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

III. Calling and Criteria for Elders

My child, remember night and day the one who speaks the word of God to you. Honor him as

A. Calling: elders were selected either by appointment or ordination from within the community .

the Lord, for wherever His

Lordship is taught, there the Lord is. ~ Didache (c. 80-140, E), 7.378., Ibid., p. 158.

1. Appointed by Apostles and their representatives

a. Paul and Barnabas received famine relief from the Antioch church to give to the elders of the Judean churches, Acts 11.27-30.

b. On their first journey, Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every city, Acts 14.23.

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2. Elected from within the communities themselves

a. While we are not told how the elders in Jerusalem were elected, we can probably be confident that they were appointed according to Jewish precedent.

b. Their age, place in the community, and maturity probably were the key factors.

c. The culture maintained a deep respect for age: “presbyter” (elder) was taken from its use by the Jews to represent their leadership.