Foundations of Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG07

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F O U N D A T I O N S O F C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

II. Origins and Development of the Office of Elder

Paul himself has laid the foundation, that is, the foundation of the church. And he has put us in trust of the law–ordaining deacons, presbyters, and bishops. ~ Disputation of Archelaus and Manes (c. 320, E), 6.229., Ibid., p. 156.

Person who, by virtue of position in the family, clan, or tribe; or by reason of personality, prowess, stature, or influence; or through a process of appointment and ordination, exercised leadership and judicial functions in both religious and secular spheres in the ancient world, both among biblical and nonbiblical peoples. The roots of the development of the presbytery (group of elders) in the NT and post-apostolic church originate in Judaism in the OT, though the figure of the elder or groups of elders can also be found in the world surrounding ancient Israel and in the Greco-Roman world of the NT period.

~ Tyndale Bible Dictionary . Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001., p. 414.

A. Elders prominent in the Jewish political tribal system

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1. The elder concept has a Jewish precedent: tribal system.

a. Tribes made up of clans, and these clans consisted of large, extended family units

b. The age and prominence of the ruler of a clan, with its family units, headed in a patriarchal culture by a man who functioned as the ruler or father of the clan.

c. Appointment associated with wisdom, maturity, and headship

2. Elder in the OT era

a. One considered by both God and the community to be a leader among and on behalf of Yahweh’s people