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Some churches have only one elder or pastor leading them, while others have a plurality of elders—meaning church leadership is shared among several individuals. Although this is not a matter of salvation, it does impact church administration, influencing church growth and overall health. Like any other topic, we aim to comprehend what the Bible teaches about a plurality of elders.
While there are no explicit passages prohibiting the practice of having a single leader overseeing a church, a compelling biblical argument can be made for having multiple elders. When we examine the structure of the early church and the guidance provided by the apostles, it becomes evident that contemporary churches should lean towards shared leadership.
In Acts 14:23, Luke recounts that “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” Before this, in Acts 11:30, Luke mentions “the elders of the church in Jerusalem” (NLT). Other passages in Acts also mention a plurality of elders, such as Acts 15:2; 16:4; 20:17; and 21:18.
The epistles also endorse a plurality of elders. In Philippians 1:1, Paul opens the letter with greetings to “all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the elders and deacons” (NLT). Some translations use the term overseers instead of elders, but the role remains the same.
Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus contain well-known references to the topic of eldership. In 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul instructs that “the elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” Note the plural form of elders. Additionally, Timothy’s ministry was in the church of Ephesus, indicating the presence of multiple elders in one church. While the term elder in 1 Timothy 3:1–7
Considering the overall context, it is evident that there are many elders in the church in Ephesus.
The letter to Titus also confirms a plurality of elders. Paul wrote, “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you” «For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: », (Titus 1:5).
There are some passages that mention a single elder «The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; », (2 John 1:1,3 John 1:1), but in those salutations, the word elder is simply a title, with little bearing on ecclesiology.
Many contemporary churches employ a hybrid system, having elders and a lead pastor. The pastor may have more influence and responsibilities than the other elders, but he is still considered an elder and held accountable.
We should be willing to approach the subject of church leadership with grace, wisdom, and an understanding of different perspectives. Ultimately, concentrating all authority in the hands of one person in the church carries risks: overworking the pastor, cutting him off from counsel, and fostering a personality cult. Church leaders require some level of accountability, and a plurality of elders provides just that.
