Elder

Definition and Meaning

The word rendered "elder" (Korean jangno, 長老) originally meant "an older person of virtue and good repute." In the church it refers to an office whose holders are elected from among the members and entrusted with church administration and the spiritual guidance of the congregation. An elder who is currently serving in that capacity is called an active elder (simu jangno). An elder who has served for many years and then retired may receive from the church the honorary title of elder emeritus (wollo jangno).

Biblical and Historical Background

In the Old Testament, elders were leaders who represented the people and tribes of Israel (Exodus 3:16, among other passages). The New Testament Greek word presbyteros is translated "elder," and Scripture records that the apostles appointed elders in every church (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). First Timothy 5:17 mentions both "the elders that rule well" and "they who labour in the word and doctrine." Presbyterians frequently cite this verse as a basis for their understanding of church order.

During the Reformation, John Calvin divided church offices into pastors, teachers, elders, and deacons. Presbyterians inherited this framework and established a system in which ministers (teaching elders) and lay ruling elders govern the church together.

Practice in Korean Churches

Presbyterian Churches

In Presbyterian churches, the eldership is the highest office open to laypeople. Election and ordination follow these steps:

• Election by vote of the congregational meeting.
• Examination by the presbytery.
• Ordination by the laying on of hands and installation in office through an ordination service.

The senior pastor and the active elders together form the session, which decides the principal matters of the church. Elder commissioners attend meetings of the presbytery and the general assembly alongside ministers. Major Presbyterian denominations generally set the mandatory retirement age for active service at 70. Whether women may serve as elders differs by denomination (see ordination of women).

Methodist, Holiness, and Full Gospel Churches

The Korean Methodist Church, the Korea Evangelical Holiness Church, the Korea Assemblies of God, and other denominations also have the office of elder. In Methodist churches, the elder holds an office representing the laity, but the governing bodies and procedures differ from those of Presbyterian churches. In the worldwide Methodist tradition, ordained clergy are also sometimes called "elders."

Baptist Churches

Baptist churches follow congregational polity, in which the entire membership decides church matters. There is a strong tradition of regarding pastor and deacon as the two basic offices, and the New Testament elder is often understood to be the same office as the pastor. Accordingly, many Baptist churches are known to have ordained deacons rather than elders.