In Christianity, an elder is a person who holds a position of responsibility and authority in a Christian group). In the context of a church, an elder is a person who has spiritual authority and is recognized as a leader in the church. The title of elder is not given to someone simply because they are older and have been in the church longer than most other congregants, but it is a biblically based qualification. The New Testament gives us many examples of the important role elders should play in the church and how those in the church should regard them.

Here are some key points about the role of an elder in the church:

• Elders are men who meet the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, are recognized by their congregation as an elder, and lead the congregation by teaching the Word, praying for the sheep, and overseeing the affairs of the church.
• Elders have a measure of authority over the local church, and their mission is to lead, teach, protect, and love their church members the way shepherds care for the sheep in a flock, so that the church members will grow up into spiritual maturity.
• Elders are plural, and each congregation should have a team of shepherds.
• Elders must be godly, and they are accountable for the spiritual life of the church.
• Elders help to settle disputes in the church, watch out for the church in humility, watch out for the spiritual life of the flock, and do those things in a local church that they assume a pastor would do.

Although the exact role of a church elder ultimately depends on the denomination or the specific needs of the church, it’s always a respected and revered title. Church elders today may perform financial, organizational, or spiritual duties. Some perform liturgical duties, while others serve in a teaching capacity. Still, others provide administrative tasks and assist the ordained clergy.