The role of Elders in the church

[Azim]

I was curious about this question, when reading the "The Senior Pastor Is Most Important" thread. What is the vital role of Elders in the church? Are they to dictate what the Pastor preaches and does? Are they to attend to the spiritual well being of those attend to the church? I think it's in one of Paul's letters to Timothy, that basically says Elders also have a pastoral type of role within the church. I also ask this, trying to understand what has been going on in my last church, that I left.

 

[ScottA]

I was curious about this question, when reading the "The Senior Pastor Is Most Important" thread. What is the vital role of Elders in the church? Are they to dictate what the Pastor preaches and does? Are they to attend to the spiritual well being of those attend to the church? I think it's in one of Paul's letters to Timothy, that basically says Elders also have a pastoral type of role within the church. I also ask this, trying to understand what has been going on in my last church, that I left.

Pastors are Pastors and Teachers are Teachers, while Elders are Elders, each having their own purpose.

Elders lead and rule by biblical guidance, that sound doctrine should go forth among the whole congregation--including the Pastor, and unto the least among those who gather, whether a king or a child. But woe to those who should know better who lead any off the path.