Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean
The role of the elder must be reexamined and not abused.
There is much said in scripture that makes all saints as equals to God, but only a couple that teach appreciations for elders.
These couple of verses have evolved into emulations.
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In our fellowship we have no state licensed elders. All are therefore essentially equal. The "elders" are simply individuals who have manifested one or more of the five fold ministries in their lives and have demonstrated a calling and desire to use those gifts. If they desire to pursue the role of elder, the body votes to make them a deacon. The deacons are essentially elders in training and serve the needs of the body. For example, they make phone calls, assist with hospital visits, shut-ins, and help with our Helping Hands ministry (volunteer work at local charities). In addition, they clean up (or manage clean up) after gatherings, etc. They also teach and are allowed to lead gatherings under the watchful eye of an established elder. Many times they are tasked with providing music, if they know how to play an instrument. We try not to allow one to remain a deacon longer than 3 1/2 years. Then the elders vote to make him an elder (if there aren't three established elders, the body votes as a whole). Once one is accepted as an elder, they are encouraged to start a house church of their own.
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