WHEN THERE ARE BAPTISMS IN MY CHURCH, THE PASTOR SOMETIMES EXAMINES THE CANDIDATES ONLY BEFORE THE ELDERS, NOT BEFORE THE ENTIRE CHURCH. IS THIS CORRECT?
Yes and no. Let me explain. First, I would like to clarify that the candidate’s examination is required by the Church Manual. No one should be baptized without first being examined. The question now is to define at what moment the examination should occur. The general rule is that the examination takes place before the church, but there may be circumstances when this is not possible. In that case, the Manual allows for an exception. Still, the results of the examination should be submitted for the church’s consideration before the ceremony. Read carefully what is written in the Church Manual:
“The church has the right to know concerning the faith and attitude of every individual applying for church membership. It is proper for a public examination of all candidates to be held prior to their baptism, preferably in the presence of the church. If this should prove to be impracticable, then it should be before the church board or a committee appointed by the church board, such as the board of elders whose report should then be rendered to the church prior to the baptism. When the alternative mentioned under the preceding section is used, opportunity should be given for candidates to give public expression of their desire to unite with the church and to be identified with and by the church” (p. 31).
IS IT NORMAL PROCEDURE TO BE ELECTED AS AN ELDER IN THE CHURCH AND THEN TO WAIT ALMOST ONE YEAR FOR ORDINATION?
The Church Manual says, “Election to the office of elder does not in itself qualify one as an elder. Ordination is required before an elder has authority to function in that office” (p. 50). Soon after the church elects new elders and deacons, a service of ordination should be scheduled to dedicate them to this task. Such ordinations are to be performed by an ordained minister. Elders and deacons should be persons of experience, chosen wisely. Considering that local elders are elected for one or two years, it is not wise to wait a long period of time for their ordination. The same vote by the church which elects an elder is implicit with the church authorization for the ordination. There is no need for two votes, one for election and another for ordination. The same vote for election gives the church the authorization for the elder’s ordination. In many places elders are elected and then have to wait long periods of time to prove they are qualified for that function. This process is incorrect. If the church board has doubts about someone, that person should not be elected. Once a person is elected as an elder, it means that there are no reservations with his or her name.
This was reprinted from SAD Elder's Digest
General Conference Ministerial Association
