The "not a novice" or "recent convert" is another translation blunder of a word that appears only once, making it difficult to compare. The idea here is an immature young plant. In short elders were to "act their age."

Think about it, these were *new churches - virtually __all__ were recent converts!!! There was no waiting period or training course to become some kind of "official elder." The writers of Scripture are addressing those who were __already elders__ - not telling them how to become such. The alleged "qualifications" are simply imperatives that should be viewed, not as conditions but as requirements. A requirement is NOT a condition.

To refer to young men in the church as elders, as is done today, is as ridiculous as referring to Michael Jordan as a white guy. The same word for elder is rendered for the jealous older brother in the story of the prodigal son. Likewise, at Pentecost, when the "old" and "young" are said to dream and prophecy... Surely, we are not talking about recognized church officials!

About a dozen times in the NT old and young persons are contrasted. (In both sexes) This is the natural way to categorize persons that you are seeking to communicate or write to. There is no reason to keep reading "official church government" into these sections.

The famous "church government" passage in Timothy concerning elders "being worthy of double honor" is but the natural progression of a thread of thought beginning with female elders - "honor widows..." See it? "Honor" and "double honor" for the respective older ones of both genders. Look at the context. Age used to be synonymous with honor and respect.

Just as God has "ordained" the sun and moon to light up the sky, so he has "appointed or ordained" all older Christians - i.e. elders - to be mentors, examplers, informal teachers, nurturers, "overseers", shepherds and helpers to the younger ones. This is what true pastoring is. There is nothing "official" about it. There are no privileges that go with it, like salary or "administering the word and sacraments." It is not a job for hire. It is the responsibility of hundreds of millions of men and women who, at present, are clueless about their obligations and who vainly imagine think that the clergy or the government are somehow going to take care of everything and everybody.

The cumulative effect of such a massive defection and abdication of duty by Christians should bring us all to tears and repentance. God have mercy! Why are we so hell-bent upon thwarting the simple and natural purposes of the Head of the Church?

Officially recognized? No. Divinely commissioned and ordained? Yes! A thousand times yes. ;>D