Elders

Elders

Elders are called to lead the church, but not dominate the church. They are shepherds, but Jesus is the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:1-4). They are to serve as an example to the congregation (Hebrews 13:7) and are responsible to teach and lead the congregation (1 Timothy 5:17). Yet, just as Christ is both the Lamb of God and the Chief Shepherd, elders are not to lead those who are “below” them, but lead the sheep as mutual members of the flock. An elder is to lead and rule, not to serve his own purposes, but to lead and rule as an act of service to the congregation (Matthew 20:25-28).