Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. - Hebrews 13:17

Primary Functions

To humbly govern and shepherd the New Testament Church:

1 Peter 5:1-5 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

To preach and teach the Holy Scriptures:

1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…

To be the resident theologian and defending the truth of Scripture:

Titus 1:9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Qualifications of an Elder:

Commands of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9:

• Above Reproach – no hidden sinful behaviors
• Husband of one wife – a one woman man
• Temperate – calm headed
• Sensible – not given to rash judgments
• Dignified – recognized as a leader
• Hospitable – welcoming of all people (easy conversation)
• Apt Teacher – able to teach and lead people
• No drunkard – not given to addictions
• Not violent but gentle – strong, but approachable and caring
• Not Quarrelsome – easy to get along with, not over critical
• No lover of money – wise with finances
• Household – loves kids and wife, teaches them.
• Not a recent convert – have seasons of Christian maturity
• Well thought of by outsiders – great reputation outside church community
• Theologian – hold tight to the Word