03.05. Duties of an Elder

Duties of an Elder

1. It is taken for granted that an elder must be in faithful attendance at the meetings of the assembly and thus aware of situations among the saints that might need his attention. He must be sensitive to needs and attempt to minister to these needs.

2. Together Leadership Kitwith the other elders, he should set goals and priorities for the assembly.

3. He should teach the Word of Truth.

4. He should carry on a counseling ministry, both with saved and unsaved. This should include pre-marital counseling when he is asked to perform a wedding ceremony.

5. He should be a tireless visitor, contacting the saints on a systematic basis, and also taking the gospel to the unconverted.

6. He should have a disciplined prayer life, interceding regularly for every family in the local fellowship.

7. Together with his wife, he should have an open house, showing hospitality as an integral part of his ministry.

8. He should be constantly seeking to recognize the gifts in the assembly and to provide outlets for the development of these gifts.

9. He must exercise watchfulness concerning those who might be growing cold or who might be in danger of falling into sin. He must also be watchful concerning the doctrine, making sure that the saints get a good, balanced diet, free from error. Repetition of fundamental truths from time to time is desirable. Whenever necessary he must correct, reprove, rebuke, exhort, and exercise other forms of discipline.

10. He should be constantly training younger men for leadership.

11. He should serve as a conciliator when differences arise among the saints.

12. He should lead by the example of a godly life, and be available and approachable at any time of the day or night.