We’re in the process of appointing new elders at church. The elders are a group of older men who make decisions in regards to church management. Being somewhat familiar with life as a elder’s kid I want to offer this advice to any elder’s kid.
It can mean good benefits. You will always have an understanding ear in church issues, without necessarily scheduling a formal meeting with the elders. See something you like or dislike at church? Mention it to your father.
You will be scrutinized more often then you should. Or at least you’ll feel like you’re being judged. In reality probably many people don’t know or don’t care that you’re an elder’s kid. Keep doing what you’re doing. Remember, your father wasn’t put in this position because of bad behavior of you. If you sin, ask for forgiveness and move on. Elder’s kids aren’t immune from sin. You or your family might be considered high profile and therefore any of your blemishes might seem magnified for some. “Well, he’s an elder’s kid….” might be said about you in regards to anything you might have done.
The behavior of an elder’s kid should be the behavior of any Christian. The only difference is that the good behavior of an elder’s kid is specifically mentioned in the Bible as a prerequesite for appointing eldership. See Titus 1:6 and 1 Timothy 3:4-5.
You will hear “Tell Your Dad about this” more often than you want. There may be a handful of misled people who will want to become friends with you primarily because they want a close ear to the church leadership. It’s your job to determine whether or not their offer of friendship is genuine. 99% of the time people are genuine.
You will tend to see your father less often after and before church, simply because of the overabundance of meetings. Your father will have to keep things from you in regards to church decisions. Stop being nosy and move on.