Elder

Spiritual leadership

 

Elders should be respected by their congregations and able to speak well. While oratory skills and the ability to prepare a good sermon are assets to an elder, a consecrated  life and the gift of spiritual leadership are far more important. An elder is to be “blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober- minded, of good behaviour, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous” (1 Tim. 3:2, 3). This instruction should not be understood as a requirement that an elder must be married, especially since Paul himself was not married. It is a reference to the practice of polygamy, and says an elder should not have multiple wives 

 

​

Local Administrator

 

An elder should always attempt to make a positive contribution to the organization and progress of the church. While doing this, he or she should not try to dominate or control but rather enable others to participate in decision-making in the church and ministry. An elder often serves in an advisory capacity to various departments, committees, and projects.They must keep a watchful eye over all the members and activities of the church. Elders guide, encourage, and support other church officers. involve church committees and church members in planning, staffing, training, and guiding the entire church program. 

​

 

Spiritual Mentor

 

They counsel, encourage, and pray for the sick, the discouraged, and those with unique problems. Elders are aware of the special needs of the congregation, such as providing Communion to shut-ins. Elders are involved in preparing new members for baptism and creating a nurturing environment of discipleship for new members. They help train the congregation in stewardship and give general oversight to local church finance.