Elders: Shepherd and Servants

Most of us don't spend much time thinking about church government. And that's probably a sign that it's working.

But behind the scenes of every faithful, flourishing church is a group—imperfect yet prayerful, spiritually mature and reliant on God—who quietly exercise spiritual oversight. In Scripture, they're called elders. And in our congregation, they are the ones entrusted with a ministry of Word and prayer, shepherding the souls of His people.

About the Bible, Not Boardrooms

In the New Testament, established local churches are invariably led by a plurality of elders: a group of men set apart by the Holy Spirit to oversee, guide, protect, and nurture the flock of God (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; 1 Peter 5:2).

Interestingly, Scripture uses three distinct Greek words to describe this one office:

• Presbuteros (elder) emphasizes spiritual maturity and wisdom (Titus 1:5; Acts 14:23). 
• Episkopos (overseer) points to responsibility and accountability (Titus 1:7; 1 Timothy 3:1). 
• Poimēn (shepherd or pastor) highlights relational care and spiritual feeding (Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 5:2).

These aren't separate and hierarchical roles; they're three facets of one office. By God's grace, elders aspire to be wise leaders, faithful stewards, and gentle shepherds, called to reflect Christ's own heart for His church.

Elders and Pastors: One Office, Varied Functions

As 1 Timothy 5:17 makes clear, not all elders serve in the same way: "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching" (emphasis mine).

Some elders (those we commonly call pastors) carry out their shepherding responsibilities vocationally, giving the majority of their time to the ministry of the Word in preaching and teaching (Acts 6:4). Others serve as lay elders, continuing in their regular vocations while bearing spiritual oversight.

But both serve in the same office, share the same authority, and are called to the same character. What we typically call pastors are simply elders who labor full-time in preaching, teaching, and equipping the church.

A Note on Men and Women in Church Leadership

We recognize that faithful, Bible-loving churches differ in how they understand the roles of men and women in ministry. Some embrace an egalitarian view, in which both men and women may serve as elders or pastors. We respect those brothers and sisters, and we acknowledge the sincerity and thoughtfulness with which many arrive at that conviction.

Our own conviction, however, is that Scripture teaches a complementarian pattern—one in which the office of elder (and thus pastor) is reserved for called men. This flows from our understanding of several passages that address church leadership and teaching authority, particularly 1 Timothy 2:12–3:7 and Titus 1:5–9. When Paul instructs Timothy about appointing elders, he consistently uses masculine language and ties the office to a pattern of male spiritual leadership that echoes creation order (1 Timothy 2:13–14). The qualifications for elders assume a man who manages his household well, and throughout the New Testament, those appointed to elder roles are men.

This biblical teaching and example is not peripheral, culturally conditioned, or culturally captive instruction that we can set aside. We believe it reflects God's enduring design for how spiritual authority functions within the gathered church. It is not about spiritual giftedness or personal worth; women and men are equally made in God's image and equally redeemed by Christ's blood. Rather, it is about submitting to Scripture's teaching about God's design for the church even when cultural pressure moves in a different direction.

This position also reflects the historic and nearly universal practice of the church across centuries, cultures, and denominations. While that history alone does not settle the matter, it does invite humility and caution before departing from what the church has consistently understood Scripture to teach.

We also want to be clear and unreserved in our affirmation of women in leadership throughout the life of the church. We affirm this from biblical conviction and a pastoral priority, not as a begrudging concession. Women are not sidelined in God's kingdom work. From the New Testament forward, they have taught, led, served, and shaped the church in profound ways.

Consider Phoebe, commended by Paul as a deacon and patron of many (Romans 16:1–2). Consider Priscilla, who alongside her husband instructed Apollos in the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26). Consider the women who supported Jesus's ministry (Luke 8:1–3), the first witnesses of the resurrection (Matthew 28:1–10), and Junia, noted among the apostles (Romans 16:7). Consider Lydia, whose home became a base for gospel ministry (Acts 16:14–15), and the women who labored alongside Paul in the gospel (Philippians 4:2–3).

Today, that legacy continues. Women serve as deaconesses, teachers of women and children, ministry leaders, counselors, mentors, missionaries, and voices of wisdom in the life of our church. They lead Bible studies for women and children, disciple believers, oversee ministries, and contribute to the mission of the church in ways that are essential, not optional. We are committed to recognizing, equipping, celebrating, and empowering women to serve in every way that Scripture commends and blesses.

If you are a woman reading this and wondering whether there is a place for your gifts, your calling, and your passion to serve—wonder no more. The church needs you. Christ the Lord has gifted you. And we are eager and excited to walk with you in discovering how God is shaping you for His purposes in this body.

Our Elder-Led, Elder-Directed Approach

At First Free, we are committed to a form of church government that is elder-led and elder-directed.

Elder-led means that our spiritual leadership comes from a team of qualified elders, not from a single pastor or a congregational vote (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17). Elder-directed means that the Elder Board provides theological oversight, vision, and doctrinal protection, not merely administrative approval.

This form of leadership is marked by prayerful dependence, relational humility, and faithfulness to Scripture. It is quiet work. But it anchors everything else we do.

What Elders Actually Do

Elders are not domineering executives or passive figureheads. They are active shepherds, each called to reflect—albeit imperfectly—the servant heart of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus.

They are responsible to pray faithfully for the people of the church (James 5:14; Acts 6:4) and to guard the church against false teaching and spiritual drift (Acts 20:28–31; Titus 1:9). They teach and disciple, feeding the flock with sound doctrine (1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 4:2), while caring for the hurting and straying with wisdom and compassion (1 Thessalonians 5:14). They support and encourage ministry staff and volunteers (1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7), equip the body for ministry and witness (Ephesians 4:11–13), and raise up and train new leaders (2 Timothy 2:2).

This is servant leadership. It is not about being in charge, but about being responsible.

What Kind of Men Are Called to This?

Not perfect men. But proven ones.

The qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 focus overwhelmingly on character. An elder must be above reproach, hospitable, gentle, and self-controlled. He must be faithful in his home and respected in his community, doctrinally sound and spiritually mature, free from arrogance, greed, and quarrelsomeness. He must be a man whose life reflects the gospel he teaches.

These are not extraordinary men. Instead, they are ordinary men transformed by grace and tested by time.

A Word to the Church

In Hebrews 13:17, the congregation is urged to "obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."

This is a gentle but firm word. Elders carry spiritual weight. They answer to Christ for the way they lead. When a church is prayerful, encouraging, trusting, and honest, it makes their labor a joy. The church flourishes within such relationships. But when the body is suspicious, divisive, or cynical, it adds sorrow to a sacred calling. Let's choose joy, for their sake and ours.

There are practical and biblical ways to honor the office of elder in your own life. Pray for our elders regularly—they bear burdens few ever see. Encourage them personally; a kind word or a note of thanks goes further than you know. Trust their leadership when it's grounded in Scripture and humility, and ask questions when you're uncertain. Good elders welcome them. Consider whether God is shaping you—or someone you know—for this role in the future.

An Invitation to Pray

The office of elder is a blessing to the church. It's a principal way in which Christ shepherds His people: through humble, faithful men who lead by example and love from the heart.

And God tells us this ministry matters to Him. Jesus Himself promises that when elders shepherd well, "when the Chief Shepherd appears, [they] will receive the unfading crown of glory" (1 Peter 5:4).

Let's be the kind of church that honors this calling, prays for its leaders, affirms all who serve, and stays rooted in the beautiful design of Christ for His church.

This article is part of an ongoing series exploring biblical leadership in Christ's church. May it deepen our understanding, strengthen our prayers, and help us all serve one another in love.

Originally prepared by Kevin Labby during his ministry at First Evangelical Free Church of McKeesport. Used with permission.