What is an elder? – an adaption from a Lutheran Church in Los Angeles.
What is an elder? – an adaption from a Lutheran Church in Los Angeles CA.
What is an elder? An elder is called to exercise leadership on behalf of the congregation as well as the whole church. Elders oversee the governance, discipline, and spiritual growth of the community.
Serving a three year term, elders have the opportunity to work in more than one area of the church’s life so that they may learn and grow in understanding through their service. However, the elders are not primarily called because of an aptitude for a specific area of ministry. Specifically, elders are:
- Prayer warriors and teachers who lead by example
Elders are to spend their time in prayer and teaching the word. Their lives are transparent and confession of sin and repentance a lifestyle, as they come before the throne of grace for mercy and forgiveness. Their prayers are to be especially for the wounded, the hurting, the sick and discerning the will to be done. (Acts 6:24; James 5:14)
- Shepherds of God’s flock.
Elders are to watch out for the spiritual life of the flock. They are not to lead for reward or status but out of humility, because of a desire to serve the Lord and his people. (1 Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17)
- Decision makers and agents of reconciliation.
Elders help to settle disputes in the church. (Acts 15:1-2; Titus 1:5-9)
Please pray for and encourage the elders in you church – that the Lord will uphold them as they stand in this place of leadership and that their manner of life will be a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and in the world.
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