Job Description- Elder

APOSTOLIC BIBLE CHURCH
BLOOMINGTON, IN
PASTOR: DAVID BEECHAM

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Elder

Job Qualifications

1. Must be filled with the Holy Ghost.
2. Must meet the qualifications for church membership.
3. Must be loyal to the Pastor.
4. Must be willing to work in harmony with others.
5. Must carry a burden for souls of men and women.
6. Must be able to generate excitement for the job.
7. Must be able to lead and motivate people.
8. Must be faithful and dependable in accomplishing duties of the position.

JOB PURPOSE

As an Elder you have been appointed to a position that resembles that of a pastoral ministry.

You should have a love and a burden for the congregation that you serve. Praying for, hoping for, and working for a spiritual maturity in the people of God. According to scripture Elders were appointed for the oversight of local Churches. Your position will not usurp authority over the position of Pastor, but rather you should work with the Pastor for the spiritual benefit of the Congregation.

Elder is a Biblical position as old as the nation of Israel. The first mention of Elders was when Moses appointed the 70 to help in the governing of the nation. Therefore your position is one of decision making for the Church. Your experience and spiritual wisdom should be evident in every decision you make regarding the local church for which you are serving as part of the governing body. As an Elder you are trusted to put the will of God before any personal conviction.

In the New Testament Church the position of Elder became less of a political one (Elders had become the aristocrats of Jewish society) and more of a spiritual one. Part of your ministry as an Elder will be the ministry to the sick.

As James writes in the book of James 5:14-15; “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the Elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with off in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”

It is apparent in scripture that Elders were also instructors in the Word of God. Capable of expounding doctrine, and explaining scripture. Also instructing the younger believers. Paul wrote in II Timothy 5:17 “Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”

In the event that the congregation should be without a Pastor , for whatever reason, you should see that they do not go without spiritual leadership. You should work together with the congregation and lead them while praying and searching for a Pastor. At no time should the local congregation be without spiritual leadership to offer teach prayer and direction.

In summation you are to be helping in governing, (establishing direction, making decisions, promoting vision), praying for the sick, and instructing, offering these services to the best of your ability in the local congregation, and working together, with your pastor for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.