Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists

d. The attitude toward the elders
To a large extent, effective church leadership
depends on the loyalty of the membership. Paul
encourages believers to respect their leaders and
"to esteem them very highly in love for their work's
sake" (1 Thess. 5:13). "Let the elders who rule
well," he said, "be counted worthy of double honor,
especially those who labor in the word and
doctrine" (1 Tim. 5:17).
Scripture makes clear the need to respect
church leadership: "Obey those who rule over you,
and be submissive, for they watch out for your
souls, as those who must give account" (Heb.
13:17; cf. 1 Peter 5:5).
When members make it difficult for the leaders
to perform their God-assigned responsibilities, both
will experience grief and miss the joy of God's
prosperity.
Believers are encouraged to observe the
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