Ruling elders are declared to be the representatives of the people! Charles Hodge (1797-1878) Comment: Sorry Charles but 137 years later we are far removed for our American Constitution! In the church today the congregation does not elect the elders! Just as in politics today our representatives in Washington no longer represent the people! They represent themselves and the quest for power! So goes the church today! Then we wonder why people are turned off to the church? Thankyou. James and Hamsa Sasse. GodWhoisGod.com