• Titus 1:5; Acts 14:23 – Churches did exist without elders and they had the same functions as those that did. However, churches in general function better with qualified elders.
  • Three things are necessary for a local church to appoint elders:
    • Men who meet the standard set by God
    • Men who are willing to take on the role and responsibilities
    • Men who are acceptable to the congregation
  • Some qualifications for elders are absolute and some are not.
  • There are several different words for the same role: Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:7; I Peter 5:2
    • Elders
    • Bishops
    • Shepherds (Ezekiel 34:1-10)
    • Overseers
  • Elders are limited in their function to the congregation over which they have been appointed.