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Pilgrim said:
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Wes said:
In my church a term of (3) years is normal for someone ordained to the office of elder or deacon. It is generally understood that, "once and elder always an elder." However when one is not currently serving on the Council they are viewed as "inactive" versus an "active" elder. . . .
This has been my experience also, that a typical term of active service is 3 years. But your reply activated my dormant "nit" in regard to how in many, if not most, churches, Deacons are deemed "inferior" to Elders. Since BOTH are ordained to office, would it not seem consistent and right that Deacons should also be deemed "once a Deacon always a Deacon"? The actually "calling" to serve in the Church of Christ is done by God the Holy Spirit Who dispenses the necessary gifts to those who are going to be office bearers and Who also causes such men to be recognized by their peers as having been specially gifted to serve. Is it therefore not only right that both Elders and Deacons be recognized and treated without prejudice in this regard? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/scratchchin.gif" alt="" />

In His grace,

Thanks all,

After reading the responses and thinking more about the ordination ceremony at church last week, I think that, at least for the elders, the office is permanent (although possiblye inactive). The elders who took the vows were new elders I think. On the other hand, I know for certain at least one of the deacons in the ceremony was also a deacon last year, so I suppose there is a distinction between the terms of elders and deacons in my church. I guess I'll have to ask to know for sure.

I agree with what everyone posted, though, that elders and deacons are distinct offices and one is not inferior to the other.

John