The New Testament sets forth a model for leadership that all churches are to follow. The terms elder, pastor and overseer are all used to speak of this office of spiritual leadership over the church. (Titus 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:1-2). Elders are charged with shepherding and leading the congregation through faithfully teaching God’s Word, interceding for the church in prayer, providing spiritual oversight, protecting from false teachers and being a godly example. (1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28-31; Hebrews 13:17)