The Reformation revived the ancient office of the Elder, a layman chosen by the community, who would supervise the lifestyle of the congregation, the pastor, the funds and the property of the parish.
Reformatsioon taaselustas iidse vanema ameti, kogukonna poolt valitud ilmiku, kes pidi kontrollima koguduse elustiili, pastorit, kihelkonna raha ja vara.