Comments on: Why Elder Rule? (Part 1 of 2)

By: Ron

Ron — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:59:31 +0000

Great topic and conversation. It seems that we have perverted and complicated the pattern the Lord Jesus set for us. Acts 14 shows just how simple it is. They ordained elders in the local church, commended them to God, and went on their way. Many have succumbed to the rudiments of tradition rather than studying the pattern the Lord gave us. We must focus on replicating that pattern, even if it is contrary to modern day organizations. Thank you for an excellent topic and post.

By: Steve Scott

Steve Scott — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 06:12:51 +0000

Don Sands: “A church of 1,000 may need 50-80 elders”

Winston: “What about a large church with many men who qualify, but we only need 2?”

In our church of 600, we just doubled our eldership to four (4). A shortage…

Winston, ordain two and send the rest to us!

By: donsands

donsands — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:36:02 +0000

We had a church of about 100-120, and we had anywhere from 5-8 elders. Sometimes the elders would have to step out for a season, because of other things going on in his life. But even then this elder would be used by the Lord, but he would not be involved in all the meetings and “body-life”.
Elders are examples, and overseers. They need to be in prayer, and definitely have a basic understanding of God’s word. And their character must be well rounded, not sinless, who is. But no chronic sins, or practicing sins.

A church of 1,000 may need 50-80 elders, would be my way of thinking, not to mention deacons. And deaconesses, if you think women can have that office.

By: Winston

Winston — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:29:39 +0000

“God ordains them and the church recognises them” “If a person shows that he is faithful and gifted in the ministry, and fits the qualifications for an elder in Titus 1:5 and down, then most likely he is the man who God has ordained for ministry.”

I am not disagreeing I am just trying to understand. This would work if we need 2 elders and there are only 2 men who fit the bill. What about a large church with many men who qualify, but we only need 2? Or do we make everyone who qualifies an elder no matter how many elders we get? How do we know how many elders we need?

By: Steve Scott

Steve Scott — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:56:04 +0000

Winston asks: “Do we have a Biblical precedent for a popular vote in choosing our elders? ”

If a man aspires to eldership (1 Tim. 3:1), desires it (1 Tim. 3:1) and is qualified (1 Tim. 3:2-7), then there’s no reason for him to not be ordained. I don’t think it’s so much a vote as in an election as it is an affirmation that he is qualified. If a man is unqualified, then the congregation should be able to show that before any ordination takes place.

By: Andrey

Andrey — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:41:08 +0000

Dave, I agree with you. Unfortunately, reality many times is different from the way it should be done.

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:57:38 +0000

Andrey, that is the way it should be done. However, in reality, too many churches like to “reward” people that have been faithful or served well with the honor of the title of Elder, or Deacon. At times, this means they have to either ignor certain Biblical qualifications, or redefine their interpretation. Unfortunately, I have witnessed this first hand. I have also seen Pastors that, though they believe in a plurality of elders, had trouble implementing it. Not only due to a lack of understanding by the congregation, but also, in part, due to their own personal pride. I am not meaning to be harsh by saying that. How does a small church with a lone pastor, and the financial means to support only one, implement a plurality? I think this is hard for some pastors and their congregations to get figured out, on a practical level.

By: Andrey

Andrey — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:06:44 +0000

We don’t choose elders. God ordains them and the church recognizes them. God provides the gifts to a person that will enable him to be an elder of the church. If a person shows that he is faithful and gifted in the ministry, and fits the qualifications for an elder in Titus 1:5 and down, then most likely he is the man who God has ordained for ministry.

By: Winston

Winston — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:09:35 +0000

I agree that an elder rule is Biblical, but how do we appoint elders now? The apostles picked the elders then. Do we have a Biblical precedent for a popular vote in choosing our elders?

By: donsands

donsands — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:16:50 +0000

Good teaching. Seems that many in local churches today don’t particularly like this eldership rule, and leadership. There’s a tremendous breakdown on accepting, and respecting, the authority of church leadership. People in the church are fine with elders, as long as they say and do what they want them to, but try and break the status quo, and the strife begins.

It’s great to have a church where there is unity of the Spirit, and the bond of peace, but it seems rare today, if there is godly elder rule.