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How Are Elders Nominated?
Is there a more biblical way?
Fifthly, recommend the candidate to the congregation
as a nominee for eldership. Let this nomination rest with the congregation
for a period of time (e.g., two months), during which time members intending
to vote "no" can share their concerns with the elders and the elders can, if
necessary, withdraw the nomination based on new information.
Sixthly, if no concerns are raised, achieve a 75% majority
affirmation of the call from the congregation at the next business meeting.
This supermajority is necessary because it is important that the congregation
have confidence in the new elder, and that the elder be assured of that confidence
by the congregational vote. Otherwise mutual mistrust ensues.
Finally, it is wise to allow elders to serve a three year term,
to be reaffirmed by the congregation for another three years, then to give
them a one year break, after which the other current elders could re-nominate
them if they are still qualified. This system provides healthy accountability
for elders that a lifetime eldership system seems to lack.
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