Both pastor and local church elders have been set aside by the Lord for leadership. Let's consider the qualities that elders need to contribute to the leadership team:
1. Loyalty. To help maintain a strong team spirit, local elders must be loyal to the Adventist message, to the pastor and to the conference. The test comes when the newly assigned pastor may not live up to the expectations of the elders. Each new pastor will bring different strengths to the district, and the loyal elders will seek out these strengths and support the pastor. Elders will always remember that the pastor is the overall leader of the congregation.
2. Time investment. A strong elder will set aside time in his or her busy schedule for the work of leadership. Time will be needed for visitation, evangelism, and supporting departments and activities of the church. These are heavy responsibilities, so several elders in each congregation should share the burden of responsibility.
3. Preaching. In multichurch districts, elders will carry the main burden for preaching. This demands time for study and sermon preparation. Attending the pastors' training seminars will help ease the burden. How important it is to have interesting, Spirit-filled messages that will strengthen and encourage the members of the congregation.
4. Nurture. The elder is referred to in Scripture as a shepherd. This imagery stresses the most important aspects of the role of local elders. They are responsible to the Lord for these services to each member:
a. Feeding the flock with spiritual food,
b. Protecting the flock from doctrinal error, encouraging members to follow the Bible truths entrusted to them,
c. Caring for the injured or sick ones,
d. Spending time with the flock, promoting fellowship.
5. Training. Elders should attend the regular training seminars sponsored by the conference and the pastor. They will also benefit from books and other re source materials.
Elders and pastors both must ever be conscious of the need for the Holy Spirit's presence in their work. The Spirit is our guide, wisdom, teacher, helper, and power for the accomplishment of effective leadership in the church.
