Question #72

Elders and deacons, who selects them and how many should there be?

I’m researching the subject of elders and deacons. I’d like a Bible answer to two questions. Who selects the elders and deacons? How do we determine how many a congregation should have? Thank you for your help.

The Answer:

The scripture dictates no maximum number for elders or deacons. It does dictates a minimum number for elders – two. When scripture speaks of the appointment of elders or of elders serving in a congregation, it is always in the plural. Paul left Titus in Crete to appoint elders (plural) in every city. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders (plural) in every church that they had established. Acts 14:23. (There is no contradiction here. Every church had elders (plural). Since in many places there would be one church in a city, when elders (plural) had been appointed in every city they had been appointed in every church.) “Elder” is singular when it speaks of an individual who is an elder or of the qualifications of an elder (each individual elder must have each qualification). How many elders should there then be? The minimum is set by scripture. The maximum logically requires at least enough to shepherd the flock in a single congregation.

Assuming that the seven men sought out in Acts chapter 6 to deal with the problem that had arisen in connection with the Grecian widows were deacons (an assumption with which not all people agree), some suggest that there must also be a plurality of deacons. It seems more likely, however, that seven were selected not as a requirement, but because the apostles determined that this number would be sufficient to meet the need. Since deacons are to serve, it seems reasonable that the appropriate number for a congregation is the number required to serve all perceived needs of the congregation.

The scripture is also silent on the procedure for the appointment of elders. The only intimation is Titus 1:5 where Paul reminds Titus that he was left behind to appoint elders in every city. While this certainly authorizes a preacher to appoint elders, there is reason to conclude that the selection is not by the preacher or the elders. In Acts chapter six the apostles distinguished between searching out the seven men, which was to be done by the church (Acts 6:2-3a), but reserved the appointment of them to their task to themselves (Acts 6:3b). The scripture is silent concerning an appointment ceremony. It does not define who should lead in the ceremony, how many should participate, or whether there should even be a formal appointment ceremony. Some Biblical principles would apply; it must be done decently and in order (1 Cor. 14:40); it should contribute to the peace and harmony of the congregation and be of such nature that it will edify the congregation (Romans 14:19).

In common practice, where there are elders, they generally take the lead. Input is sought from the congregation. Generally, only the elders know the names of the men suggested or the number of those suggesting a particular name. Thus, in some cases, if not in most, the body of elders becomes a self perpetuating group. If the elders engaging in this process are unqualified or if they are fearful of those who might have differences from them on matters of opinion, the eldership will grow stagnant. There is no requirement that all elders see alike on matters of opinion. In fact, it is often from honest discussion of differences of opinion that the best ideas are born. It is only in matters of faith that elders must be of the same mind. Significantly, that “sameness of mind” is not determined by majority vote; it is determine by the Word of God. In matters of faith elders have no decisions to make. They have already been made by the Chief Shepherd. 1 Peter 5:4.