Throughout the Bible, elders play an important role in the life of God’s people.
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, these individuals serve as leaders, shepherds, and examples of faith.
The term “elder” does not only refer to age, but also to spiritual maturity and responsibility.
God calls elders to lead with wisdom, guide others in faith, and uphold the truth of His Word.
But what does the Bible actually say about elders?
How should they lead?
What are their qualifications?
By looking at Scripture, we can better understand the role of elders in the church and why they matter in the life of believers.
The Role of Elders in the Old Testament
Elders were present from the earliest days of Israel’s history.
They were respected leaders who made decisions, settled disputes, and helped guide the nation.
In Exodus 18, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, advised him to appoint elders to help manage the people.
Jethro told Moses, “You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out.
The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone” (Exodus 18:18).
Moses followed this advice and selected capable men to serve as leaders.
This established a pattern of shared leadership that continued throughout Israel’s history.
In Numbers 11:16-17, God instructed Moses to appoint seventy elders to help govern the people.
These men were filled with the Spirit of God to assist Moses in leading Israel.
The elders were not just political leaders; they were spiritual guides responsible for helping people follow God’s commands.
They played a crucial role in teaching, making judgments, and ensuring that the nation remained faithful to the Lord.
The Transition to Elders in the New Testament
In the New Testament, elders take on an even greater role, particularly within the early church.
As churches were established, elders were appointed to provide spiritual oversight.
Their role was to shepherd believers, teach sound doctrine, and guard against false teachings.
One of the clearest examples of this is found in Acts 14:23, which says, “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord.”
This shows that elders were a key part of church leadership.
Their appointment was done with prayer and great care, emphasizing their importance in guiding the church.
The Qualifications of Elders
The Bible provides specific qualifications for those who would serve as elders.
In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul lays out a detailed list of characteristics that an elder must have.
He writes, “Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.”
This passage highlights that elders must be men of integrity, wisdom, and faithfulness.
They should be spiritually mature, respected by others, and committed to leading with humility.
Another passage in Titus 1:6-9 echoes these qualifications.
Paul tells Titus to appoint elders who are “blameless, faithful to their wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.”
He goes on to say that an elder must “hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”
This means that elders must have strong faith, lead their families well, and be able to defend the truth of God’s Word.
The Responsibilities of Elders
Elders are called to shepherd and care for the people of God.
They are not simply administrators or decision-makers—they are spiritual guides who watch over the church.
In Acts 20:28, Paul tells the elders of Ephesus, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.
Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
This verse shows that elders are entrusted with the spiritual well-being of the congregation.
They must be alert, prayerful, and dedicated to helping believers grow in faith.
Peter also speaks about the role of elders in 1 Peter 5:2-3, saying, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
This passage emphasizes that elders should not lead out of obligation or for personal gain, but with a willing heart and a servant’s attitude.
Their leadership should be marked by humility, kindness, and a desire to serve.
Elders and Teaching Sound Doctrine
One of the primary duties of an elder is to teach and uphold biblical truth.
Titus 1:9 states that an elder “must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”
Elders must be able to explain and defend the gospel.
They are responsible for ensuring that the church stays rooted in God’s Word and does not drift into false teachings.
This is especially important because false teachers were a major problem in the early church, just as they are today.
Paul warned Timothy about this in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, saying, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.
Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
Elders must stand firm in truth and guide believers toward sound biblical teaching.
The Relationship Between Elders and the Church
Elders are not meant to lead alone.
The New Testament shows that churches had multiple elders rather than a single leader making all the decisions.
Acts 14:23 mentions Paul and Barnabas appointing elders (plural) in every church, which suggests a model of shared leadership.
This prevents any one person from having too much power and ensures that leadership is balanced and accountable.
Hebrews 13:17 instructs believers to respect and follow the guidance of their elders: “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.
Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
This shows that elders have a serious responsibility before God, but the church also has a role in supporting and respecting their leadership.
The Reward for Faithful Elders
God honors those who serve faithfully as elders.
In 1 Peter 5:4, Peter writes, “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
This verse reminds elders that their leadership is not just for this life, but it has eternal significance.
God sees their efforts, and He will reward them for their faithfulness.
Serving as an elder can be challenging, but it is a calling filled with great purpose and eternal reward.
Final Thoughts
The Bible has a lot to say about elders, showing that they are essential to the spiritual health of the church.
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, elders are called to lead with wisdom, shepherd God’s people, and teach sound doctrine.
Their qualifications are high because their responsibility is great.
They are not to lead for personal gain but with humility, faithfulness, and a heart for God’s people.
The church is called to respect and support elders while holding them accountable to biblical standards.
Ultimately, elders serve under Christ, the Chief Shepherd, who will one day reward them for their service.
Their role is a noble one, designed to strengthen the church and help believers grow in their faith.