Please fill out this form to nominate someone for Elder elections. You will need to add your details (as the nominator) and their details (as the nominee).

Nominations will be accepted from 18th to 25th October, 2026.

By filling out this form we assume that you have read the criteria for suitability for eldership (see below) and wish to nominate someone for this role as per rule 3.15a: "If the ballot is to be conducted with nominations: a) any nomination must either be signed by at least one communicant of the congregation aged at least 16 years or be a nomination by session" (Code Book, PCV). Please ensure that you have consent from the nominee prior to filling out this form.

As per 3.11 of the PCV Code, "the persons eligible for election as elders are:
a) male communicants of the congregation, aged at least 21 years, whose membership exceeds one year; however, this membership period may be waived by the session if the person has previously been ordained as an elder and given satisfactory service in a session; b) a minister not inducted into a pastoral charge who is a member of the congregation but not a ministerial member of presbytery."

Elders are to be Christian men of mature, tested character who have the necessary gifts and willingness to shepherd other believers. The congregation must recognise them as called by God to this role. Part of God's design in a plurality of elders is that no one man need be exemplary in every gift since his competencies complement those of the others. However, all must exhibit godly character.
The Bible spells out eldership qualifications, particularly in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

1. Character
• Demonstrates he is spirit-filled by bearing the fruit of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:23)
• Is self-controlled and disciplined. (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8)
• Has an ability to foster peace and is not arrogant or quarrelsome. (1 Tim. 2:8; Titus 1:7)
• Is generous and a good steward, not a lover of money. (1 Tim. 3:2-3; 6:10; Titus 1:7, 8; 1 Pet. 5:2)
• Has a good reputation in the wider community. (1 Tim. 3:7)
• Has had time for his character to mature and to be tested. (1 Tim. 3:6)
2. Convictions
• Holds to the apostolic message and the sound doctrine of the Bible. (Titus 1:9)
• Maintains that the gospel is the only means of salvation. (1 Tim. 2:5-6; 2 Tim. 1:9-11)
• Accepts that the Holy Spirit calls men to the office of eldership. (Acts 20:28)
3. Competencies
• Teaching – Fruitfully teaches people the Bible and refutes error. (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9)
• Leading – Lovingly exercises oversight in the home such that his family respect him2 (1 Tim.3:2-5; Titus 1:6) and leads others by example and not by domineering. (Titus 1:7; 1 Pet. 5:2-3)
• Relating – Offers hospitality to a range of people (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8) and can speak and pray
pastorally with people (Jam. 5:14; 1 Thess. 5:14).

We encourage members to listen to Adam's 2025 sermons on eldership here to learn about the role and the qualifications:

• 14/09/26 - Why Elders? Titus 1:5-9 (outline is here)

• 21/09/26 - What Do Elders Do? Titus 1 (outline is here)

The PCV Code on elders elections can be found here.

A role description for elders at DPC prepared by Adam can be found here.

By filling in details here, you are electronically signing consent for the name of the Nominee to be added to the Elder Election ballot form for the position of Elder at Darebin Presbyterian Church, in accordance with rule 3.15 of the Code Book of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, and accept our privacy policy.

Tips: the Nominator (person nominating) should fill in this form with their details (this will autopopulate if you are already logged in on Elvanto).