The Appointment of Elders

Let’s use the term “appoint”

“Installation” often used, but not a Bible term. When possible, use a Bible term

If I can install something, I can uninstall it, right?

Possible to have the wrong idea about what that means: “To set, place or instate, in an office, rank or order; to invest with any charge, office or rank, with the customary ceremonies. To install a clergyman or minister of the gospel, is to place one who has been previously ordained, over a particular church and congregation, or to invest an ordained minister with a particular. pastoral charge; in England, to induct a dean, prebendary or other ecclesiastical dignitary into possession of the church to which he belongs.” (Webster 1828)

No process for appointing elders in the NT

Closest passage we have is the appointment of the 7 servants in Acts 6

DISCUSSION

The selection of elders (Acts 6:3)

Look ye out--make a careful inspection, examine, inspect

The apostles told the congregation to select 7 men

Selection to be made with prayer and fasting (Acts 6:6; 13:3)

Pray for the men selected

Pray for their families

Pray for the congregation

The qualification of elders

Apostles gave the qualifications for the 7

Full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom

1 Tim 3:1-7; Ti 1:5-9

What kind of family man is he?

What kind of man is he in he community? influence?

Do these men have the morals and spiritual character required?

Other qualities needed to serve:

Willing to meet and give their time (Acts 15:6; Acts 20:17)

Ability to listen and make wise decisions (Acts 15:7, 22)

Ability to correspond and conduct business properly (Acts 15:22-23)

Willing to come when called (Jam 5:14-16)

The recognition of elders

The 7 would be appointed or put in charge over the widows--assigned a position of authority (Acts 6:3; Ti 1:5)

Recognized

Set before the apostles

Laid hands on them

Symbol of blessing Mt 19:12

Symbolic of consecration and ordination (Num 8:10; 1 Tim 5:22)

Don’t think you literally have to lay hands on them but some kind of ceremony to recognize these leaders is in order

You have to recognize them

Recognize their place (1 Tim 5:19-20)

Recognize their authority (Heb 13:17)

Recognize their difficult duty and conduct yourself accordingly (Heb 13:17; 1 Thess 5:12-13)

EXHORTATION

We’re entering a process of selection, qualification and hopefully recognition of elders.

In the next two weeks give prayerful consideration to these men who are willing to serve.

If you have objections to any of them, write it down, sign your name to it, and give it to me or place it in the box.