- Elders are not recognized publicly; recognition is private and individual. Basically the “older men”
- Elders are recognized but passive, having few functions beyond inviting speakers;
- Elders are recognized and active but lead from among the flock; the men meet & make most church decisions; elders become more visible in time of crisis but normally take a low profile.
- Elders are active and make all significant decisions from behind closed doors; either there are no men’s meetings or they are “informational” only; no decisions
- Elders are assistants to an administrative head often titled “Pastor”
[Return to article on “Transitioning to Leadership by Elders”]