At Bethel, elders are responsible for the spiritual guidance and direction of the church, providing both a shepherding and pastoral presence. Current and prospective elders are men held to biblical standards for church leadership including but not limited to being above reproach, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, gentle, blameless, honest, theologically sound, and eager to serve. 

The following Biblical texts outline the spiritual qualifications and responsibilities for church leadership:

1 Timothy 3:1-7

Titus 1:5-9

1 Peter 5:1-4

Hebrews 13:17

1. Names of prospective elder candidates are submitted by members of the Bethel community at least two months prior to a business meeting.

2. The current Bethel Elders will review nominations and set up interviews with qualified candidates and their families.

3. Following interviews, the current Bethel Elders will select from the nominees who will be presented to the Bethel body as an elder candidate. This may be for either the Bethel Elder board or a campus elder board.

3. Information about the selected candidates will be presented to Bethel members two weeks prior to the business meeting.

4. Bethel members will vote on the candidates at the business meeting. Bethel Elder candidates must be approved by a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of Bethel members who are present. Campus elder candidates receive a vote of affirmation, but are ultimately selected by the Bethel Elders.

5. Bethel and campus elders serve a three year term, after which they are presented to the Bethel body for reelection (Bethel Elders) or reaffirmation (campus elders).