What’s An Elder?
Periodically, “Elder Nomination Season” rolls into LCC. The health and direction of our church depends on the Spirit’s provision and guidance of Godly elders. But… what is an elder? Who can be one?
The term “elders” can be a bit misleading, since it sounds like the first prerequisite is advanced age. It is possible to have younger adults serve as elders. The Greek word can be translated “bishops” or “overseers.” But we shouldn’t overcorrect: life-experience is nearly irreplaceable when it comes to leading with wisdom.
Nominating elders is an act of love to the congregation. It’s a way of participating with God to call people into a critical type of service: the elders of the church make key decisions about direction, discipline, and finances. The elders are part of a broader community (“the presbytery”), which offers another layer of accountability and support.
Who should you consider nominating? Please start with prayer. Who surfaces in your mind? After that, the first thing to check is whether or not that person is a member. We require elders to be members because the act of membership is an act of voluntary submission: if someone hasn’t submitted to the elders, they are not ready to be an elder. Does this person demonstrate exemplary character? Wisdom? Patience? Teachability? Commitment to Jesus and his people?
About the process: the Elders will evaluate every nomination. We will automatically talk to anyone who receives more than one nomination. Nominees will be examined and have a period of time to learn and discern whether this is the right time to serve, and if they believe it is, they will be examined by the current elders and eventually by the congregation in a congregational meeting. Those elected serve 3-year terms and may serve 2 terms. After a year off, inactive elders are eligible to be “reactivated” for another 3 year term.
Below, you’ll find extensive descriptions of the qualifications and tasks for eldership. Suffice it to say, Eldership is a big job. Bigger than any of our capabilities. The ideal elder simply does not believe he or she is qualified, and is committed, by necessity, to depend on Christ actively for guidance.
Acknowledgment: Our thanks to Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church (CCPC). This document is borrowed largely from CCPC Elder Handbook. It is used and modified for our purposes with their permission.
1.0 General Overview and Introduction
When most Christians think of church elders, they think of an official church board, lay officials, influential people within the local church, advisers to the pastor, policymakers, financial officers, fundraisers or administrators. All of these are good positions, yet these ideas are far different from those found in the New Testament.
Being a true biblical elder is not about serving on a business committee. It’s about joining a biblically qualified team of men and women that jointly care for and pastor this local church. Elders seek the will of God and listen for his voice. Elders teach the Word. Elders seek the Lord in prayer. Elders set the course for God’s church. Elders are personally involved in the lives of God’s people. In the Bible, being an elder is a weighty thing. Theologian Lawrence Eyers writes, “Of all the honors given to sinful men, none exceeds that of being impressed into the lifelong service of the King and Head of the church…Elders, in the fulfillment of their holy calling, hold the key to the health of the congregations under their rule.”
To communicate the New Testament idea of eldership, we need to reeducate ourselves as to the Bible’s usage of the term elder.
• An elder is to be a presbuteros (see Acts 11:30; 14:23; 1 Tim 5:17; Titus 1:5; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1). This is a person of wisdom and experience. This speaks of the older, senior leaders of the church known for their deep love and persistent faith. These are to be models of the faith life, and witnesses and winsome ‘reminderers’ of God’s faithfulness as God’s people navigate the trials and problems that living life in a broken world brings.
• An elder is also an episkopos (see Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:2). This is an overseer, a person who oversees the life and ways of an organization, who is given charge to watch over and direct those members of the church. We get the terms Episcopal and bishop from this word, reminding us that the office has a clear authority component to it. We are given a large responsibility: keep watch over the lives and souls of our brothers and sisters.
• An elder is also a poimenos, a pastor (Eph 4:11, Matt. 26:31, John 10:16, Luke 12:32; Acts 20:28,29; 1 Peter 5:2,3; also Gen. 9:2-3, Jer. 13:17, Zech. 10:3). This speaks of a shepherd, one who attends to and takes care of a flock of sheep. The elders of the church are the co-pastors of the sheep. This is based on a root word meaning both “to tend” and “to herd.” As elders, we are to tend God’s sheep where they are now, while also moving them, herding them, to where God wants them to be. We care for – shepherd – the souls of our flock. We are always and completely dependent on God’s movement in their lives as he performs whatever soul-curing he deems appropriate, loving, and kind in the moment.
It is an office to which we are placed into by the hand of God Himself. We are ordained into the role, not simply hired or selected. And once chosen and installed, we are empowered in this role by the Holy Spirit, not by our experience and education and worldly gifts. It should birth awe and wonder in you, but also expectation and excitement! What a ride we have ahead, my brothers and sisters! May all the glory go to God alone.
2.0 What is Most Important to Being an Elder
• Dependence. We work for Jesus. The Source of our ministry is God. Jesus is the Leader and Chief-Shepherd of this church. We are actively seeking to be dependent on Him, because we need Him to accomplish anything valuable. Jesus is the Head of this church.
• Prayer. We listen to Jesus. We start every decision process by going to Jesus (through prayer and Bible study) and asking Him for guidance. Often you hear, “Ask, listen, wait, obey.” It is Jesus who sets the plan for our actions. After asking, we then work on listening for His words, waiting on His timing, and obeying His directions.
• Submission. We exercise joint leadership. Under Jesus, we share leadership, always seeking to love, serve, and equip each other and this church. We see ourselves first as under-shepherds, servants, and protectors. We believe the Holy Spirit leads us to unity as we are submitted to Jesus Christ. One Elder has no real authority, but together we are called to lead.
• Obedience. We seek Jesus’ goals. We believe Jesus has several specific goals for every Christian and for His church. Our job as an Elder Board is not to create the church’s vision, but to humbly listen to discern Christ’s goals and follow that vision. We prepare for the future primarily through prayer, obedience, and character development.
• Equipping Each Other. We work toward a stronger Kingdom. From our inception, we have been a provisioning and training place from which Christians can reach out in love to others. To describe this, we use words like a “A Home-base for Ministry,” or a runway, a greenhouse. As we do this, we are more concerned about "kingdom" growth than church growth. This means that we work alongside many ministries, and we don't care who gets the credit.
• Missional Living. We love the world that Jesus died for. We are called to be a place of reconciliation for the world. We believe that every member is a missionary, and that “missions” is a life-style. This means that we evaluate our culture, our neighborhoods, and our world for ways to connect, so that we might gently offer God’s love and grace through Jesus. We deliberately choose people over programs. We love God by actively building loving relationships with others, especially non-Christians. We create places and times to meet, serve, and work with the community, and are committed to sharing our facilities, our lives, and our Lord.
3.0 Key Documents Elders Should Be Familiar With
We use several founding documents to keep us on track and hold ourselves accountable.
The Bible.
The Essentials of Faith for the EPC (our theological framework for being Evangelical, orthodox, and Bible-centered Christians. This is required for all membership).
The EPC Book of Order (setting up clear guidance for Government, Worship, and Discipline).
The Westminster Confession of Faith and The Westminster Shorter and Longer Catechism (our theological framework for being Reformed Christians. This system of theology is necessary for leadership).
The EPC Leadership Training Guide.
The LCC Elder Handbook.
The LCC Vision Traction Organizer.
There are also many “EPC Position Papers” on topics of importance, like Marriage and Sexuality, the Ordination of Women, the Holy Spirit, Abortion, Suffering, Death and Dying, Value and Respect for Life. These papers and other EPC pastoral letters can be found at the EPC web site: www.epc.org/about-the-epc/position-papers.
• EPC Book of Government Rules on Elders and the Session.
A. Office of the Ruling Elder (Book of Government, 10-4).
1. Watches over the spiritual welfare of the congregation.
2. Shares authority with the Teaching Elders in all the courts of the church in both rights & duties.
3. When appointed to participate at Presbytery or General Assembly, watches over the spiritual welfare of the court and participates diligently in their commission.
4. Representative of the people in the courts of the church.
5. Represents the mind of Christ, as that person understands it, in the church.
B. Life of the Ruling Elder (Book of Government, 10-5).
1. Blameless in life.
2. Sound in faith.
3. Wise in the things of God.
4. Discreet in all things.
5. Lifestyle that is an example to all – in and out of the church.
C. Responsibilities of the Ruling Elder (Book of Government, 10-6).
1. Study and learn the Word. Be prepared to teach it. Adept at leading prayer and worship.
2. Visit the sick, lonely, aged, bereaved and those that have a pastoral need.
3. See to the development of the children, encourage new members or new believers in spiritual development.
4. Diligent to watch for moral failures and to reclaim those who stray.
5. A Ruling Elder can be authorized by as a Commissioned Pastor. (10 – 6, section E)
D. Authority of the Session (Book of Government, Ch. 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 16)
1. Govern the church. (4-8)
2. Establish missions of the congregation. (5-1)
3. Set and determine membership. (6, 9)
4. Authority to bear witness against error or doctrine that is contrary to Christian faith. (16-4)
5. Authority to discipline Ruling Elders. (10-6d)
6. Oversee Deacons. (10-7)
7. Authority to establish rules for its own governance – must conform with Scripture and Constitution of the Church. (16-4)
8. May apply discipline to its members or those under its charge in keeping with the regulations established in the Book of Discipline. (1-13)
9. Authority to establish a search committee and issue a call to a Pastor (with concurrence of Presbytery and Search Committee). May issue calls to persons to serve in various capacities assigned to that court or agency. Such calls shall always be for a specific period of time not to exceed three years. Such calls shall ordinarily be renewable. (10)
10. May organize itself as it deems appropriate for the fulfillment of its duties.
11. The Church Session has jurisdiction over all that belongs to the worship and ministry of a particular church, excepting the structure and content of worship as set by the Pastor. (16-5)
12. Authority to establish and conduct Sunday school and Bible classes. (4-5)
E. Duties of the Session (Book of Government. 10-5)
1. As a Board of the Organization
a. To determine the budget of the church and the benevolence objectives of the congregation.
b. To keep rolls in accordance with Section 9-1. To dismiss, restore, grant affiliation, or remove members - Sections 9-4, 9-5, 9-6 and 9-7.
c. To fulfill the obligations to those elected to the office of Ruling Elder or Deacon as set forth in Sections 12-3, 13-8, 9 and 10.
d. To determine policies regarding the use of the property and facilities.
e. To organize itself for the advancement of the ministry of the Church and the mission of that congregation.
2. As Overseers of Ministry & Worship
a. To initiate the ministry of evangelism as the first business of the Church, and to seek to lead persons to an acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord.
b. To remind parents of the responsibility of presenting their children for Baptism, and to provide instruction as indicated in the Book of Worship (BOW) 3-2.G.
c. To receive members in accordance with Sections 9-2.A, 9-2.B and 9-2.C.
d. To oversee the educational program of the congregation.
e. To oversee the work of the Board of Deacons (or comparable ministry) and to review its minutes at least semiannually unless otherwise provided for by the Church Session. It is also desirable to call a joint meeting at least semiannually to discuss matters of common interest.
f. To oversee the worship of the congregation in accordance with the Book of Worship, including the time and place of worship, special services, the music program, and the celebration of the sacraments. This shall not infringe on the responsibility of the Pastor in the selection of hymns, Scriptures, sermon, administration of the sacraments, or other duties that are incumbent on the office of Pastor.
3. As Shepherds of the Congregation
a. To monitor the spiritual conduct of the members, and to take action when appropriate according to procedures set forth in the Book of Discipline.
b. When there is no pastor present, an elder may convene the people for worship on the Lord’s Day, offering prayers, praise, reading the Scriptures and teaching thereof.
c. To order special offerings, special days of prayer and fasting, special days of worship and other matters that benefits the spiritual life of the people. 1-14
d. To do whatever else may be necessary for the spread of the Gospel, the edification of the members, the well-being of the church, the advancement of the Kingdom, and the growth in grace of all.
4. As Partners with the EPC
a. To approach the Presbytery on matters it believes vital or helpful to the whole Church, and to observe and carry out the injunctions and instructions of the higher courts. The Church Session shall elect representatives to Presbytery and shall hear a subsequent report on that court
b. Presbytery - Two Ruling Elders for each Teaching Elder from a particular church.
c. General Assembly - Two Ruling Elders for each Teaching Elderfrom a particular church.
4.0 Practical Leadership Applications – 4 Ps of Leadership
How can we, as leaders, be more godly, effective, and durable as we fulfill God’s call for us at this church? The following is an affirmation that some churches use to remind each other of our commitment to Jesus as church leaders:
OUR PURSUIT As Elders, Deacons, and Leaders, we are to collectively represent the “mind of Christ” for this, His church. At Littleton Christian Church (LCC), the Session of Elders is charged primarily with seeking and finding the guidance and leading of Jesus. They set the direction and theology for this church. This includes a commitment to pray, listen, discuss, and seek unity. The staff, under the leadership of the Session, are the primary “operations officers”, seeking to practically accomplish the direction set by the Elders for the well-being and growth of individuals and families who call this church home. Together, we are shepherds leading those God has placed under our care to green pasture, helping them to find and follow God’s agenda for their lives as they grow in physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and relational maturity.
OUR PATTERN In all areas of our leading and serving, our ultimate touchstone and guide is the truth found in the Bible. Therefore, we choose to place ourselves under the standards of love, obedience, and accountability as contained in God's Word.
OUR PASSION As ordained Elders or leaders, our desire to serve others stems from God's command of love to us:
"Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as you would love yourself."
It is our heartfelt desire to use our time, training, skills, aptitudes, and spiritual gifts only for purposes consistent with this command.
OUR POWER As undershepherds, we cannot oversee Christ’s church without Christ’s help. No matter how good our intentions, we cannot do what needs to be done by ourselves. Therefore, our vision, our wisdom, and our strength must be provided to us by Jesus, the Head and Chief Shepherd of this church.
“For we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” ( 2 Cor. 4:7).
5.0 Practical Leadership Applications – Leadership Ethics
The 35th General Assembly (in June 2015) adopted the “Ethical Affirmations for EPC Leaders” statement below for use with Candidates Under Care, and strongly encouraged its use in EPC presbyteries and churches. This lays this groundwork for the ethics and behavior required for Christian leadership. It is included below.
ETHICAL AFFIRMATIONS FOR EPC LEADERS
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. So, put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. (Colossians 3:1-5)
As EPC leaders called by God to the gospel ministry, we must recognize the eternal significance and responsibility of that call and understand that we are being watched, our actions are being evaluated, our words are being critiqued, and our attitudes are being assessed by others in the church and in the world. Because our highest call is to do all for the glory of God, we must hold ourselves to a high standard of behavior. Therefore, we should:
• Exalt God as Sovereign Lord of the universe. We should always endeavor to honor, glorify, and worship God, representing Him well in every relationship and in every endeavor.
Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the 3-5 LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. (Psalm 29:12)
• Emphasize integrity. We are called to walk in humility, but with confidence because God is with us. There is no justification for selfishness, self-centeredness, or ego-driven goals. We will hold ourselves to the same level of accountability that we ask of those whom we are leading. We desire to be wise stewards of money whether personal funds or ministry funds. Theft, fraud, or the misappropriations of ministry funds or property are inexcusable. We should give an honest accounting of ministry expenses. Gifts of money or other gifts of value should not influence our decisions. We should not speak critically of other churches, nor should we purposefully recruit believers from other churches to join our fellowship. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
• Expect excellence. We are called to be faithful to the Bible, applying it to our own lives first as we seek God’s guidance. We should share the truth of the Scriptures with wisdom, grace, and conviction, speaking the truth in love. We should model integrity when preaching and teaching, acknowledging outside sources when their words or ideas are used. We should study diligently to understand and promote doctrinal and theological orthodoxy. We should lead with holiness, humility, and boldness, looking to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4)
We should strive to be trustworthy, to work well with others, and to work wisely. We should strive to be promise-keepers, not compromising spiritual or personal values. We should welcome opportunities (workshops, seminars, classes) that will challenge our hearts and minds, stimulating spiritual growth. We should lead with the authority that Jesus gives, coupled with the sacrificial life and attitude that He lived.
We should read the Scriptures regularly, meditate upon them, listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit, and pray for a moldable heart and a spiritually receptive mind. We should strive to conform to God’s will rather than surrender to human desires and agendas.
And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:17)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. (Romans 12:1-3)
• Embrace compassion. We are called to care for those in our charge with love, grace, and forgiveness. We should listen to understand, speak to heal, lovingly confront, and make decisions that promote reconciliation, peace and unity. We should remember that those we are speaking with are created in the image of God. We should be kind and accepting towards all, although not accepting of unbiblical behavior or values. We should ensure confidence in private conversations, acknowledging that it may occasionally be necessary to disclose confidential information, e.g., if that information concerns the immediate danger of bodily harm/loss of life, or when applicable laws mandate reporting. We should always speak truth in love, recognizing that uncontrolled anger is unacceptable, and that neither gossip nor slander will be tolerated. We should avoid establishing unrealistic expectations for others or ourselves.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassion-ate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:29-32)
We should care for ourselves, as well as others: spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and relationally.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
• Excel in holy behavior.
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do. (1 Peter 1:15) Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. (1 Peter 2:11) Do not love the world or anything in the world. (1 John 2:15)
We are called to holy living so we should not place ourselves in compromising situations, either personally or professionally. We should resist the devil and flee from temptation. We should try to identify our vulnerabilities and make specific provisions to safeguard our hearts and minds from these temptations. We affirm sexuality as a gift from God and seek to honor this gift by conforming to biblical standards. We should be intentional about regular self-examination. We should strive towards a life of surrender and a repentant spirit.
• Engage heart-to-heart. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) It is vital to deliberately place ourselves in relationships where mutual accountability occurs, constructive criticism can be shared without being concerned about responding defensively, where encouragement is the heart beat of these gatherings, and where focus and direction can be shaped in the presence of people who share a similar journey of personal and spiritual growth. We should welcome accountability from spiritual partners and peers in ministry. We should willingly submit to spiritual discipline should we violate our ordination vows as leaders in the Church.
And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three {strands} is not quickly torn apart. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
• Empower God’s people. We should motivate, prepare, and mobilize the people of God to impact the world for Christ. This includes inspiring co-workers and other believers to be missional and to intimately connect with the passions of God’s heart. We should esteem our co-workers as fellow laborers in the gospel ministry. We should not consider our co-workers as better than other believers, nor should we take for granted our co-worker’s gifts and abilities, time and treasure. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. (Ephesians 4:12)
As a leader in Christ’s Church, and as one who represents the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, I commit to these Ethical Affirmations for EPC Leaders.