The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22–23, Ephesians 4:15, & Ephesians 5:23). He is the One that we seek and follow as He continues the movement that He started 2,000 years ago through His perfect life, substitutionary death, and victorious resurrection. After He ascended into heaven, He gave us His Spirit and established His Church to be led by elders. 

It’s His Church, and He’s our Chief Shepherd. Underneath the guidance of Jesus are leaders who are simply qualified Christians who follow Jesus and encourage others to follow Him as well.

Jesus calls qualified men to lead His church as elders, whom we also call pastors. Qualifications for eldership are found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, and include leading their families well, a record of serving Jesus well both in the church and in everyday life, a thorough knowledge of the Bible and a mature Christian walk, and a good reputation both in and out of the church.

The primary duties of elders include praying and studying Scripture, leading the vision of the church, caring for the people of the church, teaching, living lives that are exemplary, protecting the people of the church from false doctrine and teachers, and developing other leaders.