Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business… Acts 6:1-3 [Hellenists were Greek converts to Judaism.]
Last time we wrote about two different viewpoints on how to choose elders and deacons in a local church. We wrote that we at Grace Bible Church (GBC) believe that existing elders are to appoint elders and deacons, but with the approval of the congregation. So, how do we do that?
The elders are always prayerfully looking for potential elders and deacons. We look for God’s gifting and calling since He, not we, make men officers of His church. We are only looking to recognize His call. This time of prayerful observation often lasts a year.
When we see a man who meets the qualifications (more on qualifications in tomorrow’s post), we begin a process of applications and interviews. We confer with the man’s wife if he is married. We ask for references from outside the church (one from work and one from a previous church, or if there is no previous church, from a believer who has known the man for an extended time). This interview and reference process lasts months.
If all the references come back affirmatively, the elders inform the congregation that the man is being put forward as a candidate for elder or deacon. We ask the congregation to submit their opinions on the matter over the course of three weeks. Assuming the feedback is positive, the decision of the appointment is announced and the man will be ordained publicly in a Sunday worship service.
We believe this process, though imperfect, is a means of obeying scriptures about the elders selecting officers, while also involving the congregation.
As a footnote: The congregational feedback is virtually always positive. This is not surprising since if we discerned that the congregation would not affirm the man, he wouldn’t be put forward. I say virtually always, because one time, many years ago, there was some negative feedback from more than one person about a man put forward to be a deacon. We were surprised. When we spoke to the man, he graciously withdrew his name from consideration. To the man’s credit, though he was hurt, he remained in the church and continued to serve without the designation of deacon. The process worked and the man proved, at least to me, to be a mature and honorable individual.
Next time: the qualifications of elders and deacons