God has chosen the office of elder for the shepherding care of the flock in order to continue the process of spiritual growth.
- There must be a plurality of elders in each church (more than one)
- The office of "elder" and "overseer" are the same
- Appointment to eldership is based on the recognition of God-given qualifications.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR AN ELDER
- Above reproach (6,7)
- A man (6)
- A faithful husband (6)
- Leading a submissive household (6)
- Not arrogant (7)
- Not quick-tempered (7)
- Not someone who gets drunk (7)
- Not violent (7)
- Not materialistic (7)
- Hospitable (8)
- A lover of good (8)
- Self-controlled (8)
- Uptight (8)
- Holy (8)
- Disciplined (8)

DOCTRINAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR AN ELDER
- Stable doctrinally (9)
- Committed to the bible (9)
- Knows the bible in order to teach it (9)
- Able to exhort and refute (9)