AFC what does it mean to be an Elder? Turn 60 instantly makes you an Elder or Mother of the Church?

Would a ratified “Bishop” of the Holiness Faith please explain to the laypersons that because you turn 60 years of age it does not make you an “Elder” or a “Mother” of the Church that there are biblically qualifications. Elders are to do more than just “Pray” for the sick! Must live as examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3).

Elder (Christianity) ... an elder is an ordained person who serves a local church and who has been ordained to a ministry of word, sacrament and order, filling the preaching and pastoral offices. Pastors, elders, and congregation members should all be careful whom they pick and recommend as elders.  They should not let emotions influence their decisions, so that they choose men who are not qualified.  The church needs to take the office of elder very seriously, and it needs to put the elder to the test according to the guidelines of scripture.  If he is not qualified, he should not be an elder.

Respected is to given to the elder among us, but as forget the scripture Titus 2:1-15 ...

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. ...

The Bible spells out at least five duties and obligations of an elder: 1) The elders help to settle disputes in the church. “While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the Christians 'unless you keep the ancient Jewish custom of circumcision taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.' Paul and Barnabas, disagreeing with them, argued forcefully and at length. Finally, Paul and Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local believers, to talk to the apostles and elders about this question” (Acts 15:1-2, NLT). The question was raised and forcefully argued, then taken to the apostles and elders for a decision. This passage teaches elders are decision makers.

Oh, that’s right you can’t if you are the author of the confusion… or double minded.

2) They pray for the sick. "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14). Since the elders have to meet specific qualifications, their lives are godly and therefore the sin in their lives is minimal and is confessed regularly; therefore, they are used to pray for the sick. One of the necessities in prayer is praying for the Lord’s will to be done, they are expected to do this.

3) They are to watch out for the church in humility. "I exhort the elders who are among you, I being also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. Feed the flock of God among you, taking the oversight, not by compulsion, but willingly; nor for base gain, but readily; nor as lording it over those allotted to you by God, but becoming examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a never-fading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:1-4). Elders are the designated leaders of the church, and the flock is entrusted to them by God. They are not to lead for the pay or the reward but because of their desire to serve and shepherd the flock.

First, one would have to understand the meaning of “serve” and "servant" and not consumed with arrogance or oneself. Relevant to me! 4) They are to watch out for the spiritual life of the flock. "Yield to those leading you, and be submissive, for they watch for your souls, as those who must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17). This verse does not specifically say “elders,” but it is talking about the church leaders. They are accountable for the spiritual life of the church.

There has to be a spiritual growth for ones members and a light that ones want to become members or even remain members.

5) They are to spend their time in prayer and teaching the word. "And the Twelve called near the multitude of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word’” (Acts 6:2-4). This is for the apostles, but we can see from the passage above in #3 that Peter equates himself as an apostle and an elder. From this verse you can also see the difference between the duties of elder and deacon.

How does one spend most of there time?

Simply put, the elders should be peacemakers, prayer warriors, teachers, leaders by example, and decision makers. They are the preaching and teaching leaders of the church. It is a position to be sought but not taken lightly—read this warning: "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness" (James 3:1). The role of elder is not a position to be taken lightly.

1. Qualifications for an elder

   1. Must be above reproach (Elders--Titus 1:6; Bishop--1 Tim. 3:2)

   2. Husband of one wife (Elders--Titus 1:6; Bishop--1 Tim. 3:2).

   3. Household must be in order with children who believe (Titus 1:6 ;1 Tim. 3:4).

   4. Not a new convert (1 Tim. 3:6).

   5. Self-controlled and temperate (Titus 1:7; 1 Tim. 3:2).

   6. Honorable, hospitable, seeking good (Titus 1:7).

   7. Have a good reputation (1 Tim. 3:7).

   8. Not addicted to wine (1 Tim. 3:3).

   9. Not greedy (1 Tim. 3:3).

   10. Able to exhort (teach) sound doctrine (Titus 1:9; 1 Tim. 3:2).

   11. Able to refute false teaching (Titus 1:9).

   12. They must be ready to earn their own living if necessary (Acts 20:17, 33-35).

The elder is a leader in the Christian church.  It is a divinely-appointed office that is held by men who are able to teach sound doctrine, refute error, be of good reputation, having believing children, who manage their households well, etc.  The elder should not be in office if he is unable to fulfill the requirements of the office, and he should not be chosen because he is a popular figure in the local church.

Being an elder is a high calling, and there are thousands of very godly men in many churches and who seek God and serve Him as best as they can.  But, it is also true that many should not be elders who are in that position.  Women should not be elders.  Men with unbelieving children living with them should not be elders.  And, elders should be able to teach correct doctrine and refute error.  Sadly, many elders cannot do this.