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Eldership Through the
Ages and through the
history of CC/DOC
CCNC-N presentation for Elders’
Training March 26, 2011
History of Eldership in Human
Culture
In early human culture, elders
taught the knowledge and skills needed to survive
passed on traditions
sustained the culture and beliefs
In Complex Modern Industrial Society,
rapid technological advancement “discredits” elders who
don’t “keep up” and seem less relevant to young people
institutionalized education create “experts” in areas well
before the elder years.
character built from life-long experience can only be
offered by elders.
History of Eldership & Spiritual
Leadership in the
Judeo-Christian tradition
Elders in the Jewish tradition:
Elders were the formal leadership within a tribe.
Council of Elders (Sanhedrin) served as judges and leaders.
Kings became a higher authority, but still consulted Elders for cultural and
religious leadership.
Modern Jewish tradition and many indigenous/ethnic cultures continue to
honor the guidance and judgment of the Elder Councils.
History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition
Elders in the New Testament
Jesus refers to both women and men in
leadership roles among his Disciples.
Early Christian documents identified only
the original Apostles as “Elder.”
The Jewish Christians kept their cultural
structure regarding Elder leadership.
History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition
Elders in the Gentile churches
Brought their own leadership traditions
Established counter-cultural practices
Leadership had to maintain an integrity of
these new belief and values
History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition
The Greek references in scripture to Leader
or Elder had three separate categories
indicating specific roles:
Presbyteros—older or elder person
Presbyteri—overseer
Poimen—shepherd
History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition
With growth came the need for some
common structure and polity:
In 325 AD, Constantine established a
formal hierarchy of ruling priests in Rome.
There is no clear role for the lay person as
an Elder or spiritual leader.
History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition
The Protestant Reformation, beginning in the
16th Century
They rebelled against the rigid hierarchy
and corrupt practices.
Leadership was shared between full time
religious leaders and lay volunteers.
History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition
Elders in the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ):
The Campbell/Stone movement criticized
institutional hierarchy.
They called for a return to New Testament practice
and polity.
They strongly advocated for the inclusion of lay
leadership in the churches & the worship process.
History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition
Earliest CC(DOC) Congregations
Were rarely served by ordained clergy.
Lay Elders held administrative authority:
Lay Elders were identified by the
congregations to teach, “exercise
discipline” and preside over the service
Lay Elders were mostly part time
volunteers.
History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition
More full time licensed or ordained
ministers were hired.
Conflict and challenge often occurred
between Lay Elder authority and
ordained clergy.
In many cases, the spiritual leadership
of lay Elder has been reduced or lost.
The conflict of leadership authority
between lay Elder and ordained clergy
continues in many congregations.
History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition
Continued institutionalization of a National
Church further decentralized the lay Elder’s
authority and influence.
The administrative leadership of the church
began to be spread out over other nonelder administrative lay positions, such as
Board Chair.
History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition
In Congregations Today:
A desire to support, strengthen and renew the
role of lay Elder/Spiritual leader
We see declining congregations that may once
again be unable to hire full-time ministers.
We live in a post-Christendom culture which
once again moves Christianity to be more
counter-cultural.
This may change the role of Elder/spiritual
leader as we move forward.
History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition
The question put forward to Elders and
congregational leadership and
membership today is not so much
whether we will change, but rather how
we will change—with what criteria and
values.
History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition
Questions for discussion:
What has changed?
What has stayed the same?
Why do we need the role of
an Elder or Spiritual Leader
today?