WRONGDOING BY ELDERS AND MINISTERIAL SERVANTS

16. If an elder becomes guilty of serious wrongdoing, what should he do, and why?

¹⁶ Since elders have such weighty responsibility in the Christian congregation, their conduct should certainly be exemplary. Therefore, if an elder commits a grave wrong, he is morally obligated to inform the body of elders respecting this, even though he may have repented of his error. Why? Because, having ceased to be irreprehensible, he is now disqualified from continuing to serve as an overseer. (1 Tim. 3:2) For men with serious spiritual blemishes to serve as elders would not conform to God’s standard of holiness.​—1 Pet. 1:15, 16; compare the law at Leviticus 21:17-23, which prohibited men of Aaron’s house from carrying out priestly duties if they had a physical defect.

17. What should be done if an elder feels that he is no longer irreprehensible?

¹⁷ Of course, like all other members of the congregation, elders time and again fall short of reflecting Jehovah’s image perfectly. Because of his repeated failings, an elder may come to feel that he no longer measures up to Scriptural requirements and may bring this to the attention of the other elders. After looking into the matter and also taking into consideration the conscientious feelings of the congregation as a whole, the other elders, however, may conclude that the kind of shortcomings involved do not call into question the man’s qualifications to serve as an overseer. (See Galatians 2:11-14, where we learn of Peter’s being reproved; this wrong did not disqualify him from continuing to serve as an elder.) Nevertheless, if this elder still conscientiously believes that he is no longer irreprehensible, the other elders should respect his feelings and relieve him of his responsibilities.

18. What responsibility do elders have toward one of their number that becomes guilty of grave sin?

¹⁸ On the other hand, if there is a valid accusation against an elder or if he confesses to gross sin, the other elders should assume full responsibility for relieving him of his eldership and should reprove him as needed, imposing whatever restrictions are advisable. Or, where an unrepentant attitude on his part makes it necessary, they should take disfellowshiping action.

20. What good may result from an example of genuine repentance?

²⁰ If God requires every member of the Christian congregation to be conscientious about pleasing him and keeping clean for his service, those who are elders and ministerial servants should certainly be no less sensitive as to their conduct. They are generally more experienced in the Christian way of life and are held more responsible by God, for they are examples. (Compare Luke 12:48; 1 Peter 5:2, 3.) Even if they make a grave mistake, their sincere repentance, manifested by their turning around from their wrong and their bringing it to the attention of the body of elders, is an example. This may serve to help others who slip into serious sin to take a like repentant course. The zeal for clearing themselves before God, the earnestness, the indignation toward their own wrongs, the effort at righting the wrong, will work for the salvation of all. Moreover, it will maintain peace in the congregation​—peace with God and with one another.​—2 Cor. 7:11.