Elders

Elders at grace point

What Is an Elder?

Paul says that if anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. It is noble not because of prestige, but because of the sacred responsibility it carries. Elders are men who must meet the qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. These qualifications emphasize character over competency. Elders must be above reproach, faithful husbands, self-controlled, hospitable, gentle, not greedy, and able to teach. They must lead their households well, not be recent converts, and be well thought of by outsiders. Titus adds that elders must hold firm to sound doctrine and be able to refute error.

The work of elders flows from who they are. They are called to shepherd the flock, teaching sound doctrine, guiding the church, protecting against false teaching, and modeling godliness. They lead by example, not by compulsion. They guard the flock from wolves and care for the weak. They feed the church with the Word of God and guide it in mission and direction.

At Grace Point, our elders affirm a covenant that reflects these commitments. They pledge to shepherd with humility, guard doctrine, pray faithfully, model Christlike character, and equip the body for ministry. They do not take their role lightly, because they know that they will give an account to God for how they care for His people.

Elder Candidates

Shared Leadership

The New Testament shows again and again that churches were led by a plurality of elders. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every church. James instructs the sick to call for the elders of the church. Philippians opens with a greeting to the overseers and deacons. The pattern is clear. Churches were shepherded by teams, not by a single individual.

Plurality is wise. It guards against personality-driven leadership. It provides accountability. It brings shared wisdom and reflects the interdependence of the body of Christ. While some elders may labor especially in preaching and teaching, all elders share equal authority and responsibility. There is no hierarchy among elders.

At Grace Point, our Board of Elders serves together as the governing body of the church. They oversee doctrine, direction, and discipline. They make decisions together, not as individuals. The Lead Teaching Pastor is an elder among elders, entrusted with primary preaching responsibility but not with greater authority. In this way, our leadership reflects the biblical model and protects the church from imbalance.

The Sobriety and Accountability of Eldership

Eldership is both a noble task and a fearful responsibility. Hebrews 13 reminds us that elders keep watch over souls as those who will give an account. James warns that teachers will be judged with greater strictness. Paul told the Ephesian elders to pay careful attention to themselves and to the flock, because the church was purchased with Christ’s blood.

This weight requires humility. Elders do not lead for personal gain or status, but as servants of Christ. They are accountable to God, to one another, and to the congregation.

At Grace Point, elders hold one another accountable through shared leadership, mutual correction, and annual reaffirmation of their covenant. They are also accountable to the congregation, which affirms them, prays for them, and has authority to remove them if necessary.

When elders fail, Scripture requires accountability and discipline, but also holds out the hope of restoration. The goal is always repentance, healing, and the glory of Christ. The sobering truth is that elders shepherd not their own flock but Christ’s, and one day they will answer for how they cared for His people.