Elder-Led Church Polity: Its Theology and Practice

Act of Worship

Interplay between congregationalist rule and elder-led rule in local churches (especially in the United States) has seemingly increased in recent decades so much that churches are increasingly making a transition from a congregationalist model to rule by a plurality of elders.[1] The transition often seems and proves to be a daunting task but a necessary one to conform to New Testament standards. In this paper, I will contend for a church polity that is led by a plurality of elders, as such a model most closely aligns with the biblical model.[2]

The New Testament does not disclose a single correct polity but, without being explicit, paints with a broad stroke in its support for elder-led leadership. For manifold reasons, direction by a body of elders affords multiple benefits for the local church. First, elder-led polity is a joint responsibility, which naturally yields greater accountability among leaders. Second, as an extension of the local church body, an elder-led model most accurately portrays the body of Christ. Third, the elder-led model is a tried-and-true method for local church leadership and has been employed since the early church. If God’s people desire to conform to the New Testament model, the elder-led model works best.

This paper will also oppose the most commonly employed model in Western culture: the congregationalist model by presenting two common issues that arise in congregationalism:

1) little accountability and

2) too much responsibility placed upon one person.

In the interaction between both models, the elder-led model will be met with staunch biblical and practical support.

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[1] Remy, “Church Transition to Plurality of Elders: A Case Study,” 1.

[2] Even among elder-led models, there are those governed by a singular pastor or small group of pastors (e.g. a hierarchy). The scope of this paper considers such models but asserts a firm position for governance by a plurality of elders where the board of elders hold equal weight in leadership decisions.