The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum How are elders selected?

Methinks that is true in many cases.

Sooooo, at the risk of beating a dead horse, I'll take this opportunity to criticize the practice of the majority of churches, whether of Presbyterian or Independent persuasion in church polity. There is an undeniable and indefensible practice of dividing the ONE office of elder into two. And consequently elevating the elder(s) who teach/preach over those who are said to "rule".

1. In Presbyterian-type governed churches, which would include all the Dutch Reformed churches, the requirements for the "teaching/preaching" elder are far different than the requirements for "ruling" elders. The former are most always required to have completed seminary with a M.Div degree. The latter are generally not required to have any biblical training. as John rightly pointed out there are two passages in Scripture which speak directly to the requirements for the ONE office of Elder and the ONE office of deacon. ALL Elders are to be 'apt to teach' and to 'rule'. ALL elders have the same authority in the church. I am not suggesting that all elders must have a M.Div degree!! But ALL elders must have a firm grip on Scripture and be able to articulate the doctrines of the faith well so as to refute those who oppose it. Far too many men who have the esteemed seminary degrees are guilty of introducing heresy into the church, which is woefully evident throughout church history, where those set apart for office were to be exposed and removed, even during the days of the apostles.

2. In Independent churches, many do not practice the policy of having a 'plurality of elders' but rather have only one Elder and then a plurality of Deacons. The one Elder is then elevated and addressed as the esteemed Pastor, who as in #1 above is given more authority than the other office bearers. This is often strongly denied by both types but in practice it is easily observed.

And lastly, please take note of how Scripture also includes the following important information concerning the Eldership: "Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work." Men are to SEEK the office of Elder (Bishop), which is rarely even mentioned in churches today. Most elders are to come from WITHIN the local church and not from WITHOUT the church, which is the common practice for the unbiblical "Teaching Elder" position. An elder MUST be a man of BOTH godly character AND one who is biblically knowledgeable and able to preach/teach. There is no requirement that a man be a successful businessman nor any other such worldly 'virtue'.