Biblical Eldership: Who, What, Why?

An elder is on the same level ground with every other believer before Jesus Christ, having the same and yet added responsibilities. In the New Testament elders are also referred as pastors or overseers. So, biblically, an elder is a pastor is an overseer and according to the New Testament, elders are responsible for the primary leadership and oversight of a church. Elders are called to lead the church (1 Tim. 5-7; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:1-2), teach and preach God’s Word (1 Tim. 3:2; 2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 1:9), protect the church from false teachers (Acts 20:17-31), exhort and admonish the church in sound doctrine (1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim 3:13-17; 1Titus 1:9), visit the sick and pray (James 5:14; Acts 6:4), and judge doctrinal issues (Acts 15:6). In biblical vocabulary, elders shepherd, oversee, lead, and care for the local church.