The call for elders of the church is one of the most significant moments in a congregation's life, yet many leaders feel unprepared for the weight of this responsibility. A Barna Group study on pastoral leadership found that a large majority of pastors report feeling under-equipped for leadership selection processes.
The problem is real: you want to honor God, follow biblical principles, and avoid division—but the practical steps aren't always clear. This guide walks you through the biblical foundation, practical preparation, selection criteria, the laying on of hands, and post-appointment support. You'll finish with a clear framework you can adapt to your church's size and tradition.
What Scripture Says About the Call for Elders
The Bible treats the call for elders of the church as a serious, Spirit-led event, not a popularity contest. In Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every church "with prayer and fasting," committing them to the Lord. This pattern shows that the call involves both human discernment and divine guidance.
A key passage is 1 Timothy 3:1-7, which lists qualifications: above reproach, faithful to one's spouse, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent, gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money.
Titus 1:5-9 adds that an elder must "hold firmly to the trustworthy message." Every call for elders of the church should return to these passages as its anchor.
Consider how one medium-sized congregation approached this. They spent three months in corporate prayer before even discussing names. The result was a process that felt less like a business meeting and more like worship. This biblical grounding protects the call for elders of the church from becoming political.
How to apply this: Read 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 aloud in a leadership meeting before you begin your selection process.
Preparing the Congregation for an Elder Call
A successful call for elders of the church begins long before any vote or announcement. Congregational preparation prevents confusion, hurt feelings, and split votes. Without it, even biblically qualified candidates can face resistance.
Start by teaching a sermon series on biblical eldership. Explain what elders do, how they differ from deacons, and why the qualifications matter. Use the BibleProject resource on church leadership—it provides free video overviews that make complex ecclesiology accessible to every member.
A congregation that understands the theology behind a call for elders of the church will approach it with reverence rather than politics.
Then, clarify your church's specific process. Will the congregation nominate, or will a committee bring names forward? How long is the vetting period? What happens if someone objects? One common scenario: a church that published its entire process in a one-page document saw far fewer conflicts than one that kept details vague.
Clear communication around the call for elders of the church builds trust.
How to apply this: Create a one-page "Elder Selection Process" document and distribute it three weeks before nominations open.
Qualifications to Examine Before the Call
The call for elders of the church must rest on character, not charisma. Every candidate should be evaluated against the 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 lists before their name reaches the congregation. Skipping this step invites regret and division later.
The qualifications fall into three categories: character (above reproach, self-controlled, gentle), family life (faithful spouse, well-managed household), and teaching ability (able to instruct and defend sound doctrine). Denominational traditions add nuances—some require a seminary degree, others emphasize gifting and experience. Whatever your tradition, the call for elders of the church demands consistent standards.
A practical vetting tool is a written questionnaire covering each biblical qualification. Ask the candidate to respond in writing, then discuss their answers in a small group of existing elders. Planning Center People can help you track the vetting process and store confidential notes securely. Thorough vetting protects the integrity of the call for elders of the church.
How to apply this: Build a qualification checklist from 1 Timothy 3 and require every candidate to complete it before their name goes before the church.
The Laying On of Hands and Installation
When the call for elders of the church is confirmed, the installation service carries deep theological weight. Acts 6:6 and 1 Timothy 5:22 both reference the laying on of hands—a symbolic act that sets apart leaders and invokes God's blessing.
The installation typically includes: a public charge to the new elder, prayer by existing elders, the physical laying on of hands, and a congregation commitment to support and follow. Many churches also include a time of testimony where the new elder shares their calling story. This moment marks the visible culmination of the call for elders of the church.
1 Timothy 5:22 warns, "Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands." This verse reminds you that installation is not just ceremonial—it affirms that the church has done its due diligence. The event should feel weighty, joyful, and sacred, not rushed. When done well, the installation seals the call for elders of the church with unity and prayer.
How to apply this: Plan your installation service at least four weeks out so the new elder can prepare a brief testimony of God's leading.
Supporting New Elders After the Call
The call for elders of the church does not end when the service is over. In fact, the first year is often the hardest. New elders face increased spiritual attack, time pressure, and the challenge of earning trust. Without support, burnout follows quickly.
Assign each new elder a mentor from the existing elder board. This mentor meets monthly for prayer, debriefing, and honest conversation about challenges. Also provide training on church governance, conflict resolution, and pastoral care. Denominational bodies often offer these resources—check with your regional office.
The ongoing fruit of a call for elders of the church depends on this kind of intentional follow-through.
According to research published by Lifeway Research, pastoral and lay leader burnout has risen significantly in recent years, making support structures more critical than ever. One church that implemented a formal mentorship program saw new elders remain active and healthy in their roles far longer than before.
Supporting leaders well honors the call for elders of the church as a long-term commitment, not a one-time event.
How to apply this: Pair every new elder with a seasoned mentor within two weeks of installation and schedule the first meeting immediately.
Comparison of Elder Call Approaches
Different church traditions handle the call for elders of the church in distinct ways. Here's a compact comparison:
| Approach | How It Works | Action to Take |
|---|---|---|
| Congregational vote | Members nominate and vote | Publish clear candidate profiles before voting |
| Elder board selection | Existing elders choose after vetting | Require unanimous board agreement |
| Denominational appointment | Regional body appoints | Follow denominational guidelines exactly |
| Hybrid model | Congregation affirms board's choice | Use a 75% affirmation threshold |
Each approach shapes how the call for elders of the church unfolds, so choose one that fits your governance structure.
Frequently Asked Questions About call for elders of the church
How long should the vetting process take?
Most healthy churches spend three to six months vetting elder candidates. This allows time for background checks, doctrinal interviews, and observation of the candidate's current ministry. A shorter process risks missing character issues; a longer one can feel like endless bureaucracy to qualified candidates.
What if someone objects to a candidate during the call?
Establish a written objection process before the call for elders of the church begins. Require objections to be submitted in writing with biblical grounds, then have the elder board investigate. Anonymous objections should be weighed but not treated as definitive. The goal is fairness to both the candidate and the congregation.
Can a woman serve as an elder?
This depends entirely on your church's theological convictions. Complementarian churches restrict eldership to qualified men based on 1 Timothy 2:12. Egalitarian churches welcome women based on passages like Galatians 3:28. Your denomination's statement of faith should settle this before any call for elders of the church begins.
What if no qualified candidates emerge?
Wait. It is better to have fewer elders than unqualified ones. 1 Timothy 5:22 warns against hasty appointments. Use the waiting period to disciple potential leaders, teach on eldership, and pray. Some churches have gone a year or more between elder appointments without harm to the congregation.
Should elders serve for life or a fixed term?
Both models appear in church history. Fixed terms (often three to five years, renewable) prevent stagnation and allow sabbaticals. Lifetime service honors experience and continuity. Many churches blend both: lifetime recognition with rotating active service. Decide before the call for elders of the church, not during it.
Conclusion
The call for elders of the church is a sacred trust that shapes a congregation for years to come. Here are the key takeaways:
- Ground every step in Scripture, especially 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1
- Prepare your congregation thoroughly before any vote or announcement
- Vet candidates on character, family life, and teaching ability—not popularity
- Treat installation with the gravity it deserves
- Support new elders actively during their critical first year
Your next step is simple: gather your current leadership and read 1 Timothy 3 together. Then draft your one-page process document. The health of your church depends on getting this right.
