OUR ELDERS:

The New Testament directs that a plurality of older men should be appointed within each congregation of the Church to serve as "Overseers." These men have particular qualifications which are listed in I Timothy chapter 3 and Titus chapter 1. They are referred to as "Elders" (Greek - Presbuterous) or Overseers/Bishops ( Greek - Episkopos.) The first definition is indicative of their mature spiritual experience and the latter of the special work they have undertaken. These men have the oversight and spiritual leadership duties of each congregation from which they have been appointed, AND NO OTHER! ( I Peter 5:2) The Bible teaches each member of the Church to obey and submit to these men in matters> concerning the Church as long as they teach and follow the teachings of the Bible, which are spelled out in the New Testament. (Hebrews 13:17)