Three-step process in the early transition period of the church: First, apostles selected and ordained elders (Acts 14:23). Second, those who were close to the apostles appointed elders (Titus 1:5). Finally, elders appointed elders (1 Tim 4:14). This is the current practice church leadership appointing elders. – Payment of Elders Elders were paid in the early church (1 Tim 5:17-18). The nature of ministry demands support (1 Cor 9:1, 3-9) subsidy is optional” (1 Cor 9:6). “Such may choose to support themselves by working outside the “Elders church.” Number of Elders norm in the New Testament church was a plurality of elders. There “The is no reference in all the New Testament to a one-pastor congregation.” A plurality of elders the only pattern for church leadership given in “is the New Testament.” by following this biblical pattern will the “Only church maximize its fruitfulness to the glory of God.” MacArthur rejects the argument that the in Rev 2 and 3 refer to “angels” pastors. Leadership Elders Leadership does not imply superiority. James was regarded as a leader and spokesman for the “apparently entire church” (Acts 12:17; 15:13), but not in any kind of official “was position over the other elders.” The Elders and the Congregation The Congregation is to respect, love, appreciate and cooperation with the Elders (1 Thes 5:12-13). They are also to obey them (Heb 13:7). Mark Dever Lay Elders – Number of Elders He agrees with MacArthur that churches should have a plurality of elders. He has reported the historicity of Baptists plural elders in their churches in the 18th and 19th centuries. The letters to the seven churches are addressed to the singular messenger of each church. Paul wrote not to the elders in Ephesus, but to Timothy alone. It is consistent with choosing one elder and giving him the primary teaching responsibility. Elders and Church Staff Church consists of people the church has paid to work for the “staff” church (which includes individuals who are not elders). The majority of the church elders are not paid. Elders and the Pastor
Three-step process in the early transition period of the church: First, apostles selected and ordained elders (Acts 14:23). Second, those who were close to the apostles appointed elders (Titus 1:5). Finally, elders appointed elders (1 Tim 4:14). This is the current practice – church leadership appointing elders. Payment of Elders Elders were paid in the early church (1 Tim 5:17-18). The nature of ministry demands support (1 Cor 9:1, 3-9) “Such subsidy is optional” (1 Cor 9:6). “Elders may choose to support themselves by working outside the church.” Number of Elders “The norm in the New Testament church was a plurality of elders. There is no reference in all the New Testament to a one-pastor congregation.” A plurality of elders “is the only pattern for church leadership given in the New Testament.” “Only by following this biblical pattern will the church maximize its fruitfulness to the glory of God.” MacArthur rejects the argument that the “angels” in Rev 2 and 3 refer to pastors. Leadership Elders Leadership does not imply superiority. James was “apparently regarded as a leader and spokesman for the entire church” (Acts 12:17; 15:13), but “was not in any kind of official position over the other elders.” The Elders and the Congregation The Congregation is to respect, love, appreciate and cooperation with the Elders (1 Thes 5:12-13). They are also to obey them (Heb 13:7). Mark Dever – Lay Elders Number of Elders He agrees with MacArthur that churches should have a plurality of elders. He has reported the historicity of Baptists plural elders in their churches in the 18th and 19th centuries. The letters to the seven churches are addressed to the singular messenger of each church. Paul wrote not to the elders in Ephesus, but to Timothy alone. It is consistent with choosing one elder and giving him the primary teaching responsibility. Elders and Church Staff Church “staff” consists of people the church has paid to work for the church (which includes individuals who are not elders). The majority of the church elders are not paid. Elders and the Pastor
an_excursus_on_elder_issues_in_the_21st_century.docx