Questions on Church Polity

A brother, resident in Chicago, sent in these questions: "Why should not the elders as well as the Ministers of the Gospel be chosen for the duration of their lives? Is periodical retirement of Elders biblical? Answering these questions must be made to consist firstly in directing attention to the fact that Art. 27 of the Church Order of Dordrecht requires periodical retirement of Elders and Deacons. The article reads: "Elders and Deacons shall serve two or more years according to the local...