Expert: Daniel Keeran - 12/26/2011

Question
QUESTION: What should the age be of a man desiring eldership?

ANSWER: The scripture says "not a novice" and the word elder or presbyter means "an older man." Beyond this we have no instruction.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Our minister has outlined the scriptual qualifications, however, there is a man who feels that although he is slightly under 50yrs. he should have been considered.  He says he's been told he's not old enough.  Shouldn't the minister do eldership and deacon training and educate the congregation as well?  I don't think it's enough to superficially discuss/preach about the scriptures about the qualifications.  This man and others are feeling frustrated and the process is already causing  some tension among the brothers.  None of the men were included in choosing the eligible men the ministered is considering.  Such an important decision should include much more in depth training and prayer.

I'd like to add the minister does not have a close relationship with the men.  That's an issue in itself.

Answer
Is the minister also an elder? Maybe the current elders could seek input from the congregation about what more teaching or training they would like on elders qualifications. My view is that an elder is as an elder does. God appoints elders by virtue of the qualifications and anyone meeting those is worthy of shepherding others. The question is: who should the sheep look to for spiritual shepherding? The answer is: whoever meets the qualifications given by the Lord who is the chief shepherd. We follow Christ as chief shepherd because of who He is.