ELDERS
Please first read an introduction to doctrinal statements here: Some things we believe and practice in the assembly at Apsley
Who are they?
In the New Testament there are only two official offices of church governance: elders and deacons (see 1 Timothy 3). The elders are a plurality, a group of men who are together primarily responsible for leading the church. As a working rule we recommend a minimum of three, with no maximum as the number necessary will depend on the size of the church.
They are referred to by three terms in the New Testament:
Elders (1 Peter 5:1): indicating spiritual maturity (see also 1 Timothy 3:6). As a guideline, we recommend elders are men between the ages of 30-70 who have been active Christians for at least five years. These numbers are not a requirement as situations vary at different times in the life of a church.
Overseers (1 Timothy 3:1, 1 Peter 5:2): indicating the responsibility of oversight and care for the members of the church.
Shepherds (Acts 20:28, Ephesians 4:11, 1 Peter 5:2): indicating the style of leadership required. In Bible times Shepherds knew their sheep personally and led them from the front. Their desire was for the sheep to flourish and grow by ensuring they were well fed and protected. In the context of church leadership this means leading by example, ensuring there is good Bible teaching, protecting from error and challenging and disciplining the wayward when necessary.
What do they do?
We can tell already from the terms used (elders, overseers, shepherds) that the elders are to focus on the doctrine, teaching and pastoral care of the church members. This is confirmed by the characteristics required from the lists of qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 in the New Testament:
Ability to explain sound doctrine (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:9).
Ability to discern, and courage to rebuke, false doctrine (Titus 1:9).
Hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8). Elders must be willing to share their lives with others either by inviting people to their homes or using other means.
Alert and aware of spiritual dangers, with a care for people’s eternal wellbeing (1 Timothy 3:2, Acts 20:31).
Who can be elders?
Any men who are members of the church and meet the criteria of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 can be appointed as elders.
As well as the positive characteristics of having a good understanding of doctrine, an ability to communicate, courage to confront false teaching and a love for people, there are negative characteristics that would disqualify a person from being an elder:
Bad reputation in the church, in business or in the community (1 Timothy 3:2,7; Titus 1:6).
Unfaithful to his wife (if married) or a womaniser (if unmarried). Unable to manage his children (if he has any) and keep order in his home (1 Timothy 3:4, Titus 1:6). We don’t believe that being married or having children is a requirement for every elder but we will always try to have some married fathers on the team of elders.
Lack of self-control in any area such as drunkenness, addictions, temper, violence; or any kind of disorderly, rebellious conduct (1 Timothy 3:2-3, Titus 1:7-8). This can make a person unreliable and hard to work with.
Financial greed (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7, Acts 20:33). An elder must not be covetous of wealth or fame otherwise these motives will distort his leadership. An elder is to be a steward (Titus 1:7), looking after God’s own people for God’s sake not his own (Acts 20:28). An elder is to be an example of someone who works hard in order to give to others (Acts 20:33-35, 1 Peter 5:4).
Cultural influence leading to compromise in his opinions and teaching (Titus 1:9). An elder is to hold to and live by the truth passed down through the gospel and all of Scripture even if it is unpopular in the surrounding culture.
Who appoints them and how?
Elders are raised up by God (Acts 20:28) and when this happens the church should be able to discern this and be willing to officially recognise them and appoint them to this role.
The existing elders should lead this process but are not to simply appoint whomever they choose but should listen to all concerns and views of those in the church as they seek to understand whom the Lord has raised up. There will arise a desire to help, care for and strengthen the people of God (1 Timothy 3:1) through the Word of God, prayer and fellowship. This should become apparent to the church as the potential elder teaches and shares from God’s Word, leads in prayer, encourages, disciples and uses their home to aid fellowship.
How long does the role last?
We recommend that elders retire from official responsibility at 70 years old, but by no means does that mean they should stop serving the people of God. Elders may well voluntarily step back from the responsibility (perhaps temporarily) if their life circumstances change.
There can be a need to remove an elder from office if they become disqualified, based on any of the criteria above. This will be led by the other elders but is to be done by the entire church. Depending on the severity of the sin it may also lead to excommunication from the church, until restoration is possible if and when the person shows themselves repentant. They can then be fully restored to the church but no longer to any official position of elders or deacons because of the criteria of being blameless (1 Timothy 3:2,10).
