Church leadership structure #2

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6. What are the qualifications of an elder?

A wise, mature man who is self-controlled, hospitable, a skilled teacher, gentle not violent, not quarrelsome, not greedy for money, not a recent convert, has a good reputation with the community, not overbearing, not quick tempered, loves what is good, upright and holy, disciplined, above reproach, husband of only one wife, self-controlled, respectable, not given to wine, manages his family well, has children in submission, does not pursue dishonest gain, holds to the truth (1 Timothy 3:1-9, Titus 1:5-9).

A question of marital status as qualification often arises. My understanding is that the phrase “husband of only one wife” literally means “a one-wife man”, and it refers to the present marital stability and character of the elder. He must be fully devoted to his wife and not wander after other women either emotionally or sexually. It does not refer to commanded marriage for an elder (1 Corinthians 7), polygamy (although this is recognized for all saints as sin), or to a biblical divorce. The churches in which I have served have had a preference that the lead pastor should be an elder who has never experienced divorce.

7. Can a woman be an elder?

Evidently not with the whole church. There are no Old Testament or New Testament references to women holding this position of office. The qualifications for elder seem to preclude a woman. Although, godly older women did serve in an elder role to younger women in the church (Titus 2:3-5). This is a matter of debate among good Christians. My understanding in this is not based on a prejudice against woman, rather a simple reading of scripture.

8. How many elders are there to be?

There are no guidelines in scripture. Moses had 70, the 12 apostles functioned as elders, but there is no record of how many were in each church. There probably were, however, one or two elders who rose to the position of leading overseer above the others, the first among many, who focused on the preaching and teaching (1 Timothy 5:17).

9. In light of scripture, what should be the leadership structure of the church?
Scripture is silent on the actual structure. The roles are discussed, and we read examples of how they interacted with the church. But there is no prescribed structure. When I served at West Ridge Church, we took this approach: the elders were divided into two ministries:

• Guiding elders – godly men who advise the pastors, oversee the discipline and doctrine of the church.
• Leading elders – pastors who oversee the feeding and leading of the flock of the church.
• Lead Pastor – there is one pastor who is the chief overseer, a servant leader who provides direction for the whole church.

10. How are the elders selected?

At WRC the guiding elders advise and hold the lead pastor accountable. They evaluate him and would lead the process of replacing him. The lead pastor and elder group select the leading elders and other pastors. The lead pastor evaluates them. The guiding elders are selected by the lead pastor and the elder group, and are affirmed by the congregation each January. They serve one year at a time, and may serve seven consecutive terms before taking a break.

to be continued