Ministry of an Elder. Elders are ordained ministers who, by God's grace, have completed their formal preparation and have been ordained and served as a deacon, have been found by the Church to be of sound learning, of Christian character, possessing the necessary gifts and evidence of God's grace, and whose call to ordination has been confirmed by the Church. Elders are authorized to preach and teach the Word of God, to administer the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, and to order the life of the church for mission and ministry. The servant leadership of the Elder is expressed by leading the people of God in worship and prayer, by leading persons to faith in Jesus Christ, by exercising pastoral supervision in the congregation, and by leading the Church in obedience to mission in the world. Elders continue their service responsibility as Deacons while serving as Elders and, as such, are bound by the meaning of that ordination.
As members of the Order of Elder, all elders are in covenant with all other elders in the Annual Conference and shall participate in the life of their Order.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21843-MN-324-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference