Simply put, a church elder is a man called by God to be an overseer.
According to the Bible, elders are to be known for their prayer life (1 Tim. 2:8), modeling Christ-like service (Matt. 20:26-28; 1 Pet. 5:2), and being practically responsible in their homes, as well as in the workplace (1 Tim. 3:4-7). Not just any man can serve as an elder – they must be qualified to do so.
The qualifications of elders are laid out in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. These lists are nearly identical. There are two things about these lists that deserve attention. First, these lists are primarily about men being mature Christians. Second, these lists are in large part tied to a man’s role as a faithfully surrendered pastor in his home with his family and in his world with his neighbors and co-workers.
Elders are synonymously called overseers. An overseer is one who pastors the church like a shepherd herds his flock (Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11; 1 Pet. 5:2). An elder shepherds the flock under his care.
Who should be trained as elders? Those called by God to serve as an elder (Acts 20:28). As the church, we simply confirm God’s call.
Church elders should be primarily trained through the local church to meet the qualifications and duties of an elder. Their training may involve formal theological training, but the Bible does not require this path. Those who are called to serve as an elder should be able to handle the Bible accurately.
Everyone cannot be an elder. The men who perceive a call of God to fulfill this role must be examined. Chemistry or team fit is an important factor along with Character, Calling, Competence, and Courage.
At The Bridge Church we believe that elders should be appointed slowly and removed quickly, if necessary. This means that we take our time in discerning the call of God upon someone’s life. Our eldership process normally will take 6 to 18 months. We follow a very simple process: identify, assess, develop and send. This process includes assessing his stewardship to the Bridge church, family health, performance at work, relationship with people outside the church, service in the church, spiritual gifts, ministry passions, attitude toward authority, work ethic, leadership gifts, humility and anything and everything else related to his conversion, calling, character, courage and competency.
(Deut. 1:12-16; Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 4:14; 5:22; 2 Tim 2:6-7).
Future elders will be added by soliciting names from the congregation. The elders will evaluate the names and may choose to pursue a specific candidate. When a candidate is deemed ready, the elders will present him to the body for confirmation. If the body has any concerns, they will be given a period of time to privately voice those concerns. After this confirmation period, once all concerns are addressed and if the elders choose to move forward, the candidate will then be publicly commissioned and installed as an elder.
Two consecutive terms of three years.