Eldership


It is the genuine desire of Swartz First Baptist Church to be faithful to Holy Scripture in how we pastor, shepherd, and oversee the church of God. It is our conviction, based on interpretation and study of the whole of scripture, that the New Testament church is to be pastored by a plurality of qualified men called Elders. The New Testament gives us the instruction on how to select, instruct, correct, and protect Elders. Elders are to be the pastors, overseers and shepherds of Christ’s church. They are to be the right temperament, not perfect men or sinless, fully committed to apostolic doctrine, and able to instruct and defend sound doctrine. 

It is our deep conviction for Swartz First Baptist Church to be pastored by biblical elders. By doing so, we believe we are being faithful to Holy Scripture, led by the Holy Spirit to shepherd the congregation of believers at Swartz First Baptist Church. 



“The consistent pattern throughout the New Testament is that each local body of believers is shepherded by a plurality of God-ordained elders. Simply stated, this is the only pattern for church leadership given in the New Testament. Nowhere in Scripture does one find a local assembly ruled by majority opinion or by a single pastor.”              John MacArthur

Frequently Asked Questions



1. What is being proposed?

The leadership is proposing that Swartz First Baptist Church transition from a single‑pastor leadership model to a biblically grounded plurality of elders who together shepherd, teach, and oversee the church.

This proposal does not eliminate pastoral leadership but rather defines it according to the New Testament pattern.

       Multiple qualified men serve together as pastors/elders

       Shared responsibility for teaching, shepherding, and oversight

       Continued congregational authority

Key Scripture References:

1.     Acts 14:23

2.     Titus 1:5

3.     Philippians 1:1

2. Why is this transition being recommended?

After extended study, prayer, and teaching, the leadership has become convinced that plural eldership best reflects the biblical model for church leadership.

This recommendation is driven by conviction, not pragmatism or dissatisfaction with past leadership.

       Faithfulness to Scripture

       Shared pastoral wisdom and accountability

       Long‑term health of the church

Key Scripture References:

4.     Acts 20:17–28

5.     1 Peter 5:1–3

 

 

3. Is plural eldership clearly taught in Scripture?

Yes. The New Testament consistently describes churches being led by a plurality of elders rather than a single individual.

There is no example in Scripture of a church led by one pastor acting alone.

       Elders appointed in every church

       Elders addressed collectively

       Shared oversight of the flock

Key Scripture References:

6.     Acts 14:23

7.     Acts 20:17

8.     James 5:14

4. Does this change our Southern Baptist identity?

No. We remain a Southern Baptist church affirming congregational governance, local church autonomy, and believer’s baptism.

Plural eldership addresses pastoral leadership, not congregational authority.

       The congregation affirms elders

       The congregation retains authority in major decisions

       Elders lead; the congregation governs

Key Scripture References:

9.     Matthew 18:17

10.  Acts 6:1–6

5. Are the terms pastor, elder, and overseer different offices?

No. Scripture uses these terms interchangeably to describe the same office.

A pastor is an elder; an elder is an overseer.

       Pastor emphasizes shepherding

       Elder emphasizes maturity

       Overseer emphasizes responsibility

Key Scripture References:

11.  Acts 20:17, 28

12.  1 Peter 5:1–2

13.  Titus 1:5–7

6. How does this differ from the role of deacons?

Elders are responsible for spiritual leadership, teaching, and oversight.

Deacons serve the church by addressing practical and ministry needs.

       Elders shepherd the flock

       Deacons support the work of the church

       Distinct but complementary roles

Key Scripture References:

14.  Acts 6:1–7

15.  1 Timothy 3:1–13

7. How are elders qualified and selected?

Elders must meet the biblical qualifications outlined in Scripture.

They are recognized based on character, doctrine, and proven faithfulness—not popularity or position.

       Above reproach

       Able to teach sound doctrine

       Faithful in life and family

Key Scripture References:

16.  1 Timothy 3:1–7

17.  Titus 1:6–9

8. How does plural eldership protect the church?

Plural leadership provides accountability, guards against abuse of authority, and promotes doctrinal faithfulness.

No one man bears the full weight of shepherding alone.

       Mutual accountability

       Doctrinal protection

       Pastoral sustainability

Key Scripture References:

18.  Proverbs 11:14

19.  Hebrews 13:17

 

 

9. What happens if an elder sins or teaches error?

Scripture provides clear instructions for correction, discipline, and if necessary, removal.

Elders are accountable to Scripture, one another, and the congregation.

       Correction is biblical and loving

       Restoration is the goal

       Public rebuke when necessary

Key Scripture References:

20.  1 Timothy 5:19–20

21.  Galatians 6:1

10. What is the goal of this proposal?

The goal is not structural change for its own sake but faithfulness to Christ’s design for His church.

We desire to shepherd God’s people according to His Word for the long‑term health of the congregation.

       Faithfulness to Scripture

       Healthy shepherding

       Christ‑centered leadership

Key Scripture References:

22.  Ephesians 4:11–16

23.  1 Peter 5:2

 

11. Does this change the role of our pastor?

No, this just means that the role of pastor, in leadership and shepherding, is shared among multiple qualified men instead of just one.

This means church members have more access to more pastoral care and shepherding. While the leading of the church is done by multiple qualified men with varying gifts, strengths, and a collective wisdom.

       Greater capacity for pastoral care

       Greater capacity for shepherding

       Collective wisdom and varying gifts of leadership

 

12. Does this mean we are hiring more staff members and if so, how much will this cost?

No, we are not proposing a hire of new staff members. Our current pastor will be the paid, on staff pastor/elder, while the other elders will be volunteer/unpaid elders.

       There is no cost for this change.

 

13. Are current staff members other than the pastor considered elders?

No, current staff members and their positions will remain unchanged. Staff members other than the pastor are over certain ministries (children, students, etc.) while the pastor/elder role provides leadership to the entire congregation. This responsibility is carried out by the elders.

       This also means that the staff gets more pastoral support simply because there are multiple elders.

 

14. Since elder qualifications include teaching, how does this affect who preaches each Sunday?

Elders are qualified to teach, but they each teach in varying ways. Some are called to “labor in teaching” (1 Tim. 5:17) while others teach on occasion or in different settings (Wednesday Night Classes, Connect Groups, Special Occasions, etc.). Jarrett will continue to be the regular speaker on Sunday mornings.

 

15. What is my responsibility as a church member in this process?

Please pray for the leadership as we carefully and prayerfully navigate this exciting chapter in the life of our church. We have one goal in this: to be as Biblical as possible in everything we do.

 

Study the materials we have provided. Ask questions. Read Scripture. We want every church member to see the beauty of Biblical eldership and how the Lord uses this model for the health of His church.

 

Questions and Further Discussion

We welcome thoughtful questions and biblical discussion prior to the congregational vote. Please direct questions or requests for clarification to elders@swartzfbc.org.