<P> In every Church completely organized, that is, furnished with all the officers which Christ has instituted and which are necessary for carrying into full effect the laws of his kingdom, there ought to be three classes of officers, viz: at least one Teaching Elder, Bishop, or Pastor--a bench of Ruling Elders--and Deacons . The first to "minister in the Word and Doctrine", and to dispense the sacraments;--the second to assist in the inspection and government of the Church;--and the third to "serve tables"; that is, to take care of the Church's funds destined for the support of the poor, and sometimes to manage whatever relates to the temporal support of the gospel and its ministers . </P> <P> Depending upon the specific denomination, teaching elders may also be referred to with terms such as "Minister of Word and Sacrament". </P> <P> The elders are persons chosen from among the congregation and ordained for this service . Beyond that, practices vary: sometimes elders are elected by the congregation, sometimes appointed by the session, in some denominations elders serve for life, others have fixed terms, and some churches appoint elders on a rotation from among willing members in good standing in the church . However, in many churches, ruling elders retain their ordination for life, even though they serve fixed terms . Even after the end of their terms, they may be active in presbyteries or other bodies, and may serve communion . </P> <P> In addition to sitting on the session and other church courts, ruling elders have duties as individuals . Again, Miller (1831) explains, </P>

Role of an elder in a presbyterian church
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