Which statement best describes the composition of the eldership?

Which statement best describes the composition of the eldership?

• A. It should be composed of elders only.
• B. It should be elected by the government.
• C. It should be composed of individuals with gifts in administration and in different types of ministry.
• D. It should be defined by age and tenure.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that eldership should be a diverse team shaped by spiritual gifts, not by status, age, or secular processes. The best choice says the group should include people with gifts in administration and in different kinds of ministry, so they can provide both sturdy stewardship and a broad range of pastoral and missional capabilities. Effective church governance needs organized oversight as well as a spectrum of ministries—teaching, shepherding, outreach, service—to function well as the body of Christ. Seeing elders limited to only one category would miss the practical needs of leading a local church with order and vision. Being chosen by secular government would place church leadership under outside control, undermining its spiritual authority. Defining the eldership by age or tenure reduces leadership to time served rather than the actual gifts and capacities people bring.

The main idea is that eldership should be a diverse team shaped by spiritual gifts, not by status, age, or secular processes. The best choice says the group should include people with gifts in administration and in different kinds of ministry, so they can provide both sturdy stewardship and a broad range of pastoral and missional capabilities. Effective church governance needs organized oversight as well as a spectrum of ministries—teaching, shepherding, outreach, service—to function well as the body of Christ.

Seeing elders limited to only one category would miss the practical needs of leading a local church with order and vision. Being chosen by secular government would place church leadership under outside control, undermining its spiritual authority. Defining the eldership by age or tenure reduces leadership to time served rather than the actual gifts and capacities people bring.