The term ‘need-to-know’, when used by government and other organizations, describes the restriction of information which is considered very sensitive. Under ‘need-to-know’ restrictions, even if one has all the necessary official approvals to access certain details (such as a security clearance, etc.) , he still would not be given access to such information unless there was a specific ‘need-to-know’; that is, access to the information would be necessary for the person to conduct of his official duties.
Sometimes our work in a local church must also honor a sort of ‘need-to-know’ policy. For example, a certain member might become aware of a sinful situation involving another member of the congregation. Action must be taken, but there is no justification for spreading this news to others. They have no ‘need-to-know’, at least not yet, and to include them would compound the problem rather than solving it. Notice how Jesus taught a gradually widening circle of those who would ‘need-to-know’ such a thing: “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” (Matthew 18:15-17)
As this procedure is implemented, one of two things will happen: 1) the erring brother or sister will repent, and the problem will be solved; or, 2) the matter may need involvement by others and ultimately be presented to the whole church (as Jesus prescribed). In either case individual Christians should understand and respect this scriptural ‘need-to-know’ policy.
Unfortunately, some Christians feel ‘left out’ or think others are withholding ‘news’ that they have a right to know. Some may begin to gossip or backbite via an unofficial ‘grapevine’ that spreads throughout the congregation. This, or course, is sinful and counter-productive. If they are never brought into the case, they should see this as something to rejoice in because the problem has been solved. It is certainly not a thing to resent.
Often those with the first exposure to such sensitive subjects will be the elders of the church. They have a heavy burden of responsibility in regard to each individual member in the congregation (Hebrews 13:17) and therefore will need to act promptly and correctly in dealing with the news they have learned. Others in the church need to respect the elders and honor their unique role as overseers (Acts 20:28). It is the elders’ specific business ‘to know’. Others have no ‘need-to-know’ and should not do anything to interfere – at least not until it has reached the point where their involvement would be helpful and authorized by God’s ‘need-to-know’ policy.
– by Greg Gwin