Editing Open Brethren (section)

====Elders====
The Open Brethren believe in a [[Plurality (church governance)|plurality of elders]] (Acts 14:23; 15:6,23; 20:17; Philippians 1:1)—men meeting the Biblical qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9. This position is also taken in some [[Baptist]] churches, especially [[Reformed Baptist]]s, by the [[Churches of Christ]], and increasingly by independent non-denominational evangelical churches. It is understood that [[church elder|elders]] are appointed by the Holy Spirit ([[Acts 20:28]]) and are recognised as meeting the qualifications by the assembly and by previously existing elders, whereas some believe in the time of the establishment of the first New Testament assemblies it was either an apostle's duty or his directly appointed delegate's responsibility to ordain elders (for example, Timothy or Titus), this original order being consistent with the Christian concept that authority comes from above and does not arise from men.

Men who become elders, or those who become deacons and overseers within the fellowship, are ones who have been recognised by others within the individual assemblies and have been given the blessing of performing leadership tasks by the elders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icrf.com/articles/casino.htm|title=Defining Religion In American Law|access-date=2009-07-18|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060514092022/http://www.icrf.com/articles/casino.htm|archive-date=2006-05-14}}</ref> An elder should be able and ready to ''teach'' when his assembly sees the "call of God" on his life to assume the office of elder (1 Timothy 3:2). Brethren elders conduct many other duties that would be typically performed by "the clergy" in other Christian groups, including: counselling those who have decided to be baptised, performing baptisms, visiting the sick and giving spiritual counsel in general. Normally, sermons are given by either the elders or men who regularly attend the Sunday meetings; but, again, only men whom the elders recognise have the "call of God" on their lives. Visiting speakers, however, are usually paid their travel costs and provided for with Sunday meals following the meetings.