Thank you, May God bless all who work to diligently seek him.

For your consideration, Russell Hill, I offer the following few verses and comments.

First, I'm not completely sure what the statement "I saw examples of this practice (apostles and teachers appointing elders) throughout the new testament" means or is in reference to. Excuse me if I have mistunderstood and reply inappropriately. We have one specific example of elders being appointed in Acts 14:23, by Paul and Barnabus, and specific instructions to Titus regarding his responsibility to appoint elders in the cities of Crete in Titus 1:5. Timothy was given similar instructions as a provision in 1 Timothy 3:1-2/14-15. Other passages deal with the presence of elders, their responsibilities, and so forth, but no other passages refer specifically to the appointment of elders (also called bishops, overseers, pastors, or shepherds). So, the only specific examples or instructions provided in the New Testament for the appointment of elders is by those who were sent out to preach the word.

Recall that Paul and Barnabus had been sent out to preach from the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3), and returned to that church when they completed their mission (Acts 14:26-28). They appointed elders in each church at the conclusion of that journey.

Timothy, who was instructed in the appointment of elders, and cautioned against being hasty in doing so (1 Timothy 3:1ff, 5:17-22) had also been appointed to preach the gospel, and a body of elders had laid hands on him at the beginning of his ministry (1 Timothy 4:14, probably in
Lystra, Acts 16:1-3). His work including preaching the word, and doing "the work of an evangelist" (2 Timothy 4:2-5).

Titus was very likely sent out from the church in Antioch (Acts 15:2, Galatians 2:1ff), and we know he traveled extensively helping the churches not only in Crete but in Macedonia, Achaia and Dalmatia. He clearly was also one sent to preach the gospel, and teach believers.

Again, the only examples of appointing elders (bishops, shepherds, pastors) in the churches of the New Testament that we have, is by those sent out to preach the word, apostles and evangelists. The only instructions for appointing elders, including the qualities these men must have, were written to preachers of the word, evangelists. There is no example or instruction for the appointment of elders by elders, or by popular election, or any other means, besides the work of commissioned
preachers. If the concern is what the Bible actually says and provides examples of, then the only example or instruction we have is that of elders being appointed by those sent out to preach the gospel.

• See also LW article "The Appointment of The Ephesian Elders"