Too elderly to be an elder?

Jerome--

I guess that would depend upon what your particular church considers to be an "elder."

Most Baptist churches with which I'm familiar consider an "elder" to be in some sort of pastoral position (either officially or unofficially). IOW, especially if it were a somewhat large church, if there is more than one pastor (e.g., an assistant pastor, youth pastor, etc.), those men might be, in a sense, considered as "elders."

Certainly I would consider such folks as you referred to in your OP for positions in a church. What better person to have to be "in charge" of your missions program than a retired missionary? What better person to have "in charge" of your SS program than an "elder" who was a retired pastor, etc.?

Now, I'm not saying that experience should be the only qualification in seeking a person for some leadership position in your church; but all else being equal, a person who has had some first-hand experience in dealing with the duties and responsibilities of a given position would most likely be a more effective leader than someone who had absolutely no experience whatsoever.

Again, there are other factors to consider (especially "spiritual factors"), but IMO having experience would certainly be a plus.