Biblical Eldership Church Leadership

Notes

the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them” (Acts 14:27). The farewell ceremony for the two departing messengers of the gospel (cf. Acts 14:23) involved fasting, praying, and the laying on of hands. Luke does not explain the significance of the laying on of hands in this instance. But as in Acts 621-6, the context involves setting apart se lect men in the church for a special task (in v. 2, the Greek word aphorizo’ is used, meaning to set apart). So, by the laying on of hands (probably the hands of the other prophets and teachers) the church set Paul and Barnabas apart, bestowed its blessing, and commissioned them for the special work that the Holy Spirit called them to in response to their prayers. According to 1 Timothy 5:22, the laying on of hands in appointment establishes a partnership between two parties. There is a sense in which the one (or ones) who appoints shares in the failure or success of the one appointed. Also, the one set apart has some accountability toward those who placed their hands on him. Thus, the laying on of hands creates a deeper sense of responsibility, accountability, and fellowship between the parties involved. 10. Lawrence R. Eyres, The Elders ofthe Church (Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed, 1975), p. 51.

Chapter 15

1. Neil Summerton, A Noble Task: Eldership and Ministry in the Local Church, 2nd ed. (Carlisle: Paternoster, 1994), p. 102. 2. Ibid.,pp. 102,103.

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