Since the church will hopefully outlive the current elders, you will need a steady intake of new elders over the years, as the apostle Paul taught: “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

Before a man is asked to consider being an elder, he should take part in a thorough study of the subject, either one on one or with a group of potential elders. This will accomplish two things:

  • He will have a good understanding of what eldership entails and the sacrifice it will require.
  • He will be stimulated with the noble task of shepherding God’s people.

The key is to invite qualified men who are willing or who may respond to gentle encouragement.

Identifying Potential Elders

1. Pray

Pray the Lord would reveal to you those who already have a shepherd’s heart or a desire to shepherd people, or who may respond to the challenge to shepherding.

2. Observe

Look for evidence of the Spirit’s work in men’s lives in relation to shepherding God’s people.  Watch their interactions on Sunday mornings, especially during small group and social times. Who is starting spiritual conversations, directing people’s thoughts to spiritual things, showing hospitality, welcoming visitors?  Ask your wife and other spiritually minded people whom they observe shepherding others. Invite a man along on a hospital visitation or involve him in a discussion about a church-wide concern—then observe how he reacts. 

The key is to look for men who:

  • Desire the work of an elder or who have a spark that might be fanned into a stronger desire (1 Tim. 3:1).
  • Have an aptitude for teaching the Word (does he teach in Sunday school, do you see him with a Bible open when talking with people, does he actively participate in small group studies, does he have opportunities to teach at different venues in the church?) (1 Tim. 3:2, 2 Tim. 2:2).
  • Show concern for people’s spiritual lives. Does he really care for others, and do you get the sense that people are spiritually encouraged by him?)(1 Peter 5:1-2)
  • Live exemplary Christian lives – morally and doctrinally (Titus 2:7).

3. Invite

Invite the men God brings to your mind to join you in a one-year study on biblical eldership—not an invitation or commitment to become an elder but an investigation into the subject of eldership and what is involved.

Providing Content and Introspective Training

We recommend a study of Biblical Eldership, where the group of potential elders meets monthly for a year to discuss the biblical basis for, function of, and qualifications for elders. This will involve both cognitive learning (the factual teaching of Scripture) as well as introspection (self-evaluation). For a detailed description of one excellent study of biblical eldership, click here. We recommend that one specific elder be assigned to facilitate this part of the training.

Practicums

There is no better training than “on the job” training. Potential elders need to develop experience in visiting the sick,encouraging the downtrodden, and participating in baptisms, funerals, and marriage ceremonies. Provide environments for them to develop skills in small group leading and basic teaching. Medical students train for healing the body; how much more should potential elders train for caring for souls?

Mentoring

Give each potential elder the opportunity to be regularly mentored by an experienced elder. Each potential elder could be assigned an elder-mentor who will stay with him through all the areas of training, or he may have a different elder-mentor for each different area of training, utilizing the skills and giftedness of the respective elders. “Adding Elders Worksheet” will help set up the practicums for potential elders.

Identifying New Elders

During or after the one-year period of training (or longer), the Lord may begin to make clear which men should be invited to be elders. Some may not be qualified or ready to make the sacrifice. 

We recommend the following plan:

  • The existing elder team decides together whom they believe God is raising up to be an elder.
  • The ones who are deemed unsuitable for eldership should be informed by one or two elders, who should meekly and gently explain the reasons. For some the timing may not be right, or further growth may be needed. Those who still desire to be an elder should receive an action plan for growth toward eventual eldership. Two elders meet with each qualified candidate and his wife with the invitation to “stand” for formal consideration. Since the work of an elder is demanding and time-consuming, the wife’s full support is essential. If she hesitates, her concerns need to be addressed.
  • Submit the list of candidates to the congregation for feedback. The elders should outline why they feel these particular men are qualified. The involvement of the congregation is not a vote, but simply a wise step to ensure the elders are not overlooking anything. You will be looking for the congregation’s affirmation and feedback about  any blatant deficiencies in the candidates’ qualifications. A simple statement like the following will suffice: “We are considering _________ to be an elder. We have met with them in a year-long study of the NT teaching on eldership. They have been mentored in various practical aspects of the work of an elder. From our estimation they are qualified and, with their wives’ support, desire this work. Your feedback is important to helping us identify God’s hand on these men. If anyone knows of any disqualifying issues in any of their lives, please talk with one of the elders before (date).”
  • Set aside a time for prayer and fasting as you seek God’s guidance (invite the congregation to join). That is the apostolic model Paul and Barnabas left for us (Acts 13:2, 14:23). Barring any negative feedback, set a date for publicly appointing the new elder(s). We encourage you to consider the symbolic laying on of hands (1 Tim 5:22; 2 Tim 1:6).

How Frequently Should Elders Be Added?

There are two ways to consider this. First, is there a need for more elders? Second, are there men who are willing and qualified? One could argue there is always a need for new elders, because over time elders grow older, move away, burn out, or die. Yet, it can be a mistake to appoint elders simply because there is a need—new elders must be qualified. We believe that it is God who raises up elders in his time, and existing elders need to be on the lookout for whom the Lord does raise up.