“We believe that Jesus is the true Head of the Church. As Head, He directs through His Word (the Bible) how churches ought to be organized and governed. Our elders are men who meet qualifications given in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Once nominated by the congregation, they are trained, examined, and upon satisfactory completion are presented to the congregation for election.

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—
Titus 1:5

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory”

“And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.””