Definition
The office of eldership is given in Scripture to provide spiritual nurture and protection for the church. Elders are to shepherd the flock of Jesus Christ through the faithful ministry of the Word and are to lead by godly example.
Summary
The role of eldership finds its roots in Old Testament Israel but is unique to the church. The New Testament uses three key terms that arguably all point to the office and role of the elder (presbuteros, episkopos and poimēn), although some groups and denominations will see more than one office represented by these terms. Elders have a duty to care for the church as shepherds, to edify the body of Christ through faithful teaching, and to protect it from error. Elders must be godly in life and are held to a high standard of accountability. The church must honor the elders by responding willingly to their instruction and leadership, by providing materially for those who labor in teaching, and by praying for them.
Courses
Basics of Church Eldership
Introducing the Ongoing Biblical and Cultural Importance of Eldership in the Local Church
Videos
Ligon Duncan on the Minimum Age of an Elder
Ligon Duncan offers a variety of insights on the age at which a man can be ordained as an elder, maturity, and our culture that idolizes youth.
Juan Sanchez on Endurance in Ministry
Juan Sanchez points out that long-term faithfulness is shaped over thousands of steps of faithfulness in their walk with God and his people.
What Seminary Didn’t Teach Alistair Begg
Alistair Begg—senior pastor at Parkside Church and primary teacher of Truth For Life ministries— discusses the transition out of seminary and into church ministry.
When Staff and Lay Elders Collide
How can full-time ministers and lay elders live and work together in harmony?
Podcasts
Articles
Reflections from 40 Years in Pastoral Ministry
Pastors, the things we may regard as diversions are in fact immensely gospel-freighted events.
Yes, Pastors Should Have Friends in the Church
Isolation and loneliness are common struggles for even the most extroverted pastor.
Can a Fallen Christian Leader Ever Be Restored?
Don Carson offers four suggestions for navigating this difficult question.
Dysfunctional Elders Make a Dysfunctional Church
Until members see humility and unity among their leaders, they likely won’t exhibit those qualities themselves.
Where Did Gentleness Go as a Pastoral Virtue?
We in Reformed churches and seminaries need to be warned here in a special way.
How Do Churches End Up with Domineering Bullies for Pastors?
We can learn from CEOs and generals, but pastors are not meant to be CEOs and generals.
How Should a Church Handle Accusations against an Elder?
Every elder is a sinner in constant need of divine grace and gospel application.
4 Ways Elders Should Seek Accountability
We often think what’s ‘best’ in church polity is what’s most efficient, easy, or effective. We’re wrong.
Book Reviews
Why Elders?
He argues that elder leadership is the pattern of the New Testament church.
Church Elders
Jeramie Rinne has given us an important tool in this to-the-point book on eldership.
Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons
An altogether helpful resource for raising up reliable men to lead the blood-bought bride of Christ.
Elders in the Life of the Church
Too many churches don’t examine their polity because they’re steeped in tradition or duped by strong personalities.
Embracing Shared Ministry
Hellerman seeks to apply the fruits of his scholarly activity to the problems of the church.
Let an Actual Shepherd Teach You to Pastor
Perhaps a book by a real-life shepherd can help us better pastor God’s blood-bought flock.
Shepherding God’s Flock
When biblical leadership structures are set aside in favor of tradition, we can only expect trouble to follow.
The Shepherd Leader
More and more pastors are realizing they will be held accountable for the Christians under their care.
