What Qualifies Someone to Be a Church Elder?
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A church elder holds a position of authority and responsibility in making decisions. Churches have various forms of leadership and ways to participate in the congregation’s life. Through committees, teams, special interest groups, and more, decisions are made through discussion and going to God in prayer. Choosing church elders begins with asking God for wisdom, discernment, and revelation as to who should serve. Then, the person offered the opportunity to serve as elders must decide if this is the calling God has for their life. Christians ordain elders that serve in teaching or pastoral roles. An elder may also be a lay person serving as an administrator.
Where Does the Bible Mention Church Elders?
The New Testament mentions elders. James held a significant role in the Jerusalem church. James, son of Zebedee, was a chief spokesman at the Council of Jerusalem. He reported about Paul’s mission to the Gentiles.
“When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me. Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles.” (James 15:113-14 NIV)
One person would not make decisions for a church. People with wisdom and who were thought to be trustworthy were chosen to help make choices while following the law of God.
Along with having strong faith and knowledge, an elder must be trustworthy and follow doctrine. In the Pastoral Epistles, Paul addresses Titus and Timothy on why that is important.
“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” (Titus 1:9 NIV)
The book of Acts shares how people came to teach believers. “Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1). Paul and Barnabas debated with the people. The Bible tells that Paul and Barnabas were appointed, with some others, to go to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about that question. The discussion involved Peter addressing them and reminding the brothers of God’s choice of choosing him to share the gospel.
1 Peter 5:1-5 shares the important message of being a witness and sharing the glory of God. “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed. Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be: not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
Matthew 21:23 shares how the chief priests and elders came to Jesus while He was teaching in the temple courts. They questioned His authority to preach. In Biblical times, church elders could have included scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees. Also, Scripture shares that church elders were often older men.
Are There Multiple Kinds of Church Elders?
There are different kinds of church elders. Each elder is chosen based on their faith, spiritual gifts, wisdom, and ability to share the gospel. A teaching elder needs to be able to teach the word of God. In the Presbyterian church, the minister is the teaching elder. There are ruling elders and deacons. The ruling elders meet and discuss the church’s concerns and joys. According to Romans 12:7 and Ephesians 4:11-12, all elders should have the spiritual gift of teaching.
In the Presbyterian church and other churches, there can be elders for Missions, Worship, Personnel, Youth, Buildings and Grounds, Finance, and Fellowship. Other areas may be assigned to elders.
This does not mean every elder will teach Sunday School or preach sermons from the pulpit. Teaching to individuals or small groups is an essential way for elders to show others the love of God. Writing devotionals or articles sharing the gospel is another way elders can teach.
Some churches have elders and deacons. A person may be ordained as both. While elders can be involved in the church congregation’s decisions, deacons are often involved with a more personal approach, such as visiting the shut-ins.
An elder and a deacon are both given leadership roles to build up the body of Christ. Today, both men and women can be elders in most churches. Also, there is no specific age when someone can be ordained as an elder.
Do Church Elders Have as Much Authority as Pastors?
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17 NIV) Elders do not make decisions without consulting their pastors. The pastor often opens the meeting at a “session” meeting in the Presbyterian church with prayer. The elders gather to discuss what is happening in their particular church and the church worldwide. Pastors will give guidance and share information needed for the “session” to make the best choices for their congregation. One person doesn’t make the choice for everyone.
Elders should be an example to their flock. “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:1-4 NIV)
Church Elders Today
Today, men and women are called to be church elders. Their age doesn’t matter as much as their life experience, wisdom, and desire to serve God and the church’s people. When someone is ordained as an elder, there may be a special church service where Scripture is read, and questions are asked of the person being ordained. In some churches, once a person is an ordained elder, they are ordained for life. The person may serve on the “session” or “board” or “team” of elders for a specific period. After their serving time is completed, they are still vital to the congregation and share God’s love. Elders are often recognized as people to seek when important changes or decisions are considered in their church.
According to Scripture, church elders were expected to follow specific instructions. Some qualifications were being blameless, faithful, not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. The elder must be hospitable, love what is good, have self-control, and hold firmly to the message of God so that they can encourage others with sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
These standards apply today, as well.
Remember, we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. We are called to worship God, not elders or deacons. Although we choose church leaders, we remember they need help and prayer. Lifting church leaders in prayer is important to having a relationship that strengthens faith and draws others close to Him.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Hybrid Images
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.