The Bible uses a number of names when referring to the men and the work of those who serve the Lord's church as elders. 

• These men are called "elders" (Acts 20:17; 1 Timothy 5:17,19; 1 Peter 5:1) which indicates men of age, knowledge, and experience. 

• They are called "shepherds" (Acts 20:28; 1Peter 5:2) who watch over and feed the flock of God.  The Latin form of this word for "shepherd" is the word from which we get our modern term "pastor."  This term is not one used for our ministers, instead it is a word that the Bible uses to describe the work of our elders. 

• They are called "overseers" (Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; 1Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:7) because they oversee the work of the Lord's church in a particular congregation.  The word "overseer" is the word from which we get "bishop".  The members of the congregation are to obey these men (Hebrews 13:17) in spiritual matters that conform to the teachings of the Bible.

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Elders must be men that are mature in their Christian faith.  The apostle Paul sets forth what manner of men are to serve in this role in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.  The Bible always speaks of these men in a plurality denoting that there are to be more than one serving in a church.  Elders do not oversee multiple congregations, but instead serve to shepherd over only the one which they have been appointed. 

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The men who serve in this role are to be highly respected for their service to God and His people (1 Timothy 5:17).  We are thankful to have wonderful men of God serving our congregation as elders, shepherds, and overseers.  Their primary concern is the spiritual wellbeing of each member of the flock here at Chase Park.  We are thankful for the Christian leadership, nourishment, and protection they provide to this congregation.