Fulltime Elder 1

In this four part series, Chuck Gianotti examines the role and practical implications of a full-time elder as part of a team of elders in the local church.

Remember It

Contemplate these questions, then click on each question to see the answer.

1. What are some ways that leadership without a full-time elder can work?

Having one or more elders who 1) have a large capacity, 2) can live on a shorter workweek, 3) are retired, 4) are independently wealthy.

2. What are some safeguards against having a full-time elder becoming “The Pastor” in the traditional, hierarchical sense?

Having elders and full-time elder who: 1) are biblically qualified as elders, 2) have strong sense of plurality of leadership, 3) support the full-time elder well 4) don’t have attitude of “That’s what we pay him for.”

3. Where is the passage where God commands that the elder who serves well in the teaching and preaching of the Word is to be financially supported?

1 Timothy 5:17-18.

Discuss It

1. Which do you think is better, having a full-time elder or not having a full-time elder? Why?
2. How can you know when the church is ready for a full-time elder?
3. How do you deal with jealousy when one elder feels he should be doing more of the teaching or preaching, but another is given more opportunity?

Apply It

1. Talk to the pastors or full-time elders at two other churches to find out how they balance the shepherding responsibilities between the full-time elder and the rest of the elders?
2. Write down a list of some practices the elders might adopt to guard against the congregation treating the fulltime worker as “the pastor.”