Can elders only be appointed by college-trained preachers?
Question:
I have a question. In the absence of the formally-trained or college-trained preacher, but under the guidance of homegrown or locally trained preachers, can a church start a process of nominating potential elders, declaration of desire from nominated members, church participation in choosing those with qualities mentioned in I Timothy 3 and Titus, and finally the appointment or ordination of elders?
Do the scriptures allow only those with a certificate from college to supervise or lead the process of appointing elders?
Answer:
Would you care to cite the passage that mentions college or formal training for preachers? None exists. Preachers are to train other preachers. "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (II Timothy 2:2). Therefore, the foundation of your question is based on a requirement that does not come from God. All elders are appointed by preachers who learned to preach from other preachers. There is no school for preachers.
