We submit to the form of church government where authority in the church is exercised by a “plurality of elders” (as differentiated from other widely recognized forms—e.g., congregational, Episcopalian, etc.).
We submit to the form of church government where authority in the church is exercised by a “plurality of elders” (as differentiated from other widely recognized forms—e.g., congregational, Episcopalian, etc.). In the New Testament, the office of elder carries a tremendous amount of responsibility. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul implies that the elder’s primary responsibility is the care or oversight of the church (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 5:17; 1 Pet. 5:2-3). The Greek word used by Paul to describe the duty of overseeing the affairs of the church is "proistemi", which literally means, “to stand first” (1 Tim. 3:4-5, 5:17). When translated, "proistemi" is the word “rule” (1 Tim. 5:17; Rom. 12:6-8—where ruling is listed as a spiritual gift; 1 Thess. 5:12—where it is translated “have charge over”).
The Pillar
The topic of church government is theologically significant, extremely practical, and crucial to the proper functioning of the body of Christ. Power-hungry, elaborately- structured local churches have emerged in Christ’s name that are in complete contradiction to our Lord’s teaching on humility, love, sacrificial care and servant hood. Worse, these unscriptural ideas have wrongly elevated men and institutions and have demeaned Christ’s place in the Church. Sadly, many churches remain weak because spiritually immature men lead them. Some of these local churches have abdicated their important Scriptural responsibilities by hiring “professional” ministers whose services can be terminated at their pleasure.
The Practice
The distinguishing features of this leadership include:
a. Plurality or shared oversight
The Biblical data indicates that the oversight of the Church is a team effort. The norm in the New Testament church was a plurality of elders. We note that every place in the New Testament where the term ‘presbuteros’ is used, it is plural, except where the Apostle Peter uses it of himself in 1 Pet. 5:1. This concept of shared leadership in the Church provided for mutual encouragement among those who shared in the work, and prevented the rise of the one-pastor church as well as lessened the chance for pride and tyranny in the office.
The elders, therefore, are not just board members of a religious corporation with whom the pastor cautiously consults. The elders, as a body, are tasked with the responsibility of leading, overseeing, shepherding, and caring for the local church. Hence, there is mutual submission among the members of the board of elders.
b. Biblical Qualifications
Those who are to comprise the eldership must meet the moral and spiritual requirements established in the Scriptures (1 Tim. 3:2-7; Titus 1:5-9).
c. Process of Selection
The senior pastor and the board of elders are given the responsibility of inviting individuals to serve as elders in the church. Candidates for these offices will then be tested in the areas of their knowledge of the Scriptures, their ability to teach, and their shepherding skills. The names of the candidates who pass the tests will then be submitted to the official members of the church for confirmation by secret ballot. A candidate must garner a majority vote from the congregation before he is allowed to assume his office (1 Tim. 5:22, 24-25). Whenever possible, candidates for eldership shall be drawn from deacons or vocational minister/deacons.
d. Spirit-imparted Desire
Those who serve as elders must exercise oversight with eagerness, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God (1 Pet. 5:2; Acts 20:28).
e. Humble in Character
The eldership must be a humble body of servant-leaders who sacrificially and lovingly care for the family of God (Matt. 23:1-12; Mark 9:34-35, 10:32-45; 1 Pet. 5:3).
f. Male Leadership
The office of the elder is to be restricted to qualified males (1 Tim. 2:12, 3:1-2; Titus 1:5-6).
g. Submission of the Congregation
The elders are Christ’s under shepherds and stewards, thus the congregation are to obey and submit to their guidance, protection and care (Heb. 13:17). However, there must be close cooperation between the elders and the congregation, for all are under the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and His holy Word (1 Thess. 5:12-13).
h. Decision-making
Since the New Testament teaches that God rules His church through a plurality of godly men and since God has only one will, agreement on critical matters has to be unanimous. When Scripture is silent about a certain issue, the eldership will seek to discern the mind of God prayerfully, thoughtfully and patiently until God’s will becomes clear.
i. Assistance from Deacons and Vocational Ministers
The elders shall be assisted in their oversight of the church by deacons/deaconesses and vocational ministers whose qualifications, duties, tenure and manner of selection will be laid down according to Scripture.
j. Disqualification of Elders
The Bible lays down clear requirements for the office of the elder. Anybody serving in this office must maintain the standards set in Scripture (1 Tim. 3:1-7; 2 Tim. 2:15; Titus 1:6-9). Failure to do so will result in his disqualification. Needless to say, the discipline or disqualification of an elder is a serious matter; hence the Church must carefully follow the guidelines set by Paul in 1 Timothy 5:19-20. If the accusation of sin against an elder is proven to be true, he is to be rebuked publicly by his peers in the eldership, and where necessary, dismissed from office. This measure is established in order to maintain the holiness and purity of the Church.
k. Tenure
Elders serve for life unless they are disqualified or have compelling reasons to resign their office, e.g., physical incapacity, family problems, relocation to another country, change of ministry calling. Such reasons however are subject to the confirmation by his peers in the eldership. Where there is a possibility of reinstatement, the eldership shall evaluate his reentry and prescribe a process of confirmation.
l. Accountability
Each elder shall be accountable to his peers for the evaluation of his life and doctrine and for discipleship.
The Parameters
Elders must never wield their authority in a heavy-handed way, use manipulative tactics, or be arrogant, or aloof. They must not enslave others or create a repressive atmosphere. They must never use their office for the purpose of material gain or prominence. They must always bear the marks of humble servanthood and be accountable to the church for their behavior or conduct (1 Pet. 5:1-4). In disciplining or disqualifying an elder, it is absolutely essential that the grounds for disqualification be Biblical—not merely because of prejudice, resentment, or sinful majority vote.