Pastors

Jeremiah 3:15- “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding”

Ephesians 4:11-12- “And he gave some, apostles, and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

Elders

The Elder/Eldress – They are appointed by the pastors to assist with care of the people and the oversight of the ministry.

Jesus Christ is Lord of his church.  Founded upon the conviction that he is the Son of the living God, redeemed by His blood, nourished upon His word, upheld by His intercession, the church is His body, commissioned to do His will. Jesus did not set up His church and then abandon her.

Rather, He sent His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, so that the body would have all it needed to do the work and also be protected from evil forces.

Elders were named in each congregation and given oversight in spiritual matters. Paul speaks of this responsibility in his charge to the elders from the church in Ephesus: Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Moses was also directed be Jethro to select able men as overseers and to bear the burden with him as the government of the congregation. Elders see that the gospel is preached, taught, and lived; that prayer is continuous; that workers are selected and trained; and tend to the overall spiritual welfare of the flock.

Acts 14:23- “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”