Elders

The following is taken from Max's notes from one of the Weekender lectures about elders.

One of the first things to do is figure out what the Bible says elders should do, and then guard that like it's your life.

An elder should be leading spiritually, so they should be spending their time praying, reading scripture, discussing the Bible, taking the lead on teaching the congregational teaching and shepherding and discipline.  There are many things that elders might be tempted to get involved in, but they need to do what they are called to do.

CHBC elders spend much time in prayer and discussion of members, which often times seems like a waste of time, when "trellis work" can be done, but it's what God has called them to do, and therefore it is not a waste of time.

In Ephesians 4, we see that elders are gifts to the church given by God.  The church is given elders by God.  It doesn't make elders or train men to be elders, but it recognizes men who are already shepherding the flock and are then recognized publically in the flock.

II Timothy 2 makes clear that pastors should be carving out time to pour themselves into spending time with young guys whom they can train to be mature spiritually.

Qualifications to be an elder: there is both an internal and external call.  Desire is not enough, but desire should be there.  They shouldn't be a recent convert, and they should be able to teach. 

What does "able to teach" mean?  Titus 1:9 says that he can give instruction in sound doctrine and can rebuke people with the Bible.

Elders should be examples to the flock of how a Christian ought to live (I Peter).

Elders should be solid on core theology, but also have a practical response to the theology.

Elders should also be solid on non-essential polity-type and confessional-type stuff, and they should be passionate about the distinctives of our church and denomination.

Elders should be showing love towards the congregation and care as shepherds of the flock.  Sometimes people can be extremely knowledgeable about scripture but not so loving or caring - they shouldn't be elders.

At CHBC, elders nominate other elders, which is different from the PCA, although they do receive names from the congregation, from which they nominate.