Government and Bylaws
Available for Download here
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The Pastor\Elder Relationship
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1- The
terms pastor and elder refer to the same office. Acts
20:17-18, 1Peter 5:1-4, Acts 14:23
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a. The New Testament norm was a multiplicity of
elders in each church.
b. In the Southern Baptist Convention, a tradition
of one pastor has been developed over the years.
c. There should be a mutual respect between pastor
and elders.
d. There should be a mutual accountability between
pastor and elders.
e. Even though the term pastor was only used three
times in the New Testament, and the term elder
was used more prominently, there is no biblical
reason why we should not have the freedom to use
these terms interchangeably. |
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2- The
New Testament recognizes the principle of a leader among
leaders.
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a. Peter was the obvious leader among leaders and
primary spokesman at the church of Jerusalem.
Acts 14:7
b. Timothy was the obvious leader among leaders and
primary spokesman at the church of Ephesus.
1 Tim. 1:3 |
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3- There
is a distinction between elders who are paid and those who
are not. 1 Tim. 5: 17
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a. Those who devote full time to preaching and teaching
should be paid.
b. Those who are freed up to devote full time to their
ministries will naturally have a greater influence
than the others. |
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4- There are
some decisions a pastor should have authority to make on his
own, and others should be
made with the counsel of the elders. |
a. Every attempt should be made to develop a
relationship that is based upon mutual trust.
b. The senior pastor should be given the authority by
the church to oversee the day to day operations
of the staff and church as is written in the
Constitution and By-Laws.
c. While the senior pastor should be given this
authority, he should also see himself as accountable
to the elders for his words and deeds.
d. There are considerations that should be brought to
the elders for counsel and advice such as: |
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1- Doctrinal issues that require clarification for the
Body.
2- Changes in eliminating existing ministries or
starting new ministries.
3 - Major changes in the direction or operation of
existing ministries.
4- Matters of church discipline.
5- Problem solving with staff and lay leadership.
6- Major financial decisions.
7- Church wide ministry projects.
8- The ordination of new pastors.
9- Selection of elders and deacons.
10- Developing long range purpose, vision, and goals. |
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