Elder leadership in the Baptist church

[atpollard]

In the last Elder led church of which I was a member, the Elders led “ministries” (like the small groups, adult Sunday school, missionary outreach) while the Deacons were responsible for the operation and maintenance of the physical facilities (collecting offerings, banking, building repairs, groundskeeping). Elders and Deacons formed the leadership while the members of the church worked with them to accomplish the goals (subject to the 80/20 rule of any other church).

 

[Deacon]

I understand that Baptist churches cry and puff about local autonomy, but how really effective is such, when any new business must be first brought before a committee of handpicked “overseers?”

Most, if not all mentions of the title “elder” is in the plural form, “elders”. A single pastor/elder is not fully operating in a biblically described manner.
Elders are accountable to each other and to the church at large.
Paul’s letter to Timothy (1Ti 5:19-21) mentions how to approach an elder with a disciplinary concern.

Regarding new business, who better than an elder to bring a new idea to, these are believers who can effectively evaluate and assist in implementing change.
Who would you rather discuss new business with?

Rob