We used to take a vote (in the tally the numbers, majority wins sense) on elders/pastors and deacons, but a few years ago the constitution was changed because of the conviction that it was not thoroughly Biblical on several grounds:

1. You never see a church voting for their elders (much less the color of the carpet) in the way most churches do. The church is NOT a democracy. Elders and deacons are not chosen by the congregation but by Christ. The local church does, however, recognize them.

2. It does not leave room for needed understanding between the man under consideration and the members of the congregation who don't vote for him. To not vote for an elder is to say that they are not qualified for that position. This should be dealt with privately and then taken to the elders if the issue is not resolved. And, unfortunately, we learned this by personal experience. But the issue is thankfully and joyously resolved!!!

3. The congregation still submits names to the elders at each business meeting for consideration for elder and deacon. And they appreciate this immensely! Since I have been at my church, we have added one deacon and one elder, and both are men that I (and many others) noted as being qualified for the offices.

This is what our constitution says now:

Quote
ARTICLE IX - CHURCH OFFICERS
A. Appointment of Church Officers
1. General Statement
a. There are two offices in the church, elders and deacons. The calling of elders and deacons is the prerogative of the Lord Jesus Christ alone. However, He has ordained that each local church exercise the responsibility of recognizing those whom He has called to be elders and deacons in that particular church. The number of officers shall not be fixed. The church shall set apart men for each office according to the qualifications for that office and the need of the congregation.
b. Elders and deacons are ordained to office by the laying on of hands by the eldership (1 Tim 4:14). This is an expression of approval for which the elders are responsible. Therefore, each office bearer must have the approval, not only of the church as a whole, but of the eldership in particular.
c. The Lord's calling of an individual to either of these offices is recognized by means of that individual's possession of those graces and gifts required by Scripture for the particular office and his own conviction that the Lord is calling him to minister in that office. The recognition of office bearers is a matter of such importance that it should never be dealt with without much prayerful waiting upon God, an honest perusal of the relevant passages of Scripture, and a frank evaluation of those who are being considered. Each member of the congregation has a spiritual responsibility to be intelligently informed regarding these matters.

2. Procedure of Appointment
The recognition of those whom the Lord has called to bear office in this church is executed in four steps: nomination, congregational evaluation, appointment, and ordination.
a. Nomination
Nominations to either office are made by the eldership. At least once every year at the annual business meeting an advisory ballot shall be taken. On this ballot each member in good standing may write the name of any male member(s) and the office for which he believes that member to be qualified. Giving consideration to these advisory ballots, the elders shall nominate to office the men who in their judgment are qualified for that office. Upon nominating such a man, the Scriptural qualifications for the office shall be clearly laid before the people.
b. Evaluation by the Congregation
After a man has been nominated to the office of elder or deacon, the congregation shall be charged with the responsibility to carefully consider his life and doctrine in light of the Biblical qualifications for a period of at least three months. Any concerns about the candidate should be expressed to him and, if not resolved, to the elders as well. Any commendation or concern expressed to the elders must be put in writing and signed by the member expressing such concern. As well, during this period, the elders shall seek to canvass the people regarding the qualifications of the man put forth for office.
c. Appointment by the Elders
If, at any time, concerns are raised such that the elders determine the person is not qualified for the office, they shall announce and explain his removal from consideration. However, if in the evaluation of the elders no such disqualifying concerns are evident, and the period of evaluation has confirmed the man as qualified for the office, he shall be appointed to that office by the elders of the church.
d. Ordination
Following the appointment of an office bearer there shall be a portion of a regular worship service set aside at which time the office bearer shall be ordained by the laying on of the hands of the eldership. This solemn act should always be accompanied by the special prayers of the whole church (Acts 13:1-3; 1 Tim 5:22).

Reformed Baptist Church of Louisville

True godliness is a sincere feeling which loves God as Father as much as it fears and reverences Him as Lord, embraces His righteousness, and dreads offending Him worse than death~ Calvin