W
White_Peony
Guest
I’ve grown up with SDAs but I’ve never really figured out what an elder was. Could someone please explain?
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L
ltwin
Guest
According to Wikipedia,
== Local Church offices ==
There are a number of church offices that are elected by the church body as specified by the Church Manual. Positions must be filled by baptised members who attend regularly and the position is held for a 12 month term, except in special circumstances where the church chooses to elect offices once every 24 months. Offices are never elected permanently, although persons may be reelected.
=== Pastor ===
The most prominent church office is that of the [pastor]] or [Minister of religion|minister]]. Adventists believe that pastors are divinely called to ministry and they are ordained by the church for their ministry. The position of church pastor is not elected by the local church, but rather appointed by a local conference.When the minister transferred to the local church for pastor ship he also transfer his membership to that local congregation.Adventist believe in [clerical marriage]] and not a celibate priesthood. In the majority of cases the pastor works with the head elder of the church and is responsible for guiding the church’s spiritual direction, chairing the church board and leading out in services.
=== Elder ===
Working with the pastor in the local church is the elder who is appointed by the local church and ordained by the local pastor. The elder is seen as a religious leader in the local church and is able to conduct ordinances. The elder, or elders in some cases (who are led by a “head elder”), is largely responsible for the running of the church and the distribution of responsibility in the church. In the Adventist Church “elder” is not a title. It’s a function. The term “pastor” is a function and often used as a title. The "local elder’s position authority is limited to the local church he is serving. The “pastor’s” authority is universal. The local elder gets his authority from the pastor he is serving under or otherwise from the field administration. The pastor’s authority is inherent in his position as pastor.
P
Publisher
Guest
Sounds akin to the “local priest” and “bishop” function within the Catholic church.
P
phummel
Guest
1 Timothy 3:1-7
Elders support pastors in the church. They often “quarterback” the worship service and will sometimes preach as well. Elders often are responsible for ministering to an assigned portion of the congregation. They often teach Sabbath School and lead-out with Bible studies.
I’ve noticed a trend where many pastors may have 2-3 churches, but an elder will be dedicated to just one church.
It is not a paying position, whereas a pastor is supported by the conference.
The definition posted from Wikipedia is good.
blessings,
Paul
Elders support pastors in the church. They often “quarterback” the worship service and will sometimes preach as well. Elders often are responsible for ministering to an assigned portion of the congregation. They often teach Sabbath School and lead-out with Bible studies.
I’ve noticed a trend where many pastors may have 2-3 churches, but an elder will be dedicated to just one church.
It is not a paying position, whereas a pastor is supported by the conference.
The definition posted from Wikipedia is good.
blessings,
Paul
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