"Presbyterian polity is constructed on specific assumptions about the form of the government intended by the Bible:
"Bishop" (Koine Greek "episcopos") and "elder" (Koine Greek "presbyteros") are synonymous terms. Episcopos means literally overseer and describes the function of the pastor, rather than the maturity of the officer. A bishop is the highest office of the church (there is no Patriarch or Pope over bishops).
Preaching (the ministry of the Word) and the administration of the sacraments is ordinarily entrusted to specially trained elders (known as ministers of the Word and Sacrament,[2] sometimes called "teaching elders") in each local congregation, approved for these tasks by a governing presbytery, or classis, and called by the local congregation.
In addition to these ministers, there are also "others… with gifts for government… commonly call[ed] "elders"[2] or "ruling elders" (but not in the sense of "presbyteros").
Pastoral care, church discipline, leadership and legislation are committed to the care of ruling assemblies of presbyters among whom the ministers and "ruling elders" are equal participants.
All Christian people together are the priesthood (see priesthood of all believers), on behalf of whom the elders are called to serve by the consent of the congregation.
Presbyterianism uses a conciliar method of church government (that is, leadership by the group or council.) Thus, the presbyters and "elders" govern together as a group, and at all times the office is for the service of the congregation, to pray for them and to encourage them in the faith.
The elders together exercise oversight (episcopacy) over the local congregation, with superior groups of elders gathered on a regional basis exercising wider oversight."
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We are aware that any decision that needs to be taken in relation to the life and work of the congregation lies in the hands of elders of the church. However as elders we needs to know that any decision should be in agreement with the owner of the church, God Almighty. It is not easy to know His will if you do not know your duties and do them effectively. The elders' primary duties (according to Manual of faith and order)are:
ReplyDelete1. Elders are obliged to be faithful in study of scripture and prayer,
2. to live holy lives,
3. to govern
4. guide and assist in the maintenance of the life of the congregation,
5. to participate in the fellowship and work of the Session,
6. to subject themselves to the authority and discipline of the Church, and
7. to seek its unity and peace
Study of the scripture and prayer is not done in my view which are the first among others
Let us prayer for ourselves
Solomon