- Are elders the leaders of the church?
The phrase that best describes church polity at FCC is elder-led, deacon-served, member-affirmed. Sometimes this is called congregationalism. This affirms that elders are certainly set aside leaders of the church but the elders do not have ultimate authority. The deacons serve the church under the leadership of the elders. And finally, every single church member has authority in the church. This authority of the church as a whole is emphasized in several places; church discipline cases in Matthew 18:18-20 and 1 Corinthians 5, affirming church leaders in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Acts 6:1-7, and singing and praying in Ephesians 5, Colossians 3, and James 5. The whole body works together for the sake of unity and the proclamation of the gospel. This is called congregationalism or as we call it at FCC; elder-led, deacon-served, and member affirmed.
- What are the qualifications of an elder?
1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
- How do I know if I am supposed to be an elder?
Becoming an elder is not a lone ranger decision. There are two aspects of the affirmation of a person to the office of elder. First, it is the private aspiration of a man (1 Tim. 3:1). If a man has the aspirations to the office of elder, he should let his elders know of this aspiration. Second, after quite some time of observing and testing a man’s character, the church will affirm or deny this aspiration and fitness for the office of elder. The affirmation of an elder should not be a hasty decision (1 Tim. 5:22).
- Can an elder be divorced?
Yes. Although there are differing opinions, FCC has taken the stance that elders can be divorced. This should be evaluated on a case by case scenario. There are certainly situations where a divorced man is disqualified for the office of elder. The qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 are not a list of qualifications which a person must have always had, but rather that they currently possess. For more information on those qualifications, listen to the sermon here:
No. This would be a clear violation of the Scriptures. Particularly 1 Tim. 2:11-15 where Paul says a woman should not teach or exercise authority over a man. A woman holding the office of elder would be contrary to the order of creation. Paul says in 1 Cor. 11 that women are created from man and are the glory of man. Therefore, a woman should never hold any pastoral office. It is exclusive to men only.
- What is the relationship between the individual elders?
The elders, together as a body, have the authority. Each individual elder has equal authority, input, and responsibility. However, there are practical implications for what is commonly known as the first among equals. Some churches, including FCC, call him the Lead Pastor. The Lead Pastor does not have more voice or authority than any of the other elders. The Lead Pastor does possess a unique position as the man who has given most of his time and efforts to the preaching and praying ministry of the church. This man is worthy of double honor (1 Tim. 5:17-18). Though this role is unique, it does not carry more authority. In fact, it is each elder’s responsibility to be submissive to the overall decision and authority of the elder body.
- Why a plurality of elders?
FCC is led by a plurality of elders because this is the New Testament standard. Every time in the New Testament the term elder is used, with the exception of the usage which refers to a particular elder, the plural is used. In other words, there is the expectation that churches have a plurality of elders. Although this is not the normal practice in most churches, it is the practice of the New Testament church.
- What is the benefit of elders in a church?
Elders are a great benefit to the church. Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Faithful elders set an example by faithful teaching of the Bible as well as a faithful life that is worth following. A church will only rise as high as its leadership, so it is extremely necessary of having faithful elders who teach the Word of God and live faithful lives. The benefit of this will be immeasurable in the life of the church.
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