|
What Is an Elder and Why Is Our Church an Elder-Led Church?
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, elders. Not just “the older folks” in the congregation, but the office of elder as set out in the pages of the New Testament. For some, the idea might sound unfamiliar or even a little “corporate.” But in reality, being an elder-led church is one of the best ways we can protect, shepherd, and propel The Crossings forward with health and faithfulness.
So, what actually is an elder? In simple terms, an elder is a biblically qualified, spiritually mature man called and appointed to lead the local church. The Bible consistently uses several words, “elder,” “pastor,” and “overseer/bishop”, interchangeably (see Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1-2). Elders are shepherds. They’re trusted guardians who guide, feed, protect, and correct God’s people. Think of them as spiritual coaches and watchmen, not CEOs or lone rangers.
Paul, in his letters to Timothy and Titus, gives very specific qualifications for elders (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9). The requirements are tough for a reason: elders are held to a higher standard because God’s people are precious and vulnerable. Elders must be above reproach, hospitable, self-controlled, sober-minded, able to teach sound doctrine, and not given to anger, addiction, or greed. They must have proved themselves faithful in family life and public reputation.
Why is any of this necessary in a contemporary, small-but-growing church like ours? Because leadership is everything. The early church always appointed a plurality, a team, of elders in every city and congregation (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). That model creates accountability, checks and balances, and protection against pride, burnout, or abuse of power. No one man gets to play “king of the castle.” Instead, shepherding is shared, and decisions happen through prayerful consensus by a group of mature leaders.
At The Crossings, being elder-led means that while I (Pastor Justin) act as the churches primary vison caster and teacher oversight of the church and its finances flows from this shared leadership. That doesn’t mean elders do everything themselves; far from it. They are called to equip the saints for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12), to teach the Word faithfully, protect the church from error or division, and care for the spiritual and practical well-being of every member. When a serious issue comes up, whether it’s a doctrinal concern, a member in crisis, or the need for discipline, the elders are the ones who gently navigate those waters.
Another huge benefit to elder leadership is stability. Churches built around one dynamic leader or a handful of personalities are always a step away from dysfunction or collapse if those people leave or stumble. An elder team anchors the church for generations, so that the mission never rests on a single person or personality. It’s about continuity, stewardship, and a laser focus on the glory of God, not human egos. So if God forbid something happens to me the church still has several other Elders in charge leading the congregation.
Being elder-led isn’t trendy; it’s timeless. It’s how the New Testament church governed itself, and how the healthiest evangelical churches today protect the body from error, drift, and harm. It may not always feel flashy or fast, but it makes room for deep roots, wise decisions, and lasting spiritual growth.
At The Crossings, we are currently praying for, equipping, and encouraging some in our very own flock to become elders. Men who will humbly, quietly, and with deep love for this church serve and lead the Crossings Community Church for years to come. Until then please know that I am not leading The Crossings alone. The Elders from Hagerstown Church (Pastor Josh McClain, Pastor Bret Flora and Pastor Anthony are acting as defcato elders for our church until such time as we raise up at least 2 more good God-fearing men who met the biblical qualifications of elder to help me run this church.
So would you please be in prayer for those who are our acting elders now, pray for those who are currently in the elders pipeline right now and for those men who God may call in the future.
Pastor Justin |
