Biblical Eldership: An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership

by Alexander Strauch

James instructs those who are sick to call for the elders of the church (James 5:14). Paul instructs the Ephesian church to financially support elders who labor “at preaching and teaching” (1 Tim. 5:17,18). Paul instructs the local church about protecting elders from false accusation, disciplining elders who sin, and restoring fallen elders (1 Tim. 5:19-22). Paul instructs the church as to the proper qualifications for eldership (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). To the church in Ephesus, Paul states that anyone who desires to be an elder desires a noble work (1 Tim. 3:1). Paul instructs the church to examine prospective elders as to their qualifications (1 Tim. 3:10; 5:24, 25). Peter instructs the young men of the church to submit to the church elders (1 Peter 5:5). The writer of Hebrews instructs his readers to obey and submit to the elders (Heb. 13:17). Paul teaches that elders are the household stewards, leaders, instructors, and teachers of the local church (Titus 1:7; 1 Thess. 5:12; Titus 1:9). Paul instructs the church to acknowledge, love, and live at peace with its elders (1 Thess. 5:12,13).