053. Elders-How Appointed

053. Elders-How Appointed

53 ELDERS - HOW APPOINTED

INTRODUCTION The elders have been depreciated and ignored until neither they nor the church respect their position. The elders have been superseded in their work on one hand by the preacher and their position ignored; on the other hand by the members until they have become almost useless appendages in the church.

I. NEW TESTAMENT DOES NOT TELL 1. No method of selecting elders revealed.

2. Any method that does not vilolate a New Testament principle may be used.

3. Any method that promotes unity may be used.

II. NOT ELECTED BY POPULAR VOTE 1. This would promote division .

2. No church in New Testament authorized to elect elders.

3. They were always appointed.

III.Acts 6:2-6 1. These men were not elders.

2. May have been deacons.

3. "Look ye out" means that they were to agree among themselves who possessed the qualifications.

4. The apostles would APPOINT. (Verse 3.) 5. The apostles did appoint them. (Verse 6.) IV. THEY WERE APPOINTED 1. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders. (Acts 14:23.) 2. Titus appointed elders in every city. (Titus 1:5.) 3. The Holy Spirit appointed elders. (Acts 20:28.) 4. To follow the Holy Spirit in appointing elders is the same as the Holy Spirit appointing them.