WHAT IS THE PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE TERM “ELDER”?

The word elder is of Old Testament Hebrew origin. The primary word for elder, zaqen, was used, for example, in Numbers 11:16 and Deuteronomy 27:1, of the seventy tribal leaders who assisted Moses. There it refers to a special category of men who were set apart for leadership—much like a senate—in Israel. Deuteronomy 1:9-18 indicates that these men were charged with the responsibility of serving as judges. Moses communicated through them to the people (Exodus 19:7; Deuteronomy 31:9). They led the Passover (Exodus 12:21) and perhaps other elements of worship.

Later, the elders of Israel were specifically involved in the leadership of cities (1 Samuel 11:3; 16:4; and 30:26). Still, their function was decision making—applying wisdom to the lives of the people in resolving conflicts, giving direction and generally overseeing the details of an orderly society.

The Old Testament refers to them as "elders of Israel" (1 Samuel 4:3), "elders of the land" (1 Kings 20:7), "elders of Judah" (2 Kings 23:1), "elders...of each city" (Ezra 10:14) and "elders of the congregation" (Judges 21:16). They served in the capacity of local magistrates, and as governors over the tribes (Deuteronomy 16:18; 19:12; 31:28).

Another Hebrew word for elder is sab, used only five times in the Old Testament, all in the book of Ezra. There it refers to the group of Jewish leaders in charge of rebuilding the Temple after the Exile.

The Greek word for elder, presbuteros, is used about seventy times in the New Testament. Like zaqen, which means "aged," or "bearded"; sab, which means "gray-headed"; and our English word elder, presbuteros has reference to mature age. For example, in Acts 2:17 Peter quotes Joel 2:28: "Your old men will dream dreams." The Hebrew word used for "old men" in Joel is zaqen, and the Greek word used in Acts is presbuteros. Used in that sense, elder does not constitute an official title; it simply means "an older man."

In 1 Timothy 5:2, the feminine form of presbuteros is used to refer to older women. There, older women are contrasted with younger ones: "[Treat] older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity." In that context, the term again signifies only mature age, not an office in the church.

First Peter 5:5 contains a similar usage: "Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older." There, as in 1 Timothy 5:2, the word is used to contrast age and youth. In such a context, presbuteros is generally understood to mean only "an older person," not necessarily an officeholder of any kind. That is the primary meaning of the term in general Greek usage.

At the time of Christ, presbuteros was a familiar term. It is used 28 times in the New Testament to refer to a group of ex officio spiritual leaders of Israel: "the chief priests and the elders" (Matthew 27:3); "the teachers of the law and the elders" (27:41); "the officers of the temple guard, and the elders" (Luke 22:52); and the "rulers and elders of the people" (Acts 4:8). In each of these instances and in every similar usage, presbuteros refers to recognized spiritual leaders in Israel who aren't defined as priests of any kind. These seem to be the Sanhedrin, the highest ruling body in Judaism in Jesus' time.

Matthew 15:2 and Mark 7:5 use the phrase "the tradition of the elders" (cf. Mark 7:3). There presbuteros refers to an ancestry of spiritual fathers who passed down principles that governed religious practice. These were the teachers who determined Jewish tradition. In this sense, elder is equivalent to rabbi and may or may not signify official status.

There are twelve occurrences of presbuteros in the book of Revelation. All of them refer to the 24 elders who appear to be unique representatives of the redeemed people of God from all ages.

HOW IS THE TERM “ELDER” USED IN REFERENCE TO THE CHURCH?

The New Testament church was initially Jewish, so it would be natural for it to adopt the concept of elder rule for use in the early church. Elder was the only commonly used Jewish term for leadership that was free from any connotation of either the monarchy or the priesthood. That is significant, because in the church each believer is a co-regent with Christ, so there could be no earthly king. And unlike national Israel, the church has no specially designated earthly priesthood, for all believers are priests. So of all the Jewish concepts of leadership, that of the elder exemplifies the kind of leadership ordained for the church.

The elders of Israel were mature men, heads of families (Exodus 12:21); able men of strong moral character, fearing God and possessing truth and integrity (Exodus 18:20-21); men full of the Holy Spirit (Numbers 11:16-17); capable men of wisdom, discernment, and experience--impartial and courageous men who would intercede, teach, and judge righteously and fairly (Deuteronomy 1:13-17). All of these characteristics were inherent in the New Testament term presbuteros. The use of this term to describe church leaders emphasizes the maturity of their spiritual experience, as shown in the strength and consistency of their moral character.

Presbuteros is used nearly 20 times in Acts and the epistles in reference to a unique group of leaders in the church. From the very earliest beginnings of the church, it was clear that a group of mature spiritual leaders was identified to have responsibility for the assembly. The church at Antioch, for example, where believers were first called "Christians," sent Barnabas and Saul to the elders at Jerusalem with a gift to be distributed to the needy brethren in Judea (Acts 11:29-30). This demonstrates both that elders existed in the church at that very early date, and that the believers at Antioch recognized their authority.

Since the church at Antioch grew out of the ministry at Jerusalem, elders probably existed there as well. In fact, it is likely that Paul himself functioned as an elder at Antioch before stepping out in the role of an apostle. He is listed in Acts 13:1 as one of that church's teachers.

Elders played a dominant role in the Council of Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 15 (see vv. 2, 4, 6, 22, 23; and 16:4). Obviously, they were very influential in the foundational life of the early church.

As Paul and Barnabas began to preach in new areas, and as the church began to extend itself, the process of identifying church leaders became more clearly defined. And throughout the New Testament, as the church developed, leaders were called elders.

As early in the biblical narrative as Acts 14, we see that one of the key steps in establishing a new church was to identify and appoint elders for church leadership. "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust" (Acts 14:23).

Nearly every church we know of in the New Testament is specifically said to have had elders. For example, Acts 20:17 says, "From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church." It is significant that the church at Ephesus had elders, because all the churches of Asia Minor—such as those listed in Revelation 1:11—were extensions of the ministry at Ephesus. We can assume that those churches also identified their leadership after the Ephesian pattern—a plurality of elders.

Peter wrote to the scattered believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia: "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder...be shepherds of God’s flock" (1 Peter 5:1-2). Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia were not cities, but rather territories. Thus Peter was writing to a number of churches scattered all over Asia. All of them had elders.

HOW IS THE TERM “ELDER” RELATED TO THE TERMS “BISHOP” & “PASTOR”?

Bishops and pastors are not distinct from elders; the terms are simply different ways of identifying the same people. The Greek word for bishop is episkopos. The Greek word for pastor is poimen. The textual evidence indicates that all three terms refer to the same office. The qualifications for a bishop, listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, and those for an elder, in Titus 1:6-9, are unmistakably parallel. In fact, in Titus, Paul uses both terms to refer to the same man (1:5, 7).

The elders of Israel were mature men, heads of families (Exodus 12:21); able men of strong moral character, fearing God and possessing truth and integrity (Exodus 18:20-21); men full of the Holy Spirit (Numbers 11:16-17); capable men of wisdom, discernment, and experience--impartial and courageous men who would intercede, teach, and judge righteously and fairly (Deuteronomy 1:13-17). All of these characteristics were inherent in the New Testament term presbuteros. The use of this term to describe church leaders emphasizes the maturity of their spiritual experience, as shown in the strength and consistency of their moral character.

Presbuteros is used nearly 20 times in Acts and the epistles in reference to a unique group of leaders in the church. From the very earliest beginnings of the church, it was clear that a group of mature spiritual leaders was identified to have responsibility for the assembly. The church at Antioch, for example, where believers were first called "Christians," sent Barnabas and Saul to the elders at Jerusalem with a gift to be distributed to the needy brethren in Judea (Acts 11:29-30). This demonstrates both that elders existed in the church at that very early date, and that the believers at Antioch recognized their authority.

Since the church at Antioch grew out of the ministry at Jerusalem, elders probably existed there as well. In fact, it is likely that Paul himself functioned as an elder at Antioch before stepping out in the role of an apostle. He is listed in Acts 13:1 as one of that church's teachers.

Elders played a dominant role in the Council of Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 15 (see vv. 2, 4, 6, 22, 23; and 16:4). Obviously, they were very influential in the foundational life of the early church.

As Paul and Barnabas began to preach in new areas, and as the church began to extend itself, the process of identifying church leaders became more clearly defined. And throughout the New Testament, as the church developed, leaders were called elders.

As early in the biblical narrative as Acts 14, we see that one of the key steps in establishing a new church was to identify and appoint elders for church leadership. "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust" (Acts 14:23).

Nearly every church we know of in the New Testament is specifically said to have had elders. For example, Acts 20:17 says, "From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church." It is significant that the church at Ephesus had elders, because all the churches of Asia Minor—such as those listed in Revelation 1:11—were extensions of the ministry at Ephesus. We can assume that those churches also identified their leadership after the Ephesian pattern—a plurality of elders.

Peter wrote to the scattered believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia: "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder...be shepherds of God’s flock" (1 Peter 5:1-2). Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia were not cities, but rather territories. Thus Peter was writing to a number of churches scattered all over Asia. All of them had elders.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF AN ELDER?

As the apostolic era came to a close, the office of elder emerged as the highest level of local church leadership. Thus it carried a great amount of responsibility. The elders were charged with the care and feeding, as well as the spiritual guidance, of the entire church. There was no higher court of appeal, and no greater resource to know the mind and heart of God with regard to issues in the church.

First Timothy 3:1 says, "Here is a trustworthy saying: if anyone sets his heart on being an overseer [episkopos], he desires a noble task." In verse 5, Paul says that the work of an episkopos is to "take care of God’s church." The clear implication is that a bishop's primary responsibility is that of being caretaker for the church.

This involves a number of more specific duties. Perhaps the most obvious is the function of overseeing the affairs of the local church. First Timothy 5:17 says, "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor." The Greek word translated "direct" in that verse is proistemi, which is used to speak of the elders' responsibilities four times in 1 Timothy (3:4, 5, 12; 5:17), once in 1 Thessalonians 5:12 (where it is translated, "have charge over"), and once in Romans 12:8, where leadership is listed as a spiritual gift. Proistemi literally means "to stand first," and it speaks of the duty of general oversight common to all elders.

Elders operate by consensus, not by majority rule or vote. If all the elders are guided by the same Spirit and all have the mind of Christ, there should be unanimity in the decisions they make (1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 1:27; 2:2). If there is division, all the elders should study, pray and seek the will of God together until consensus is achieved. Unity and harmony in the church begins with this principle.

With the elders lies the responsibility to preach and teach (1 Timothy 5:17). They are to determine doctrinal issues for the church and have the responsibility of proclaiming the truth to the congregation. First Timothy 3:2-7, listing the spiritual qualifications of the overseer, gives only one qualification that relates to a specific function: he must be "able to teach." All the other qualifications are personal character qualities.

Titus 1:7, 9 also emphasizes the significance of the elder's responsibility as a teacher: "[A]n overseer...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." Already in the church, the threat of false teachers was so great that a key qualification for leadership was an understanding of sound doctrine and the ability to teach it. Encourage in this verse is the Greek word parakaleo, which literally means "to call near." From its uses in the New Testament, we see that the ministry of encouragement, or exhortation, has several elements. It involves persuasion (Acts 2:14; 14:22; Titus 1:9), pleading (2 Corinthians 8:17), comfort (1 Thessalonians 2:11) and patient reiterating of important doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2).

Acts 20:28 says that another function of an elder is shepherding: "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God." Involved in the concept of shepherding are the twin responsibilities of feeding and protecting the flock. Verses 29 and 30 reemphasize the fact that the protecting ministry of the overseer is essential to counter the threat of false teachers.

The elder acts as a caring and loving shepherd over the flock, but never in Scripture is it spoken of as "his flock," or "your flock." It is "God’s flock" (1 Peter 5:2), and he is merely a steward—a caretaker for the possession of God.

Elders, as the spiritual overseers of the flock, are to determine church policy (Acts 15:22); oversee (Acts 20:28); lay hands on, or ordain, others (1 Timothy 4:14); direct, preach and teach (1 Timothy 5:17); encourage and refute (Titus 1:9); and act as shepherds, setting an example for all (1 Peter 5:1-3). These responsibilities put elders at the core of the work of the New Testament church.

Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve. - 1 Peter 5:2

• Relating: Elders should purposefully seek to build relationships with people both in the church and in the community. It is important that elders and those whom they guide know one another. In keeping with the biblical analogy of the shepherd and his sheep, elders must be recognizable, approachable, steadfast and trustworthy. They should interact with people at the natural points of contact afforded by our church structure.
  
  
• Feeding: Elders should challenge those whom they shepherd to move into a deeper and more personal relationship with Jesus. Because elders have the opportunity to be personally involved in the lives of those who call VBC their church home, they are able to help ensure that needed spiritual sustenance is available.
  Acts 20:28-31; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2
  
  
• Instructing: Elders should equip and edify the church by teaching and preaching the Word of God while, at the same time, they model godly living.
  Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 4:12, 5:17b; 2 Timothy 4:1-2; Titus 2:7
  
  
• Leading by example: It is often assumed that the function of a shepherd is primarily that of a guardian. In reality, however, a shepherd leads the flock. A flock left too long in one place will quickly strip a pasture of all sources of nourishment.
  1 Peter 5:3
  
  
• Encouraging through correct teaching: Elders should encourage the members of the flock to remain consistent and to grow in their relationship with the Lord. At times sheep stray by falling into sin or by walking away from the church. Shepherds pursue and encourage stragglers and wanderers.
  Titus 1:9
  
  
• Discipling and Counseling: Elders should develop one-on-one relationships with the flock, providing discipleship, mentoring, and counseling.
  2 Timothy 2:2
  
  

• Mediating: Elders are to be thoughtful leaders, always ready to give an appropriate response when encountering discord or division in the church. It is beneficial to have someone who is known and respected by some or all who are involved to speak into such situations. This is a natural function of elders, given the personal relationships that typically develop between elders and those they lead.
  
  

• Caring and Interceding: The elders are a resource for those who seek partnership in prayer. James wrote, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14). Elders are to care for the spiritual well-being of members and regularly pray for and with the sick. They should give spiritual comfort during trials and pray with and for those who are part of the flock. This is a significant responsibility, and the reference in James 5:14-16 to praying for the restoration of health can apply to a wide range of needs, including people’s physical, emotional and spiritual health.
  1 Samuel 12:23; Romans 1:19; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; Ephesians 1:15-21; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; James 5:14-15
  
  
• Advising: Elders should offer objective Biblical guidance with regard to conflicts, distortions in thinking and difficult decisions.
  2 Timothy 3:16-17
  
  
• Unifying: Elders are responsible for creating and maintaining unity within the church. This is in accordance with the high priestly prayer of Jesus as recorded in John 17.
  
  
• Protecting: Elders are to guard the body against harmful influences, confronting those who are contradicting Biblical truth or who are following patterns of sinful behavior. They should warn the sheep of danger and discipline them in love and humility when they become rebellious, following the processes of church discipline outlined in Scripture.
  Matthew 18:15-20; Acts 20:28-31; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; Galatians 6:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 1 Timothy 5:17-25; 6:20; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 1:9; 3:10; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-5
  
  
• Being Accountable: Elders have a responsibility for the souls of their flock and will give an account before God.
  Hebrews 13:17

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF AN ELDER?

First Timothy 3 and Titus 1 identify the qualifications of an elder. First Timothy 3:1-7 says,

Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

There, 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. All the other qualifications, except perhaps teaching and management skill, only amplify that idea.

An elder must be above reproach in his marital life, his social life, his family life, his business life and his spiritual life. "The husband of but one wife" (lit. "a one-woman man") does not mean simply that he is married to only one woman—that would not be a spiritual qualification. Rather, it means an elder is to be a man who is utterly single-minded in his devotion to his wife. If he is not married, he is not to be the type who is flirtatious. "Temperate" seems to imply the idea of a balanced, moderate life. In the original Greek, the word translated "Self-controlled" can also have the connotation of being "wise." "Respectable" means that he has dignity and the respect of his peers. "Hospitable" means that he loves strangers—not necessarily that he has a lot of dinner parties, but rather that he is not cliquish. "Able to teach" is didaktitkos, or "skilled in teaching." Other characteristics are that he be "not given to drunkenness" (Timothy himself apparently did not drink at all; 1 Timothy 5:23); not "violent" (not one who picks fights or is physically abusive); "gentle"; "not quarrelsome"; and "not a lover of money."

All these must be proven, demonstrated qualities and abilities, and the first place he must manifest them is in his home. He must manage his own family well, and keep his children under control with proper respect. "Family" in verse 5 probably refers to an extended household, including servants, lands, and possessions and may include in-laws and other relatives. All these were elements of a household in the first century, and a great deal of leadership skill and spiritual character were required to manage them well. If a man could not manage his household, how could he be charged with managing the church?

The qualifications of an elder, then, go far beyond good moral characteristics. An elder must be demonstrably skilled as a teacher and manager. If anything in his life signifies a weakness in these areas, he is disqualified. If he has excessive debt, if his children are rebellious, if anything in his handling of business affairs is not above reproach, he cannot be an elder.

Understandably, he cannot be a new convert, for it takes time to mature, as well as to examine one’s life and evaluate one’s qualifications. In addition, elevating a new convert to a position of leadership runs the risk of making him become conceited.

To wrap all this up, he must have an impeccable reputation with those outside the church. His business and social activities in the community must also be above reproach.

In Titus 1:5-9, Paul lists similar qualifications. Writing to Titus, to whom he had given the responsibility of overseeing the appointment of elders on the island of Crete, he says:

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 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.

Most of these qualifications either echo or parallel the ones given in 1 Timothy. Again, Paul says that an elder is to be a one-woman man, having children who believe and whose lives are not characterized by wildness or disobedience. In other words, his children are not rebelling against him or the values of a righteous home and family, and they are not living lives of profligacy.

The overseer must be “blameless,” having been “entrusted with God’s work” Again, this implies that he is proven in the ministry already. He is "not overbearing," seeking his own things. He is "not quick-tempered," "not given to drunkenness," and "not violent." He does not seek to get money through illicit or questionable means. He is "hospitable," fond of what is good, and "self-controlled," or discreet. He is righteous, devoted to God, and "disciplined."

And in addition to all that, he must demonstrate skill in handling the Word of God, so that he can both "encourage others by sound doctrine" and "refute those who oppose it."

The two lists of qualifications are strikingly similar. Notice the parallels and the differences:

Additionally, at Village Bible Church, an elder would also affirm and carry out the Membership Commitments that we make to each other as well as the Elder Commitments affirmed to each other and to the church.

The Indirect Qualifier: The Elder's Wife

Additionally, if a man is married, there is an additional qualification – according to 1 Timothy 3:11, his wife “must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things;” and Titus 2:3-5 is fitting here also, that she “be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." All Christian wives should seek to achieve these attitudes and behaviors, but Paul said the wives of elders and deacons are required to possess them.

While this passage is situated in the midst of the continued instructions concerning the deacons’ qualifications, it cannot be ignored with respect to elders. Such a conclusion would be both unlikely and illogical. It doesn't make sense to assume that this divinely ordained requirement applies only to the wives of deacons. The example set by an elder and his family relationship is all the more crucial in leading, correcting, and overseeing God’s local flock.

An elder must demonstrate the ability to lovingly lead, rule, and guide in the context of his family – both with his wife and with his children. It is one thing to authoritatively direct one's children, who are children. It is another matter to examine how a man has performed in choosing a godly mate, exercising loving leadership, and creating an environment for godliness. As it will be in leading a congregation, so it is in leading a wife. It isn't accomplished solely by issuing commands.

And, without considering the husband's direct role, it will be important that the elder's wife be a true helper with his work.

She won't be performing the same function as the elder himself, but she may necessarily be privy to much of that with which the elder will be dealing. So, we certainly can see why she should not be a malicious gossip.

The elder’s work is sometimes enormous. He needs a companion who is as dedicated to the cause of the Lord as he is.

She Can't Be Indifferent to Her Duties

She is to be “dignified” (ESV), "reverent" (NKJV), or "serious" (NRSV). These words suggest a person who is prudent, dignified, quiet, of sound judgment, and not giddy. The jobs of wife, mother, and Christian all require a certain seriousness.

This doesn't imply that such a woman can't enjoy a joke or possess a sense of humor, but it does clearly assert that she must not be foolish or indifferent toward any of her responsibilities.

Fulfillment of this requirement is reflected in her language, dress, and manners.

She Must Control Her Tongue

An elder's wife can't be a woman who is a "slanderer" / "accusing falsely” (1 Timothy 3:11), where the reference is to those who are given to finding fault with the demeanor and conduct of others, and spreading their innuendos and criticisms in the church."

Women, or men, with such a weakness wreak havoc in any church. How much more so a woman whose husband is an elder, who may know more about the spiritual problems of some members than other women, and who, along with her husband, is being looked to as an example of Christ-like living?

If elders see their work as that of shepherds and not mere administrators, they will be regularly working with members who have weaknesses, who are involved in sins that need to be privately admonished in the teaching phase of an overall process of positive discipline. Such efforts will be turned completely upside down and damaged by slanders, inappropriate and ill-timed criticisms, and the like.

Elders' wives are not church officers themselves but they are "one flesh" with the men who do serve in that capacity. So, the sinful conduct of such a wife won't stand alone, at least as regarding its impact.

Wives Need to Use Self-Control

The ESV uses the word "sober-minded," and the NASB the word "temperate" to describe an approach to life that is discreet, chaste, moderate, in control of oneself, and able to curb one's desires and impulses. Interestingly, this is the exact same qualification required of their husbands, who serve as elders (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8).

Elders, by reason of age, likely will have wives who are older as well. So, this makes Paul's admonition in Titus 2:3-5 fitting here also. He wrote, "The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."

That makes it demonstrably clear that an elder's wife, as an older woman, certainly has an active, though authoritatively subordinate, role in the work of the local church. Her example, like that of her husband, will be observed and used as a model. And that being the case, she must be sober or temperate in her life.

She Must Be Faithful in All Things

This, of a certainty, is a broad-ranging qualification. It covers:

1. Faithfulness to the Lord in behavior, worship, and teaching; and
2. Faithfulness to her husband, morally, as a suitable helper, in obedience, and in the care of children still at home.

At the risk of being redundant, it is worth emphasizing again that God expects all women to be faithful in all things. But if a woman is still working on achieving this, she isn't yet the woman that an elder must have to be able to do his work effectively.

Need for Such Women Most Critical Today

God did not create man to be alone. He needs help. At times, being an elder is hard, strenuous work. He needs support. He can't effectively do his work if his own wife is one of his greatest problems. Sometimes, after discussions, studies, confrontations, and meetings, he will come home quite stressed. He critically needs a woman who understands that stress, who can help him avoid becoming discouraged by failures and setbacks, and who helps in whatever way she can.

An elder is to be hospitable. It may not be impossible for an elder to be hospitable without his wife's assistance, but it certainly would be difficult.

Additionally, the elder’s wife has a critically important role to as she serves alongside her husband in shepherding the flock- specifically the women who are in the flock. While the elder will shepherd both men and women, in-depth discipleship or counseling with a woman in a one-on-one manner is not appropriate, effective or permitted. Titus 2:3-5 instructs that they should “admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”

Elders will be ineffective in shepherding the whole church if their wives are not proactively shepherding alongside them. The wife’s role is vitally important.

ARE ELDERS TO BE SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY BY THE CHURCH?

Even in the early church, some elders were paid by the church for their labor. First Timothy 5:17-18 says, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” "Honor" in verse 17 is the Greek word time, which, as the context shows, refers to financial remuneration. (Notice that Paul quotes an Old Testament verse [Deuteronomy 25:4] and a New Testament verse [Matthew 10:10] and calls them both Scripture.)

In 1 Corinthians 9:1, 3-9 Paul says,

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?....This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. Don't we have the right to food and drink? Don't we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas? Or is it only I and Barnabas who must work for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk? Do I say this merely from a human point of view? Doesn't the Law say the same thing? For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned?

In other words, it is bound into the very nature of the ministry that those who minister should be supported. Soldiers are supported by the government. Farmers eat of their harvest. Shepherds drink milk from the flock. Even oxen get fed through the work they do. So those engaged in pastoral ministry are to be supported by the church. Paul adds in verse 13, " Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar?" Just as the priests lived off the offerings of the people, so those who minister under the New Covenant should be supported by those to whom they minister.

Nevertheless, Paul also establishes the fact that such subsidy is optional. It is a right, not a mandate. In verse 6, he says, "[I]s it only I and Barnabas who must work for a living?" He and Barnabas were supporting themselves through work outside the scope of the church. They had given up their right to refrain from working outside the context of ministry. Paul is clear that as ministers, they had a right to be supported by the church, even if they chose not to exercise that right. Their working was out of choice, not necessity, because they wanted to offer the gospel free of charge (v. 18), and they did not want to place the burden of their support on the church (1 Thessalonians 2:9).

Every elder has the same right. If his eldership is a calling from the Lord, if the church has recognized that, and if his calling has been confirmed through the Spirit of God to the leadership, he has the right to be supported by the church. If he senses the leading of the Spirit of God to seek subsidy so that he can be more free to do what God has put in his heart to do, the church is obligated by the recognition of his eldership to support him.

But the "tentmaking" role is also an option. If an elder chooses to gain income in another way, that is within the latitude of Scripture. Elders may choose to support themselves by working outside the church, as did Paul, for a number of reasons. They may not wish to put the burden of their support on the church. They may feel their testimony has a greater impact if they do not seek support. In a church with a plurality of elders, it is likely that some will support themselves, and others will be supported by the church. This will be determined by the group. Either way, it does not affect the man's status as an elder.

While the terms lay and clergy are not biblical terms, this doesn't mean they aren't helpful. In certain circumstances, it may be useful to distinguish between those whose full support comes from their service to the church and those whose main source of income is another occupation; but in Scripture, no such artificial distinctions are drawn. There are not different classes of saints, and in terms of position, there is biblically no difference between a lay elder and a pastor. Each elder is charged with the oversight, care, feeding, protection and teaching of the flock. All the elders together constitute the leadership and example for the rest of the church. All have been ordained by the church, called by God and set apart by God to a shepherding function as defined in the Scriptures. They are all called to the same level of commitment and to the same office. Subsidy should not be a dividing issue. Every elder has the option to receive support, or to support himself—whichever reflects God's will.

In fact, those who choose not to accept support from the church may have an advantage in the ministry they could not enjoy if they were paid by the church. They are uniquely in a position to display to the world their testimony of being above reproach. They are more exposed to unbelievers in the workplace and are on the cutting edge in a different dimension of life, able to interface with people with whom the church might otherwise have no contact. They may bring a greater degree of credibility to the entire group of elders. So an elder's subsidy is optional; his spiritual qualifications are not.

IS THE PASTORATE A TEAM EFFORT?

Clearly, all the biblical data indicates that the pastorate is a team effort. It is significant that every place in the New Testament where the term presbuteros is used, it is plural, except where the Apostle John uses it of himself in 2 and 3 John, and where Peter uses it of himself in 1 Peter 5:1. The norm in the New Testament church was a plurality of elders. There is no specific reference in all the New Testament to a one-pastor congregation. This is not to say there were none, but none is mentioned. It is significant that Paul addressed his epistle to the Philippians "to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers [pl. episkopos] and deacons" (1:1).

Some have said that Revelation 1 supports the one-pastor concept. There, the apostle John speaks of "the angels of the seven churches" (v. 20). Angel can mean "messenger," and those who argue for the single-pastor church say that the messengers here and in chapters 2 and 3 are the pastors of the churches. There are a number of problems with this interpretation. First, it cannot be proved that angelos refers to a pastor. These "angels" are never called "elder," "bishop," or "pastor." In fact, it is debatable whether they are human messengers at all. Angelos is nowhere used in the New Testament to refer to a pastor, elder, or bishop, and every other time angelos appears in the book of Revelation, it refers to angels.

Second, even if it could be demonstrated that these angels were pastors, this still would not prove that they were not representatives of a group of pastors. The clear New Testament pattern for church government is a plurality of elders. Acts 14:23 says: "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust" Titus 1:5 says: "The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you." It may be that each elder in the city had an individual group over which he had oversight. But the church was seen as one church, and decisions were made by a collective process and in reference to the whole, not the individual parts.

Much can be said for the benefits of leadership made up of a plurality of godly men. Their combined counsel and wisdom help assure that decisions are not self-willed or self-serving to a single individual (see Proverbs 11:14). In fact, one-man leadership is characteristic of cults, not of the church.

DOES GOVERNMENT BY ELDERS ELIMINATE THE ROLE OF SPECIAL LEADERS?

No, it does not eliminate the unique role of special leaders. Within the framework of elders' ministries there will be great diversity, as each exercises his unique gifts. Some will demonstrate special giftedness in the areas of administration or service; others will evidence stronger gifts of teaching, exhortation, or other abilities. Some will be highly visible; others will function in the background. All are within the plan of God for the church.

The twelve disciples are a good example of how diversity functions in a unified system. The disciples were all equal in terms of their office and privileges. With the exception of Judas, they all will reign on equal thrones, all to be equally respected and honored (Matthew 19:28). And yet within the Twelve, there was a tremendous amount of diversity.

Scripture includes four lists of the disciples—in Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:14-16, and Acts 1:13. Each list divides the Twelve into three groups of four names, and the three sub-lists always contain the same names, although the order may be altered. Generally, the names appear in descending order, beginning with those who were most intimate with Christ, and always ending with Judas Iscariot.

The first four listed are always Peter, James, John, and Andrew. We are more familiar with them, because they were closest to Christ, and the Gospels tell us more about them. The second group comprises Philip, Matthew, Nathaniel, and Thomas, while the last group includes James, both Judases, and Thaddeus.

It is significant that although the order within the sub-lists differs from one account to another, the first name in each group always remains the same. In the first group, the leading name is always Peter. The first name in the second group is always Philip. And James always leads the listing of the third group.

Apparently, each of the groups had a recognized leader. His position as leader was not necessarily by appointment, but because of the unique influence he had on the rest of the men. Peter, the name at the beginning of every list, became the spokesman for the entire group, as we see repeatedly throughout Scripture. Almost every time the disciples wanted to ask Jesus a question, Peter was the mouthpiece.

They had an equal office, equal honor and equal privileges and responsibilities. They were all sent out two by two. They all preached the Kingdom. They all healed. They all had access to Jesus. But while none of them was less than the others in terms of office or spiritual qualification (except for Judas), nevertheless, some of them stood out over the others as leaders among leaders.

A position of leadership does not imply spiritual superiority. It seems unlikely that Peter was the most spiritually qualified of the disciples. Perhaps James and John came to Jesus to ask for the highest places because they thought Peter was not qualified. Even though he was a leader, he certainly was not spiritually superior to the others. It could be that James the Less was the most spiritual of all. He may have had marvelous gifts that we just don't read about, because Peter, as the spokesman for the group, was so dominant. We don't know. But it does no disservice to the equality of the Twelve that one of them would give special leadership to the group.

The same phenomenon can be observed in the book of Acts. James, for example, was apparently regarded as a leader and spokesman for the entire church (Acts 12:17; 15:13). Although he was not in any kind of official position over the other elders, they seemed to look to him for leadership, at least at the church in Jerusalem. Peter was present, yet James was in charge. Their roles clearly differed. But no one was the leader of everything.

Peter and John are the two main characters in the first twelve chapters of Acts. Yet there is no record that John ever preached a single sermon. Again, Peter seemed to do all the talking. It wasn't that John didn't have anything to say; when he finally got it out, he wrote the Gospel of John, three epistles and the book of Revelation. But Peter had unique gifts, and in the plan of God, Peter was to be the spokesman. John's was a supporting role—not a less important role, but a different one.

Beginning in Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas become the dominant characters. And although Barnabas was probably the leading teacher in the church before Paul came along, Paul totally dominated the duo. The Greeks even named him Mercury, because he was the chief spokesman. Barnabas undoubtedly did some teaching and preaching, but his sermons are not recorded. His was a different—less visible, perhaps, but no less important—role in their joint ministry.

Every ministry we see in the New Testament is a team effort. Paul seems continually to commend the people who worked with him. Some of them were, no doubt, co-teachers. Others of them carried out servants' tasks. None of that eliminates the unique roles of leadership. But it does prevent the independent, non-accountable, self-styled leader from dominating—people such as Diotrephes, "who love[d] to be first" (3 John 9).

WHAT IS THE ELDER’S RELATION TO THE CONGREGATION?

Elders are called and appointed by God, confirmed by the church leadership and assigned the task of leadership. To them are committed the responsibilities of being examples to the flock, giving the church direction, teaching the people and leading the congregation. Scripture implies that anyone at a lower level of leadership involved in decision-making as it relates to church policy or doctrine should be under the elders' authority.

Because they share unique responsibility and position in the church, elders are worthy of great respect. First Thessalonians 5:12-13 says: "Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work."

The word translated "respect" in this passage means "to know intimately." Along with the rest of this passage, it implies a close relationship involving appreciation, respect, love and cooperation. And the reason for this great feeling of appreciation is "because of their work." We are to respect them because of the calling that they are fulfilling—not only because of their diligent labor and the task they have, but primarily because of the calling to which they have been called.

Hebrews 13:7 says, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." This emphasizes both the elder's responsibility to live as an example, manifesting in his life the result of virtue, and the church member's duty to be mindful of those who have led them in this way.

Verse 17 adds another dimension of the congregation's duty toward their spiritual leaders: "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burder, for that would be of no advantage you." In other words, the congregation is spiritually accountable to the elders, and the elders are accountable to God. The congregation should submit to the elders' leadership and let the elders be concerned with their own accountability before the Lord. If the congregation is submissive and obedient, the elders will be able to lead with joy and not with grief, which is ultimately unprofitable for everyone.

This does not mean, however, that if an elder sins openly his sin should be ignored. First Timothy 5:19-21 says,

Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

An accusation of sin against an elder is not to be received lightly. Nor is it to be overlooked. Elders are to be disciplined for sinning in the same way anyone else in the church would be. In no way are they to receive preferential treatment.

The testimony of the church is most visible in the lives of the elders. If they ignore the biblical mandate for holiness, the church will suffer the consequences. Equally, if the church is not submissive to the leadership God has ordained, its testimony will suffer, its priorities will be unbalanced, and ultimately its savor as the salt of the earth will be lost.

Our desire is to see God's church functioning as He has ordained, with strength and purity in the midst of a weak and wicked society. Our strong conviction is that when the church submits to God's pattern for leadership, we will experience His blessing beyond measure.

Selection of Elders

Selection: The Scriptures indicate that the first elders were appointed under the authority of the Apostles (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). However, no specific guidelines are given in the New Testament as to how this selection process was to be done after the Apostolic Age. It would appear therefore that local churches are free to develop a process that will best serve their own needs in their particular cultural context.

At Village Bible Church, the Guiding Elder Team will determine the number of positions to be filled. If it is determined that additional elders are needed, the following process(es) will be followed:

1. Nominations will be accepted by the Guiding Elder Team from other elders and from members of the congregation.
   
   
2. The elders will prayerfully oversee the examination process to determine if a potential elder:
   1. aspires to the office;
      1 Timothy 3:1
      
      
   2. is above reproach in all areas of his life;
      1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9
      
      
   3. affirms his agreement with the Statement of Doctrine and Constitution of this church and demonstrates competency of Biblical doctrine so as to be able to teach, encourage, and refute false doctrine;
      Titus 1: 9
      
      
   4. demonstrates the heart and ability to shepherd the flock and to serve alongside the existing elders.
      Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:1-3

3. The names of anyone whom the Guiding Elder Team desires to add as an elder will be made known to the members of the congregation. Members will be reminded of the Biblical requirements for elders and will be given 30 days to speak personally with the nominee(s), should they wish to express their concern about any potentially disqualifying factors. If their concern is not resolved, they should then approach a member of the Guiding Elder Team and share that concern.
   
   
4. Vote of affirmation: The Guiding Elders will present candidates to the members of the congregation for a vote of affirmation. Affirmation by three‑quarters majority vote will be required for the approval of an elder.