How trained are the elders in the Jehovah's Witness denomination? Jehovah's Witnesses are known to have no pastors or priests, because having pastors or priests would go against their theology. Instead, they have "elders". From an outsider's perspective, elders appear to function in the same way as the priests or pastors from other Christian denominations, namely because these elders do not include women. Women, however, are allowed and encouraged to become ministers and preach the gospel door to door.

What are the requirements for a person to become an elder? What type of training do elders have? And have elders ever been formally trained in Christian history, biblical studies, or theology? A related question: are Jehovah's Witnesses allowed to read a mainstream, scholarly bible?
I have been one of Jehovah's Witnesses my entire life, 35 years, and was recently appointed as an elder.

What are the requirements for a person to become an elder? - They have to fulfill the requirements mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

What type of training do elders have? - When they are first appointed as elders they usually have had the same training as all other members of the congregation; years of personal bible study and regular meeting attendance. After they are appointed they get ongoing training every few years at different seminars.

And have elders ever been formally trained in Christian history, biblical studies, or theology? - Christian history - yes. Biblical studies - I guess so (not sure what you mean). theology - no, unless they got that training when they were part of another religion.

A related question: are Jehovah's Witnesses allowed to read a mainstream, scholarly bible? - We are allowed to read any bible we choose. During our meetings it is preferred that we use the New World Translation so we can be on the same page (pun intended).