Bible Question:
Thanks Steve, You said in reason #2 that the local churches did not appoint their own elders. I agree. Do you think that should be the model for today's church also? Most local churches today do appoint their own elders. retxar |
Bible Answer: Hello retxar The situation is problematic and has caused more than one person (J. N. Darby in particular) to conclude that the church was in ruins because we don't have anyone with apostolic authority to appoint elders. I don't agree. In a best-case scenario, the existing elders should have the spiritual wisdom to appoint other godly men. I think the congregation should be have input, and my observation has been that a church looking to the Lord will recognize the same man/men that the existing elders recognize. So, my point is that this is not a congregational decision, but an elder board decision. Steve |