Expert: Joe Norman - 8/16/2010

Question
Can an elder resign in front of the congregation one week and then the next week come back and rescind his resignation?  Are elders appointed by the congregation?

Answer
Hi Mike, in all my study of scriptures regarding Elders, there is nothing to guide us regarding whether or not an elder can resign in front of the congregation one week and the next week come back and rescind his resignation. All we have is the list of qualifications for one to become an elder. It is also clear that each local church is to appoint elders based upon the qualifications Paul listed. Paul instructed Titus in Crete to "set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you." (Titus 1:5)

What we know is each local church is to be independent and autonomous and are responsible for the appointing of elders and deacons. How they do this is up to that local church to decide. The thing that isn't up to them is what qualifications they must possess. But whether or not an elder can resign and then a week later rescind that resignation is completely up to that local church and it's active eldership to decide. If the other elders accept the rescinding of his resignation, then it shouldn't be an issue.

Of course I would think it would depend also upon the reason that elder chose to resign his position too. If he resigned due to not being truly qualified or bringing disgrace upon the church, I wouldn't think any eldership or local congregation would be willing to accept his wanting to rescind his resignation. I would provide more scripture but as I said, there isn't anything I have read in the New Testament to guide us on this other than our knowing each local church is responsible for appointing their elders.

One last thing regarding local churches appointing their own elders. In the New Testament we see Paul instructing Titus to appoint elders in the church in Crete. It seems a minister or missionary can oversee the appointing, but I still get the indication from all I have studied on elders that the members of that local congregation must be involved in choosing and appointing these elders while the preacher ensures the men chosen are indeed qualified.

I wish I could be of more help to you. If you have any follow-up questions please let me know. I thank you for choosing to ask me your questions.

In Christian Love, Joe Norman