Elder

An elder is an office within some Christian churches and denominations of Protestantism.

I Timothy 3 describes the qualifications for such according to traditional Christian views. As the qualifications are similar to those of deacon, it is not uncommon for a deacon (after a period of time and having proven himself) to become an elder.

In those groups which have elders, the elders are responsible for the overall administration of the church, whereas deacons act in a serving role only.

Denominations or groups which have elders include:

• Methodists (see Elder (Methodism))
• Reformed groups (Presbyterians and Reformed Baptists)
• Churches of Christ
• Latter Day Saints

Traditionally, with the exception of Reformed Baptists, most Baptist groups consider elder a synonym for pastor (though, ironically, in some congregations the deacons actually perform the elders role in terms of overall church leadership).