Reading: The Role of Elders in the Church: A Survey of Denominational and Non-Denominational Perspectives

The Role of Elders in the Church: A Survey of Denominational and Non-Denominational Perspectives

The office of elder has been a cornerstone of Christian leadership since the New Testament church. The Greek words presbyteros (“elder”), episkopos (“overseer”), and poimēn (“shepherd” or “pastor”) are used to describe those charged with guiding, teaching, and protecting the flock of God. Yet across Christian traditions, the way elders are chosen, their authority, and their responsibilities vary widely.

This article surveys how denominational and non-denominational churches understand and practice eldership.

1. Historic and Denominational Approaches

Presbyterian and Reformed Traditions

The word “Presbyterian” itself comes from presbyteros (elder). In these traditions, elders form the governing body of the local congregation (the “session”) together with the pastor (teaching elder).

• Ruling elders are volunteer (lay) leaders elected by the congregation.
• Teaching elders are ordained clergy.
  Together, they share responsibility for doctrine, discipline, worship, and mission. Eldership is central to the Reformed emphasis on shared leadership and accountability.

Baptist Churches

Baptists have historically emphasized congregational governance. In many Baptist churches, the role of elder and pastor are effectively the same, with a single “senior pastor” functioning as the primary elder. Some Baptist congregations, however, have recovered a plurality of elders model, distinguishing between pastoral staff (vocational elders) and lay elders (non-vocational) who share oversight.

Anglican and Episcopal Traditions

In Anglican polity, the local church is led by a rector or vicar (priest), under the authority of a bishop (episkopos). While “elders” as such are not usually a formal office, volunteer leaders such as wardens or vestry members provide governance, often fulfilling functions parallel to elders in other traditions. Authority tends to flow hierarchically through the bishop, clergy, and then lay leadership.

Methodist Churches

Methodism combines episcopal oversight with strong lay involvement. Local congregations are led by pastors appointed by bishops, but lay leaders and councils function in a way similar to elders—advising, discipling, and overseeing aspects of congregational life. In practice, the balance of power often leans toward clergy, though lay leadership is highly valued.

Lutheran Churches

In many Lutheran congregations, the pastor (ordained clergy) is seen as the shepherd, while elected lay leaders—often called “elders” or “church council members”—help oversee worship, care, and discipline. Their role is supportive and advisory, with spiritual authority centered in the pastoral office.

Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches

In Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, the word “elder” has historically referred to the priesthood itself. Parish priests function under the authority of bishops, and governance is highly hierarchical. Lay leaders may serve on parish councils, but discipline, teaching, and sacramental authority belong to ordained clergy.

2. Non-Denominational and Independent Churches

Plurality of Elders Model

Many non-denominational churches have embraced the plurality of elders model, often inspired by New Testament passages (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). Here, a group of elders governs the church together, with the senior pastor as “first among equals.” Responsibilities usually include:

• Guarding doctrine
• Overseeing staff and finances
• Shepherding members through teaching, prayer, and pastoral care

Elder-Led, Staff-Directed

In some fast-growing or megachurch settings, elders function as high-level overseers or a board of directors. Day-to-day ministry is led by professional staff, while elders focus on vision, accountability, and strategic decisions.

Congregational-Elder Hybrid

Other non-denominational churches maintain congregational authority for major decisions (calling pastors, building projects, budgets) while elders provide ongoing shepherding, teaching, and discipline. This hybrid aims to balance congregational participation with biblical oversight.

3. Common Themes and Divergences

Common Ground

Across traditions, elders are generally seen as:

• Shepherds of the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2)
• Guardians of doctrine (Titus 1:9)
• Models of godly character (1 Timothy 3:1–7)
• Decision-makers on spiritual and practical matters

Divergences

• Authority: In hierarchical churches (Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican), authority flows through bishops and clergy; in Presbyterian/Reformed settings, authority rests collectively in the session of elders; in Baptists and non-denominational churches, models vary from congregational to elder-led.
• Selection: Some traditions appoint elders for life (Orthodox, Catholic priests); others elect them for terms (Presbyterians, Baptists).
• Scope: In some churches, elders focus on governance and oversight; in others, they also teach, preach, and exercise discipline.

4. Challenges and Opportunities

Churches wrestle with the practice of eldership in every tradition:

• Accountability vs. authority: How do elders exercise leadership without domination?
• Shepherding vs. administration: How do elders balance personal care with organizational oversight?
• Discipline vs. restoration: How do churches correct sin without appearing judgmental?

Despite these challenges, eldership remains a biblical and practical model for guiding congregations. When done with humility, courage, and love, it allows the church to flourish as a body where leaders serve not as lords, but as shepherds under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

Comparative Chart: How Churches View the Role of Elders