We are supposed to have a training and examination process as well, at least according to our book of order….but again current ruling elders don’t ask any tough questions (more like “why do you want to be an elder?” or “we know you already…welcome aboard.”) Maybe that’s a function of a small church where everyone really does know everyone…I suspect though its more of a function that people just haven’t been very educated about their faith.

The more I think back on my own experiences, the apprenticeships are good learning times, but there is much to being an elder that you don’t just learn via an “apprenticeship” – traits that must be developed over years of loving God and His people.

And yeah, the churches I’ve been in have been generally weak on examining doctrinal views and also in stressing their importance after the fact. Something to learn from, I guess.

this is a very interesting question. I haven’t thought about this a ton, but here are a couple of my first inclinations.

1. Right of the top of my head, I thought of two times in the Bible where people were picked for possition. one was the replacement for Judas, and the other is Stephen. As far as i can remember, they were both already qualified before being picked. it seems a little funny to me that elders would be picked and ‘then trainned’. although i think there would be a learning curve for any new elder, it seems that there are qualifications for elders that take years to meet and reputations that take years to establish.

2. I completely agree with you that there should be a lot more interviewing and background on the candidates, including interviewing the wives and a strong commitment to the doctrinal statement and core beliefs of the church..

well, i’m late for class… later!