AN EXAMPLE PROCEDURE
FOR CONSIDERING ELDER CANDIDATES
by Dave Brown
INTRODUCTION
The only organization of the church is that of elders and deacons (defined in other articles under this topic), and that is on the local level. There is no organization for the universal church, which consists of all saved individuals from all time.
There is no procedure given for the selection of either elders or deacons in the local church. The closest example that we have is that of Acts 6, but it is impossible to tell whether this was an appointment of deacons or if these were just men appointed to address the particular problem at hand. To the extent possible the example of Acts 6 should be followed, but it is not a very definitive procedure.
The purpose of this article is to address there reality that: some procedure will be applied!
Whether it is thought out in wisdom or just blundered into by default, the question is not whether or not there will be a procedure. It is just a question of whether or not the procedure will be both effective in getting the elders appointed, or whether it will be subject to (perhaps quite legitimate) criticism and will result in discord if not division.
It has been the authors experience that there is no other issue in the church that has caused as many and as deep-seated problems as the appointment of elders and deacons. In those cases in which we have seen it work without turmoil the following was the case:
Please not that this is not an attempt to bind a creed or anything of the sort. Because of the lack of scriptural directives in this regard, Christians are forced to make decisions with regard not only the selection of elders, but with regard to the procedure that is employed in this regard. This being the case we should all recognize that there is not one ideal perfect procedure. God expects us to use the principles that He has provided us in the New Testament in accomplishing this task. This is just an orderly way of moving forward (1 Cor. 14:40).
We also feel that it is best that the procedure be a written one so that there will be no misunderstanding of its details. What follows is an example that is probably far too detailed for most groups. We would hope that it would not be adopted per se, but would be modified to what is most workable in your local congregation. It assumes that there are no current elders, and it is for the appointment of elders. It should easily be modified to accommodate situations where elders are present, or for that matter, the selection of deacons.
EXAMPLE SPECIFICATION OF THE PROCEDURE TO THE CHURCH
[Note that items underlined and bold in italics should be replaced by items that are applicable to the local church that might be using or modifying this example. Items in brackets are comments on the procedure.]
What appears below is the procedure for considering elders which was adopted during the date regular business meeting. Note first that the bible, while instructing us to appoint elders if more than one man is qualified, does not give us a procedure for the actual appointment process. However, the command necessarily implies that some procedure be applied. Thus, it is left to us to determine the process which is most expedient for us.
A failure to agree to a procedure before actually going forward with the process has been the cause of great dissension in many churches. Philippians 2:3 states that we should “each count the other better than ourselves,” and thus subject ourselves to each other on such matters of judgment. This does not mean to blindly follow along. However, when a procedure which seems reasonable to everyone has been adopted by the congregation, it would be wrong to murmur about it later on. Due consideration was given to this procedure in two separate meetings, and it is the judgment of the men that this is the procedure that should now be followed. The following procedure was adopted:
1. Survey those who meet the “biological” qualifications to determine if the process should even continue. [This should probably be accomplished at this point, and if so, the date of this accomplishment can go here.] It was found that at least two men were willing to have their names put forward for consideration.
2. Resolve the procedure to be applied and to be sure that all members understand it. This process was started on date and concluded at the date meeting, and this document is the result of that effort.
3. A coordinating group has been established strictly to facilitate the process. (For example, they will serve to count the forms that will be submitted, thus preventing any chance for embarrassment or intimidation.) Those selected to serve on this coordinating group were considered to be men known and respected by all of the church, but who are not being considered for the eldership. The membership of this coordinating group is (alphabetically): NAMES, recommended at least three.
4. Various lessons on elders, love and church organization will be presented and the procedure which we have adopted will be presented so that there is no confusion about what we are doing and how it is planned to be accomplished.
5. The coordinating group will solicit names from the church. This is consistent with Acts 6 where the apostles asked the church to select out men “from among yourselves.” While Acts 6 is not considered to be binding, it provides a good guide and is felt to be good judgment in this case. This will be done as follows:
a) Forms will be prepared and distributed, one form per member:
· All members of college age and above wishing to participate will be included;
· Those who do not feel knowledgeable should excuse themselves from participating and they will not be compelled to participate;
· Those submitting names should submit all that they feel are qualified.
b) Forms will be distributed on Sunday, date and shortly thereafter,
c) Forms will be collected on or before Sunday, date:
· special provision can be made for those out of town;
· the broadest possible input will be sought.
Placing names into consideration does not constitute the appointing of this individual, only his being put forward for consideration. However, this is a serious part of the process in which everyone should give careful consideration.
6. The coordinating group will collect the forms and meet. They will exclude any who do not meet “biological” qualifications. The forms will contain the scriptures which give the qualifications, and a place for signature. Forms that are not signed will not be considered. Anyone not receiving at least number recommendations to be put forward from the congregation will not be considered further. If a plurality of men do not receive number or more recommendations, then the process will terminate at this point.
7. The coordinating group will report its results to the regular business meeting held in month, year to resolve any irregularities or problems. If everything proceeds smoothly, the men under consideration will be announced shortly after that meeting. These men will be checked one further time before this to be sure that they still wish to be considered.
It is important to point out at the outset that any of the men may elect at any time to withdraw their name from consideration without having to reveal the reason for this publicly. This is because that, despite a person meeting all of the qualifications given, if he does not feel that he has the support of the congregation, or if for any other reason he sees some problem with his serving, he should withdraw and there should be no negative implications regarding that decision.
8. Once those under consideration are announced, there will be a time (e.g., one-month) period during which they will be on call to the congregation to answer any questions and entertain any concerns. These men will make themselves available to talk at the building several times (at least one night per week) during the period of this month. Discussions during this time period may be on any subject, and they do not have to be confined to objections about a candidate’s qualifications. It is important that the spirit of Matthew 18 be observed, and all who enter into this process should observe the following from Matthew 18: if you have a problem with a given candidate, these objections should be communicated to as few other people as possible (read Mt. 18:15-17).
Ideally, and if at all possible, go to the candidate and discuss this with him alone. Alternatively, if someone who feels uncomfortable about going alone, they may take one of the coordinating group members with them. Under no circumstances should objections be aired throughout the congregation at this point.
9. At the month, year regular business meeting each of the candidates will report to the men his desire to withdraw or continue in the process.
10. Shortly after the month, year meeting the group of men who have not withdrawn will be announced. There should be no speculation about any reasons for one withdrawing his name at this point.
11. If some member believes that a candidate should have withdrawn himself but did not at this point, that person will submit, in writing, the specific reason for this to the coordinating group (and to them alone). Such a complaint will not be received if the individual submitting it has not already discussed the issue in question with the candidate (Step 8). No anonymous accusations will be read or given any consideration. All must be signed, and the coordinating group might contact this person further for clarification. Two weeks will be allowed for such input, so the deadline for such will be date, month. This time might be extended if circumstances warrant it.
12. If any written complaints are received, the coordinating group will contact the candidate against whom it is made, and they will do all that they can to mediate the issue between the parties that are involved. The candidate will be given the opportunity at this point to withdraw his name from consideration without any further disclosure of the complaint (again, this is consistent with the spirit of Mt. 18); alternatively, the one issuing the complaint may withdraw it.
13. The results of the process to this point will be reported at the month, year regular business meeting. If there is a plurality of men for whom no written objections have been received, they will be accepted for future appointment. Any outstanding objections will be also be handled by the men at this time.
14. If the process is successful a plurality of men will be appointed as elders shortly after these meetings and once any other remaining issues are resolved.