Elder Form For Church In Kings
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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.
As Paul writes in Ephesians , pastors are “gifts” of Christ to the church. Or, as Paul tells the Ephesian elders in Acts , “The Holy Spirit has appointed you . . . as overseers.” Thus, the church submits to Christ by recognizing those elders as gifts through a congregational vote.
Each circuit overseer visits the congregations in his jurisdiction twice each year. During his visit, local elders recommend members who may qualify for appointment as elders or ministerial servants (equivalent to deacons), and appointments are decided by the circuit overseer.
The single, overarching qualification of which the rest are supportive is that he is to be “above reproach.” That is, he must be a leader who cannot be accused of anything sinful because he has a sustained reputation for blamelessness.
One way to recognize both biblical principles is (i) to have the elders nominate prospective elders and then (ii) to have the congregation vote to recognize them. That way the elders are the ones examining a man before putting him before the congregation, yet the congregation's decision is decisive.
The Bible never identifies a specific number of elders that should lead each local congregation.
The Apostles “appointed elders” in every church they planted (Acts ), and Paul exhorted Titus to “put what remains in order, and appoint elders” in Crete (Tit. ). Less clear, but still there we believe, is the role of the broader congregation.
We believe the New Testament teaches that there is to be a plurality of elders. This means that a church is not to have unitary leadership where only one man has ultimate authority.
Title: Choosing Your Elders Pray. Pursue someone you feel led to ask. Ask. If they decline, you're done. If they agree, share their name with the elders. The elders meet with. Candidates put on ballot if no serious issues. Church votes; super majority of members who vote required.