There are many different interpretations of this question. In order to answer this question properly, we will look to the only safe source, the Word of God. It has already been mentioned that the apostle Paul commanded Titus to ordain elders in every city and also the qualifications required. We read in Titus 1:6-9,

If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, so­ber, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

By no means are office-bearers blameless, without any shortcomings. They are liable to stumble and fall any moment. They must be diligent in their walk and talk and in the fear of the Lord. This command of God must continually be their primary concern. It is only through prayer for the upholding and guidance of the Holy Spirit, continual self-examination, and the grace of God to be steadfast, that will preserve them. Also the diligent use of the Scriptures, with God's blessing, will be profitable for the strengthening of faith. Our own strength and worthiness are insufficient. David approached Goliath with a helmet of brass and a coat of mail, but then discarded these and said, "I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts" (1 Sam. 17:45b). This is the strength and weapon of office-bearers. We have no strength against this multi­tude that opposes us, but our eyes are unto the Lord (2 Chron. 20:12b).

We can only fulfil our obligations through faith and by looking unto Jesus. We feel our weakness and lack of courage, but Christ will give us help from above. In the installation form for office-bearers, the prayer states, "We beseech Thee, replenish them more and more with such gifts as are necessary." And that prayer is always necessary before and after family visitation. It is impossible for an office-bearer to properly address, instruct, reprove, or advise others if he is a stranger to saving grace. This does not mean that the application and power of the Word is dependent on men. Likewise we know that it is in vain to rise early and stay up late if the Lord doesn't build or protect the city. There must be personal contact, and that is only possible if the office-bearer is personally instructed by God's Spirit. Only the blessing of the Lord makes rich, and He alone can open the heart by His Spirit, but the Lord also uses means. He will bestow His office-bearers with grace and gifts. For this reason the Word of God speaks about qualified men, made qualified by the Holy Spirit.

For the personal advantage of the congregation, there are several concrete obligations. Titus 1 teaches us that the concern for souls is not only for a master of theology or an elder, but must be the concern of the Christian; hence, the theologian and elder must have the anointing of Christ. It is not simply a matter of having a diploma or much study, but a life of communion with Christ.

A low level of soul-concern has devastating results for a congregation. It is like an acre of ground that is sown with seed and then neglected. In natural life, we know how important it is to constantly care for the land so that in due time it will be ready for harvest. An insufficient care for souls also has a dev­astating effect in the congregation. If we only look at plants to see if they have roots and do not nourish and water them, there will be no fruition. The danger is not hypothetical, that we only speak in a natural way which is cold and hard, and only from personal, individual experiences, momentary feel­ings, or from personal approval or judgment. In regard to each case, we must ask ourselves what God has to say to us.

Another danger is, that on the basis of a text, office-bearers may carelessly make this applicable to a certain situa­tion they may encounter. One who is wise and helpful can be a good pastor or a social worker but miss the purpose in the care of souls. It cannot be emphasized enough that the care for souls remains in the bringing of the Word of God and nothing else. The question is, have we anything to say to the souls of men about the ways of Christ? If we do, then we will leave the results to God. Then we say with Paul that it is not him that plants or that waters but we depend totally on God's blessing.

Those who care for souls are at their best when they are like a gardener that plants, waters, prunes, fertilizes, and protects his plants, but is not the one who makes the plants to grow, blossom, and bear fruit. He is like a midwife that is present when a child is about to be born, but it is not she who brings the child into the world. Likewise, on family visitation, the office-bearer is a friend of the Bridegroom. He may and must point to Christ. His weapons are prayer, and as we read in Luke 4:4, "It is written." This is a bridge which brings us over any obstacles. Time and again we experience how a simple word from Scripture, applicable to a situation, is used in a remarkable way. It is not re­quired that an office-bearer is a special person, but a normal man of flesh and blood who knows the life of the flock but also the life of the Holy Spirit. The congregation can trust only those who are dependent on the Lord in humility and love, not those who exalt themselves as towers and those who speak critically. If we are filled with the Spirit, there will be fruit because we walk in Christ's footsteps. He washed the disciples' feet. He served with love. Who is sufficient for these things? Where did Paul find strength to deny himself? Where did he learn patience? Where did he find strength to stand? James said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God." The Lord gives what He commands liberally and abundantly.