Duties of the Elders/Overseers.
Elders are charged with the care and feeding, as well as the spiritual guidance, of the entire church. There is no higher earthly authority above the local church, and no greater resource to know the mind and heart of God with regard to issues in the church. (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1-5).
Elders are responsible to shepherd the flock by preaching, teaching, leading and praying (I Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9; Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1-5). Deacons are responsible to assist the elders in ministering to the temporal needs of the church (I Tim. 3:8-13; Acts 6:1-5). Elders and deacons are to be in submission to the headship of Jesus Christ. The local assembly of believers is to be in submission to those in authority over them.
Scripture implies that anyone at a lower level of leadership involved in decision making as it relates to church policy or doctrine should be under the elders’ authority. However, a position of leadership does not imply spiritual superiority.
We must always remember that everyone is a minister. There are no “ministers” and “laymen.” The principles that govern the life of the body are unity, diversity and interdependence. (1 Cor. 12:4-7). Everyone is a minister. The body of Christ should not consist of predominantly spectators whose spiritual gifts are not used.