When appointing elders, attention is often given to their qualifications and responsibilities. This makes sense. Qualifications must be met, and responsibilities must be carried out, if there is to be real scriptural leadership in a local church. However, the members of the church must understand the responsibilities God has given them regarding their elders.

The success of an eldership has as much to do with the attitude and actions of the congregation as it does the elders themselves. The shepherds can’t be said to lead if the flock is not following their voice and example.

Consider some of the responsibilities God has given the local church towards their elders.

Respect Them. “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you” (1 Thess. 5:12, all Scripture quotes taken from the ESV). Members are commanded to acknowledge the elders as the leaders of the congregation and to recognize the position of authority God has given them. To do so, members will respect their judgments, teaching, and admonitions as authoritative.

Esteem Them Highly. Paul’s instructions continue, “And to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thess. 5:13). The word esteem means “to lead before the mind.” It is a position in the mind of respect. Elders are not to be placed on a pedestal, but they are to be held in the highest regard by the members of the church.

These men are worthy of such esteem because they have met the qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. However, the verse says they are to be esteemed very highly because of the work they do for the local congregation. Elders oversee the church, watch out for the souls of the members, make sure the church is fed, and guard the church from threats arising both from without and within. Those who are able and willing to work together in this task are to be held in high regard.

Obey and Be Submissive. “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” (Heb. 13:17). The words obey and submit imply the presence of authority in the eldership. It is not enough to respect and honor the elders. We must also yield to their leadership by complying with their instructions and decisions.

Elders are not legislators. “There is only one lawgiver” (James 4:12), and that is Christ. However, elders have the authority to work together in making decisions for the progress of the work of the local church. When elders make a decision that is in conflict with the doctrine of Christ, we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). However, when elders make a decision that conflicts with our personal preference or judgment, we must yield to their leadership.

Bind No Unreasonable or Unscriptural Expectations. We can’t expect things from the elders and judge their performance based on things the Scriptures don’t set forth as their responsibilities. We need to continue to study and understand the work God has given elders. Elders are not infallible as individuals or as a group. Like all Christians, their character will be shown, in part, by the way they handle any mistakes they make in carrying out their responsibilities.

God’s pattern for the local church is best, but it requires every member doing their part. Elders must give account of their leadership to God, but we must all give account to the way we have followed their leadership.