The New Testament uses the terms "elders," "overseers," and "pastors" to refer to the men in the church recognized and set aside by the church for overseeing and shepherding the church in the accomplishment of her mission. They are to provide spiritual leadership to the church by directing the church ministries, overseeing the worship services, proclaiming the gospel to believers and unbelievers, preaching and teaching God’s Word, praying for and with the congregation, ministering to individual needs of the congregation, overseeing the process of church discipline, administering the ordinances of communion and baptism, modeling and leading the church in holy living, and guarding the doctrinal fidelity and practices of the church. (cf: Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

          Though each of our elders may have specific areas of ministry focus in the church, all of our elders share equal authority in leading our church body.