Elders

Titus 1:

5The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

I think that covers the bulk of it. Elders should fit these qualifications. They are to oversee and lead the church, including the teachers (pastors)

clskinner said:

A friend of mine was talking about "elders" in her Baptist church. How are elders conceived of in Baptist churches?

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Good Day, Clskinner

They are elected, The Didache:


Chapter 15. Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof. Appoint, therefore, for yourselves, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, and truthful and proved; for they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Therefore do not despise them, for they are your honored ones, together with the prophets and teachers. And reprove one another, not in anger, but in peace, as you have it in the Gospel. But to anyone that acts amiss against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear anything from you until he repents. But your prayers and alms and all your deeds so do, as you have it in the Gospel of our Lord.

Peace to u,

Bill

FreeinChrist said:

They are generally 'conceived' at home....in the same manner as everyone else.

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I needed that, Thanks FIC.

Bill

I have never seen a Baptist church with elders--I thought they did not go higher than deacons?

Some churches elect thier deacons by popular vote.