the biblical pattern. Scripture is clear: leadership in the church is not a solo act. Paul instructs Titus to “appoint elders in every city” (Tit. 1:5) — elders, plural. The Second London Confession (1677) echoes this in its teaching on the church (Chapter 26), emphasizing that Christ has ordained a plurality of elders to govern His people.
The ministry is too heavy for one man to bear alone. If you try to carry it all, you’ll buckle under the pressure—spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. You need godly men alongside you, sharing the burden, standing with you in the joys and trials of shepherding Christ’s bride.
A Biblical Eldership: Parity and Trust
A biblical eldership is a godly team of men marked by parity and trust. The office of elder is one office, shared by multiple men who are equal in authority, regardless of differences in hours worked or financial support. The world’s corporate hierarchies — senior pastors, junior pastors, specialized roles — have no place in the church. God’s design is simple: a plurality of elders, on equal footing, serving together as co-laborers. Some may preach more, others may focus on counseling or administration, but in terms of office and status, there’s no rank. As the Apostle Peter writes, elders are to “shepherd the flock of God… nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:2-3).
True parity fosters shared responsibility. The buck doesn’t stop with you—it stops with us, the elders, together. When accusations fly, as they often do in ministry, you shouldn’t have to defend yourself. A biblical eldership means you can hand the matter to your fellow elders, trusting them to handle it with wisdom and fairness. I’ve experienced this personally: the relief of entrusting a difficult situation to godly men who prayerfully discern, discuss with the church, and deliver an outcome you can submit to with confidence. That kind of trust takes time to build, but it’s essential. A true eldership is a brotherhood where each man knows the others have his back, especially in the storms.
Why It Matters
A biblical eldership isn’t just practical — it’s scriptural, and it guards against the dangers of pride and burnout. When you share the load, you’re protected from the temptation to think the church’s success depends on your brilliance or effort. The Second London Confession repeatedly reminds us that Christ is the head of the church, and He governs through His appointed leaders, not a single superstar pastor. A plural eldership keeps you humble, reminding you that you’re one part of God’s plan, not the whole.
Moreover, a functioning eldership strengthens the church. It models godly leadership to the congregation, fosters accountability, and ensures the ministry endures beyond your tenure. Reformation, as we’ve discussed, is a long game, and a biblical eldership provides the stability to see it through.
The Call to Build
So, my counsel to you is this: commit to building a biblical eldership. Don’t settle for a solo ministry or a token board of yes-men. Prayerfully seek out godly, trustworthy men who meet the qualifications of 1 Tim. 3 and Tit. 1. Invest time in discipling them, fostering trust, and cultivating unity. It won’t happen overnight, but it’s worth the effort. When the freight trains of ministry come — and they will — you will need those brothers standing with you. And when the sunshine of God’s grace breaks through, you will rejoice together, giving all glory to God.
This post is part three of a ten-part series offering honest, practical advice for those stepping into gospel ministry. If you’re wrestling with the call or navigating the early days of serving a church, keep journeying with us through these reflections.
Oliver Allmand-Smith
Pastor of Trinity Grace Church, UK;
Trustee of International Reformed
Baptist Seminary, Mansfield, TX