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What is an Elder Candidate?

An elder candidate is a man among the PBC membership who (1) aspires to the office of elder and (2) is believed by the PBC elders to possess (at least at a surface level) the character, competency, and convictions required of an elder at PBC.

There is no set timeline for moving from elder candidate to elder. The process can take as little as six months but could take considerably longer depending on the candidate.

An elder candidate will not necessarily become an elder, for one or more of the following reasons:

  1. He may voluntarily withdraw from the process.
  2. He may be removed from consideration by the elders due to stagnation in one or more areas.
  3. He may be removed from consideration by the elders because of a moral failure.
  4. He may be removed after failing to receive the necessary votes from the congregation.

An elder candidate that is currently serving as a deacon should assist the elders in locating and training a replacement if/when he is affirmed as an elder. No elder can retain the office of a deacon.

Phase 1: Selection and Presentation

An elder candidate will not be presented to the church unless the existing elders unanimously agree that he should begin the process.

It will be made clear to the church that there is no set timeline for when a candidate would eventually be nominated as an elder. Furthermore, the elders will make it clear that candidacy does not necessarily mean he will eventually be nominated to serve as an elder. This is simply the elders making it public their readiness to begin a season of training, preparation, and examination. During this time, the congregation will be invited to come to the candidate and/or the other elders if they have any concerns about his potential to serve as an elder.

Phase 2: Training

During the initial phase of his candidacy he will undergo training in elder ministry, philosophy of ministry, and practical ministry. The elders’ goal during this season is (1) to equip him to serve alongside the other elders and (2) to assess his readiness for elder ministry. This phase is not limited to the training items listed below. If necessary, the elders may require additional training to prepare the candidate for elder ministry.

A. What is Elder Ministry? The candidate must understand what an elder is, what an elder does, and how an elder should live. To that end, he will study the following twelve-week course on elder ministry:

  • Shepherds Under God: Elders Who Joyfully Govern God’s Flock by Bethlehem College & Seminary

B. What is our Philosophy of Ministry? Elder candidates must possess a philosophy of ministry that is compatible with the other elders. At his own pace, the candidate will read through each of the following books. After he has read each one, he’ll meet with one of the existing elders to discuss.

  • Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever
  • Church Discipline by Jonathan Leeman
  • Budgeting for a Healthy Church by Jamie Dunlop
  • The Trellis and the Vine by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne
  • The Shepherd Leader by Timothy Witmer

C. Is he practically ready for elder ministry? Elder candidates must understand what elder ministry looks like at PBC. To do this, elder candidates will be asked to do each of the following:

Elders Meetings: Schedule permitting, attend weekly Elders Meetings to observe what we’re doing, ask questions, etc.

Teaching: Preach at least one Sunday night sermon. Teach at least one lesson of the PBC Discover Class. On both occasions, elder candidates must submit themselves to humbly receive feedback from the other elders.

Service Leading: Lead various parts of PBC worship services, including welcomes, announcements, Scripture readings, prayers, catechism readings, benedictions, Sunday night prayer meetings.

Pastoral Visit: Accompany at least one elder on a pastoral visit with a member from his Shepherding Group.

Membership Interview: Lead at least one membership interview (with supervision by another elder).

Phase 3: Examination

If/when the elders believe the candidate is ready, he will begin a season of formal examination. The examination will include (but will not necessarily be limited to) the following:

Questionnaire: this in-depth personal questionnaire will assess his convictions, character, and competency for eldership

Marriage Check-Up: he and his wife (if married) will meet with a biblical counselor and/or other elder(s) for a marriage check-up to assess his marriage's readiness for elder ministry.

Elder Examination: he will submit himself to questioning from the PBC elders to assess his personal readiness for elder ministry.

Elder Policy Manual: carefully read the PBC Elder Policy Manual and sign the Elder Commitment Letter.

Phase 4: Nomination, Affirmation, and Installation

If the elders detect no concerns during the examination phase, we will present the candidate at a Members’ Meeting as an Elder Nominee. During this time, the congregation will again be invited to share their concerns with the elders. If no legitimate concerns arise, he will presented before the congregation for a vote at a following Members’ Meeting. If the congregation votes to affirm him as an elder, the elders will schedule a subsequent service to lay hands on him and install him as an elder, after which his service will begin.