Constitution Chapter 2 – Selection of Elders and Deacons

The selection of officers to lead the church is a vital element of her corporate life. A man may be considered as a potential officer in several ways. He may aspire to the office himself (1 Tim. 3:1), the elders may approach him, or the people of the church may suggest his name to the elders. Once he becomes a candidate, the elders will examine the candidate with regard to his doctrine and manner of life. If the candidate has any disagreement or mental reservation about any portion of the church’s Confession of Faith or Constitution, then he must inform the elders of it. All candidates must meet the qualifications for the office set down in Scripture (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:2-4; 1 Tim 3:8-13; etc.).

If the elders unanimously agree that the candidate is fit for office, then they will nominate him to office. Once nominated, the candidate for elder will work through a short course of training on eldership under the oversight of the elders. When, in their unanimous judgment, the candidate has shown his fitness for office, his name will then be placed on a ballot sent to all electors. A nominated diaconate candidate will be included by the deacons in their work in order to prove his fitness for office (1 Tim 3:10). When, in their unanimous judgment, the candidate has shown this, the deacons will make a recommendation to the elders to place his name on the ballot to which the elders must give their unanimous consent. Each ballot will provide the option of voting either yes, no, or abstain.

If the candidate receives the unanimous support of the church (Phil. 2:1-4), the elders will ordain the new officer through the laying on of hands and prayer (cf. 1 Tim 4:14; 5:22; Acts 6:6).

The requirement for congregational unanimity may be set aside only through the unanimous consent of the elders, and that only after the elders have determined that the objections are unscriptural or unwarranted. However, refusal to overturn these objections does not constitute agreement with the objections on the part of the elders.

If the objections are overturned, then one of the elders will meet with those who objected to discuss the elders’ decision.

If a candidate for office is not elected, then one of the elders will meet with him within one week to discuss the election and answer any questions the candidate might have.

Once installed, the elder or deacon will serve for life, unless he resigns or is removed.