The elders’ work of oversight (3): Overseeing the offices
This article examines the biblical and ecclesiastical basis for elders' oversight responsibilities, specifically focusing on their role in overseeing the election and installation of church officers (ministers, elders, and deacons). Kuiper demonstrates how the Church Order requires the consistory to lead in selecting officebearers while working alongside deacons and allowing congregational participation, illustrating the Presbyterian principle of shared yet distinguished authority among the offices.
Election to office The elders' oversight of the offices includes the choice of who may be in office and the work of putting them into office. Our Church Order (CO) makes this clear in several places. Referring to the calling of a minister who has not yet been in office, Article 4 requires the minister to be elected (chosen) "by the consistory and the deacons." Article 5 says that "Ministers already in the ministry of the Word, who are called to another congregation, shall likewise be called...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org