A believer whose persistent public demeanor shows them as striving for excellence as a Christ follower may be considered by the congregation for eldership.
Evidence for qualification to eldership is first seen in an individual’s life in the church as they strive toward excellence as a follower of Jesus. Their persistent public demeanor provides evidence of the character and competence required of elders, and the congregation and leaders witness this evidence as these individuals carry out ministry. Those who have the prerequisites evident in their lives in the church become a pool from which new Elders may be discerned.
Question to Consider: What might the Elder discernment and calling process look like if your church followed this basic model?
Instigator: Elder Now!
The process of discerning and calling elders should start with relationships. The current elders should be praying and seeking potentially qualified elders within their flock. If none exist, they should invest in people’s lives to help bring them up to the standards called in Scripture.