Unequally Yoked.

When Paul forbids Christians to be yoked together with unbelievers, the normal application of this is to personal relationships and especially marriage.  But these words also apply to entering business relationships and any other relationship where a bond is created.

But it also applies to the church.  Christians ought not to be yoked together with unbelievers especially in church.  However, this is not taken too seriously because it adversely would effect numbers and income.

More specifically, ought ministers to voluntarily to yoke themselves with unbelieving elders and fellow Presbyters?  Paul says NO.  Ought Christian parents to send their children to be taught by unconverted Sunday School teachers?  Paul says NO.  When newly converted Christians are considering church membership, are they under any obligation to place themselves voluntarily under the spiritual authority and oversight of unconverted and ungodly elders?  Paul says a clear NO.  Or for that matter, ought new Christians to place themselves under thew spiritual authority of spiritually immature elders?  On this principle, the answer must be NO.  He teaches that no novice, or spiritually immature believer, should be admitted to the office of eldership, even if the congregation votes them in.  They are not fit for office until they have been trained by years of Christian experience.

What Paul is teaching in effect is 'Watch your company.'  Brilliant advice to all ages, and not just to young people.  Don't become ensnared by anyone, not even the church.  Don't place yourself in the position where ungodly elders will make decisions that you will find impossible to accept.  Keep away from bad company, especially when that is in the church.  Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers (2 Cor.6:14).  In fact, I would question whether a Christian is bound to obey elders who have been erroneously elected to office in the church.  If the church has no concern for its spiritual well being, then Christians ought to have no concern about submitting to the spiritual authority of ungodly elders.