Elder
Historic orthodoxy
A qualified man called by the church to shepherd, teach, and govern a congregation; the New Testament also calls the office overseer, bishop, or pastor.
Also called: elders, eldership, ruling elder, ruling elders, teaching elder, teaching elders, plurality of elders, plural elders, overseer, overseers
What it means
In the New Testament, "elder" (presbyter), "overseer" (bishop), and "shepherd" (pastor) name one office. Paul calls the elders of Ephesus together and then tells them the Holy Spirit has made them overseers to shepherd the church of God. Elders teach sound doctrine, guard the flock against error, pray for the sick, watch over souls, and will give an account to God for them.
Scripture sets out the qualifications plainly: a man above reproach in character, faithful in marriage, managing his household well, able to teach, not a recent convert, and well thought of by outsiders. The pattern is plural: Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every church, and Titus was to appoint elders in every town. Some elders labour especially in preaching and teaching (often called teaching elders or pastors), and all share in oversight (Presbyterians call the others ruling elders).
Elders are under the Word, not above it. They are to be honoured and supported, and they are also accountable: Paul gives Timothy a careful process for charges against an elder, so that officers are corrected before the church when they persist in sin.
In Scripture
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders, plural, in every church, with prayer and fasting.
Paul called for the elders of the church at Ephesus.
Those same elders are overseers made by the Holy Spirit to shepherd God's church.
Elders are appointed in every town and must meet clear qualifications of character and doctrine.
Elders shepherd God's flock willingly and by example, not domineering over those in their charge.
Elders who rule well deserve honour, and elders who persist in sin are rebuked before all.
Where it comes up
Confessions: LBCF 1689 26.8; LBCF 1689 26.9; WCF 30.1; Belgic Confession 30
Related terms
DeaconHistoric orthodoxy
An officer of the church appointed to lead its ministry of mercy and practical care, so that the elders can give themselves to prayer and the Word.
PresbyterianismA view held among orthodox Christians
A form of church government in which each congregation is ruled by a session of elders, and congregations are joined under higher courts of elders (presbyteries and assemblies) for mutual accountability.
Elder-led congregationalismA view held among orthodox Christians
A form of church government in which a plurality of elders leads each self-governing congregation, while the members together decide matters such as membership, discipline, and the choice of officers.
Church disciplineHistoric orthodoxy
The church's loving correction of members and officers who persist in serious sin or false teaching, aimed at their repentance, the purity of the church, and the honour of Christ.