Elder

Elder, an office-bearer in Presbyterian churches. The name is an exact translation of the Greek presbyteros, which occurs frequently in the New Testament, and from which the English word priest is derived; but there remains much division of opinion as to the precise meaning of the term (see BISHOP, INDEPENDENTS, and PRESBYTERIANISM). All are agreed indeed that bishops and all pastors of congregations are included among elders in the scriptural use of the term; but the ordinary use of it is now limited to Presbyterian churches, and in them it has become the usual designation of the office-bearers associated with the minister of each congregation in the care and oversight of the flock. In some Protestant churches elders are appointed only for a certain term of office; but more generally it is until death, resignation, removal from the bounds of the congregation, or deposition. The appointment of elders takes place variously; in the Established Church of Scotland they have generally been nominated by the kirk-session (consisting of the minister and elders); in the other Presbyterian churches of Britain and America they are elected by the congregation. The ordination of elders takes place in the congregation, but usually without imposition of hands; a difference between the mode of ordination of elders and ministers for which it is not easy to account, and which has certainly tended to produce a general impression that a greater difference of office subsists than the advocates of Presbyterianism admit. In the Established Church of Scotland, the elders have very generally discharged also the functions of Deacons (q.v.). According to the Second Book of Discipline of the Church of Scotland, it is the duty of elders to watch over the spiritual welfare of the people, to admonish, to visit the sick, to assist in the examination of persons seeking admission to the Lord's Table, &c. Elders along with ministers compose all the courts or assemblies of the Presbyterian churches, and have equal votes in all questions.