For his church, God bestows leadership. Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5, 1 Peter 5:1, and Acts 20:28, 1 Timothy 3:1 refer to these leaders as “elders” or “overseers.” The elders must lead as God directs in order for the church to operate in accordance with His desire. The Bible provides extensive guidance on the duties of elders.
Every church should have elders
Even though a church can function without leaders, something is still missing. Paul instructed Titus to designate elders in each town and “put what remained into order” (Titus 1:5). Thus, a church need leaders.
A pastor is frequently the primary figure in a church. But the New Testament never uses this word (well, except in some versions of Ephesians 4:11). The New Testament refers to what we would term a pastor as an elder, or overseer. A unique type of elder is mentioned in one case. He is heavily devoted to teaching and preaching, and the church provides for him (1 Timothy 5:17). This most closely resembles the definition of a pastor. However, you should be aware that multiple church elders are mentioned in every instance in the New Testament. Therefore, it is not scriptural for a pastor to handle all the labor and decision-making on their own.
There ought to be multiple leaders in every church. Churches can be organized in a variety of ways, and the titles given to their leaders vary among them. However, applying the biblical term “elder” aids in identifying the primary duties of church leaders. Because the Bible outlines what elders ought to do.
What should elders do?
1. An elder should be an example to the church
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you [… not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3) is a biblical directive as well as a well-liked modern management concept. This is a key explanation for why having many spiritual abilities or being intelligent or well-educated are not requirements for becoming an elder. Being a family man of integrity and constant in his Christian life is the primary requirement for becoming an elder (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
2. An elder should lead the church
He ought to be “ruling” (1 Timothy 5:17) or “exercising oversight” (1 Peter 5:2). One instance of this is found in Acts 15:1-2, where the apostles and elders in Jerusalem were consulted when there was disagreement in the new churches that Paul built. Naturally, churchgoers should be [ready to be dominated] when elders are in charge. Hebrews 13:17 states, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls.” for this reason.
3. An elder should teach
The Bible specifies twice what kind of men (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9) should be elders. Both times, the ability to teach is the only skill emphasized, and the emphasis is on character. All elders should teach; some may be called to teach the entire church, while others may only be called to teach small groups. This highlights how crucial truth is to the Christian faith. An elder ought to be aware of what the gospel says and what doesn’t. Others should be able to understand that from him.
4. An elder should give pastoral care
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them,” Peter instructs the elders (1 Peter 5:2). People encounter a wide range of challenges and questions throughout their lives. Elders ought to support congregants in resolving these conflicts in a way that glorifies God. This is frequently equated in the Bible to the labor of a shepherd who tenderly guides the animals under his care. Depending on each person’s identity, the elder will approach them differently (1 Timothy 5:1-2).
5. An elder should pray for church members
The apostles appointed deacons to free up their time for teaching and prayer when they became too preoccupied with day-to-day tasks (Acts 6:2-4). The apostle Peter also referred to himself as an elder in 1 Peter 5:1. James 5:14 calls elders in particular to pray for the ill in the church. The church is independent of human labor, as seen by the elders’ emphasis on prayer as one of their responsibilities. Even when God employs elders to establish his church, we still expect God to work.
What is the role of an elder in church?
An elder serves as a role model for the congregation; in addition to leading the group, he also teaches, provides pastoral support, and leads in prayer. By acting in this way, he serves as both Christ’s authority inside the church and Christ’s subordinate authority. Because Jesus Christ is the “chief shepherd,” while elders are shepherds (1 Peter 5:4). The church has elders as a gift from Christ. You ought to honor them and offer prayers for them as they look after you.
