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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 7, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 1.

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Questions Answered

By T. E. BOWEN

“CAN a newly elected elder be ordained by the outgoing one?”
In answer to this question, we should say, No. All officers of the church requiring ordination should be set apart to their work by an ordained minister. That no quarterly meeting service should be neglected or unnecessarily postponed, it is the usual custom in all our churches for the old officers to continue their services until the newly elected ones are prepared to enter upon their duties. Where new elders or deacons are chosen, the elder of the church should at once notify the president of the conference, that these officers may be set apart to the sacred work for which they are chosen, by some ordained minister of the conference.
“Are not deaconesses elected who are not the wives of deacons, the same as those who are?”
Yes. It sometimes is the case that other sisters in the church are better adapted for the work of deaconess than the wife of the deacon. The qualification of the individual should determine who should be chosen for deaconess, the same as in the selection of other officers.
It might be added in this connection that the work of the deaconess, properly carried on, is of great importance, and will bring much blessing into the church. Her duty is not done when the quarterly meeting services are over. We believe every church, though small, would be profited by selecting at least two deaconesses, who, together, or in counsel with each other, can visit and assist the sick and those in need of loving help, both in the homes of those who are members of the church and of those who are not. They should take the lead in this noble work of ministry throughout the year, and enlist the interest and help of other sisters in the church, as the needs may demand. Such loving, unselfish service will wield a powerful influence in favor of the truth wherever it is faithfully carried forward. Read Job 29.
T. E. BOWEN.