Elders in the LC vs Pastors

[countmeworthy]

Originally Posted by UntoHim

The Local Church's use of the term "elder" is based upon the preferences and teachings of Watchman Nee, which in turn were based upon he preferences and teachings of the early Brethren movement.

Of course the early Brethren made the claim that their use of the term "elder" (as opposed to "pastor") comes directly from the New Testament:

It was the desire of the early Brethren (1708-1735) to reflect the New Testament Church in their faith and practice. While they may not have achieved a perfect likeness to the primitive church, there was a similarity. They were able, to a degree, to leap back 1600 years to recapture in a different culture and time the basic essence of the primitive church.
The role of the Brethren elder should be defined by its ecclesiology, but the Brethren have no systematic ecclesiology. The Brethren avoided creeds and confessions. The texts of Scripture constitute Brethren ecclesiology. Thus, the elder’s role is defined by Scriptural teaching and example.
The use of the term “elder” within The Brethren Church was derived from the New Testament. The Greek word presbyteros, which is translated elder, is used in three different ways: (1) The “elders of Israel”, (2) The senior/aged members of the church, and (3) A technical reference to leadership. The model for the New Testament elder is rooted within the “elders of Israel” and the Old Testament cultural reverence for their character, counsel, and ability.
THE HISTORICAL ROLE OF THE BRETHREN ELDER - Jack L. Oxenrider

For all the unbiblical teachings and practices in the Local Church, their employment of the office of elder, specifically the use of a plural eldership, is probably the most scripturally correct. Most modern Protestant churches have a board of elders, which has functions ranging from providing advise and direction for the lead Pastor(s) to merely providing practical assistance in the areas of finance and logistics. In any event, the pastor or minister in most postestant churches actually functions as the lead elder.
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Good stuff UntoHim..
Let me say, as an uneducated youngster who knew nothing about church hierchy, I did not know that the LC was probably a 5013c with a board of directors back in the day. 85% of the church in San Diego in the early 70s were under 25 yrs old!

John Smith the leading elder was truly an elder to us. He was in his late 40s or early 50s! And the poor guy and lovely wife had 6 maybe 7 kids!! What responsibility!!! (I know Lee had a slew of kids but he kept them under wraps! That is until Phillip and Timothy came out of the woodwork)

If there was a board of directors, I think they were called “brothers”. Back then there were no blended anything. I think I heard the word “deacon” once or twice because it stayed with me. I knew who he was. So I think we had deacons “undercover”.

it does make sense whether wrong or right that the Protestant churches all have pastors with the board of directors as “elders”.

Interesting info.. Thanks!