What's an Elder to Be?Far from being just a placeholder in the congregation's structure, an elder has specific ministry responsibilities that help provide for and protect the church. The office of the elder is one of servanthood, representing Christ through the action of the Holy Spirit. In the local church, elders are chosen members who show spiritual discernment, lead exemplary lives, have charitable spirits, and embody wisdom grounded in God's Word. Elders, together with the installed minister/s serving under a call, have supervision of the church entrusted to them. They are set apart for a ministry of watchful and responsible care for all matters relating to the welfare and good order of the church. They are to study God's Word, oversee the household of faith, encourage spiritual growth, maintain loving discipline, and provide for the proclamation of the gospel and the celebration of the sacraments.
--adapted from the Book of Church Order, Part I, Article 1, Section 8 Consider using this video as a tool for evaluating and setting new goals for your congregation's ministry of elders. Suggestions for using this video:After viewing the video, ask the following questions: Call: Do you believe that God has called you to be an elder? How did you become aware of this call? Do you remember your ordination to the office of elder? What was it like for you? Now that you've been serving as an elder, how do you see the role of elder differently? What do you think makes a "good" elder? Spiritual Practices: How do you nurture your life of prayer, discernment, and Scripture reading? How does your board of elders nurture and model these practices in your congregation? How has serving as an elder impacted your faith? Preaching: In what ways do your pastor and congregation listen together to the Word and act on it? Sacraments: As you have participated in serving the Lord's Supper, what have you learned about the meaning of this sacrament? How has serving the bread and cup in your congregation been significant to you? As you have participated in the sacrament of baptism, what have you learned? Discipline: How does your board of elders hold members accountable for their Christian living and help guide members to mature discipleship? Mission: What does it mean to you to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Have you been part of Christian discipleship training in your church as a teacher, leader, or mentor? What role could the elders play in the mission of the church?
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