If a church has a lot of long-time mature Christians who have born fruit, I think that is a valid observation. But I have also seen estimates (e.g. at the top of the Bible map) that the 'first missionary journey' took two years. If those estimates are right a half or a quarter of that were on Cyprus, then some of those elders Paul and Barnabas appointed would have been Christians for less than two years, maybe even 2 months, 6 months, 8 months, etc. depending on the city and how long Paul and Barnabas travelled.
These men probably had some experience being solid members of their communities prior to conversion, though, probably, either as Jewish men active in the synagogue or as Gentile God-fearers. Converts from the synagogue made up the core group of most of these early churches.
These men probably had some experience being solid members of their communities prior to conversion, though, probably, either as Jewish men active in the synagogue or as Gentile God-fearers. Converts from the synagogue made up the core group of most of these early churches.
I was in some churches where the elders were young people and the oldies sat in the pews. I was going what? I thought elder meant 'elderly' or 'old'?!
the elder I question was someone my age who had studied in bible college. I mean great that she studied and was getting her PHD but she wasnt elderly. How can she be called an elder?
I think this topic was raised to get us thinking about how some churches are organised, whether it works or whether it breaks down, what roles we assign people as church is basically a bunch of believers gathered together to worship the Lord right?
I mean in any given group or organisation there are roles and they arent always fixed in stone. But the roles or callings are given to those who can handle it. If you wear too many hats and take too much responisbilty or overreach it isnt beneficial either.