Who is an elder?

Here’s our launching point:

Questions remain: who are these men? What do they look like? Sound like? How do they make us feel?

The Baptist Church has a proud, independent tradition.

We don’t like for people to tell us what to do.

We trace our ecclesiological roots back to Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the Church’s door.

Why did he do such a thing?

Well, he had 95 problems.

Complaints.

Observations.

Call them for what they are and move on.

Not least of which was questioning the Pope's authority over purgatory and brokering forgiveness via monetary exchange.

What does that have to do with elders?

Authority—plain and simple.

To fully understand the Reformation, one must be willing to navigate narrow pathways with harrowing views and gaze upon the theological valleys of our predecessors in the faith. Here is a good start for those willing to make the pilgrimage.

For all others, please follow along the guided tour below.

Baptist Churches pride ourselves on our “independence.” The main authority we recognize is Jesus Christ as Lord of lords, King of kings.

From there, we usually have a Senior Pastor. Then other ministers for different departments (worship, youth, children, discipleship, etc.).

There are Deacons that can sometimes serve as de facto Elders. This is not the biblical model. Deacons exist to facilitate the ministry and coordinate the means of accomplishing the same.

Elders are something more, something deeper, more grounded in Scripture and not in any “independence vs. authority” narrative that we have in a post-Reformation age. This is not a matter of Baptists vs. Catholics. This is a matter of whether the church reflects the New Testament Church. Or if we are trying to replicate our more modern history instead.

Who are Elders?

They are men who we already respect. We look to them and look up to them. When they speak, we listen.

They have grey hairs in their beards. They started balding years ago.

These men know the Bible like a carpenter knows his workbench.

When these men enter a room, you notice. When they give their opinion on a topic, you lean in.

When they arrive at an event, it feels legitimate, official. Your mind is quick to say, “This is a good use of my time, because [Elder’s Name] is here as well.” You feel like you can go about with your time because he’s in charge if anything happens.

When this man asks about you and your family, you want to tell them, you want to express how things are really going. You know he cares. You feel it in your bones. You’re not another conversation. You’re a person, a congregant. And that means something to him.

His wife is a joy. She is always smiling. Her words encourage and speak wisdom. She has a certain glow and warmth, like the heat from from freshly baked bread. You want to be around her. Other women want to be around her. Children want to be around her. She invites people into her home. She cooks meals and ministers to other mothers. She is overflowing with the Holy Spirit so she has no room for self-indulgence. Women want to be like her. They want to emulate her. She is lovely, in the purest sense of the word.

Their children walk with the Lord. Their grandchildren follow along.

Their community admires them. Non-church members seek their counsel. They are pillars in the community.

Do any people come to mind?

Those are your elders.