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#6679
Sat Oct 18, 2003 3:33 PM
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Should it be the responsibly of pastors to choose an elder board, or should it be the congregation that chooses them?<br><br>Tom
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Tom
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Sun Oct 19, 2003 12:38 PM
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In our church the congregation chooses the elders. Or is that even what you're talking about? I assume by "elder board" you mean the Session, right?
In the midst of your sadness and woe, when you are tormented and afflicted, have comfort! God's will is done.
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Yes that is correct, though I had to look the word "session" up, because I was not familiar with the term.<br><br>Tom
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If it is a Presbyterian church, the Elders will pre-examine the men for the Elder office before the congregation votes on them. <br><br>IMO, both of Tom's choices have problems with them. The Pastor should not choose his Elder board, and before any congregation voting, the men up for election should be pre-examined for their qualifications to serve.
Last edited by John_C; Sun Oct 19, 2003 6:44 PM.
John Chaney
"having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith . . ." Colossians 2:7
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John<br><br>Your mentioning people being examined for qualifications is a good point.<br>I actually didn't mention that because I assumed that was already done.<br>In the Church I attend, people are nominated by membership, and then interviewed by the existing elder board and then if they are found to be qualified they are recommended to the congregation voting on. The congregation then (hopefully after a lot of praying), votes on them.<br><br>It is not automatic that someone is voted in, as I found out, when I wasn't voted in a few years back after serving 9 years on the board.<br><br>In my case however, I think that was an answer to my prayers, because I was starting to disagree with a few of the decisions that the Church was making. Not allowing people who were not baptized as adults into membership, was just one such decision.<br>The only reason I let my name stand, was because I thought since it was a hard time in our Church, and I didn't want to leave at a time like that, but God had other ideas.<br><br>Whether or not all this was the biblical way to do things I don't know, but those are the facts.<br><br>Tom<br><br>
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Tom, In reply to: Should it be the responsibly of pastors to choose an elder board, or should it be the congregation that chooses them?
Neither. In most Reformed churches the Elders govern the church in Christ's name. It is the Elder's responsibility to find qualified men who meet the biblical requirements from within the congregation. The Lord will provide the men with the necessary gifts to lead His church. Usually in a special Elder's meeting they will prayerfull review candidates who are eligible and meet the requirements. Then they will select from among those who are not only qualified to serve but are also willing to serve.
In most Reformed churches the Elders present them to the congregation for approval as well. However the congregation can only vote on those who the Elders have presented to them. It's important to note that this is not just a democratic process but a process governed and guided by the Elders according to the criteria listed above. Usually but not always more nominees are presented than needed and the congregation determines which men will be selected to serve. These names are made public at least two weeks before the congregational meeting and those elected will serve for a predetermined period of time.
In a church that is governed by Elder's even the Pastor is accountable to their oversight. The Pastor is also an Elder and should not lord it over the other Elders. It's the responsibility of the Elders to guard the flock and provide for the spiritual well being of God's people.
Wes
When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts
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