The Church of Scotland has ordained two teenagers as elders, one male and one female, doing so with a great celebratory PR fanfare. Apparently, the Kirk’s answer to its problems is to make its elders younger. Perhaps someone thought a little generational diversity would be just the thing to revive a denomination in decline. But the church of Jesus Christ is not a corporate HR department, and eldership is not a box to tick on a diversity form.
The New Testament sets no minimum or maximum age for elders. But it does set qualifications. An overseer must be ‘above reproach’, ‘sober-minded’, ‘self-controlled’ and ‘able to teach’. He (note the masculine pronoun) must not be a recent convert (1 Timothy 3:2–6). Titus 1:6–9 likewise emphasises godliness, sound doctrine and spiritual maturity.
These are not arbitrary hurdles. Elders are entrusted with the care of Christ’s flock. They must guard the truth, exercise sound judgement and provide godly leadership. Such qualities require more than enthusiasm and potential. They are ordinarily demonstrated over time, through the experience of Christian life and service.
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