As one reads the New Testament, it is clear that each congregation of the Lord's people was a self-governing body of baptized believers. Acts 14:23 reveals that elders were established in every church. The Scriptural requirements of an elder are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4. There are several terms in the New Testament that refer to the work and description of elders.
1. Bishop - 1 Timothy 3:1-2
2. Elder - 1 Peter 5:1
3. Overseer - Acts 20:28
4. Pastor - Ephesians 4:11
5. Ruler - Hebrews 13:7, 17
6. Shepherd - 1 Peter 5:2
Leonard Street Elders
John Heflin
W.C. Rabren