“So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed”
(Acts 14:23 NKJV)

elders (plural) in every church (singular)

Paul and Barnabas are on the last leg of their first preaching journey (Acts 13-14). They have finished their preaching goals for this trip. But there is one more matter to complete before leaving: they must revisit the churches they established in order to appoint elders in every church.

Elders are first mentioned in Acts 11:30 — the church in Antioch sent relief to the brethren in Judea. “This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”

Acts 14:23 is the second reference to elders. The Lord planned that every church have elders. A church is not fully organized without them. Carefully consider the words in verse 23: elders (plural) in every church (singular).

Denominations often appoint one “pastor” or “elder” in each church. There is not even a hint of scriptural authority for this common practice. Denominations may also have a board that governs their “elder” — another product of man’s imagination.

Even worse, denominations often make the local preacher their “pastor” (even if he is single). This violates the divine pattern. These unscriptural practices originated in the hearts of people who value their wisdom above the wisdom of God.

– Rick Duggin