when the overall spiritual tenor of the church is increased, more men will be raised up to be above reproach and, as they express the desire, will be qualified for the office of elder. Perfection in each of these areas is not possible, but men who exhibit these characteristics in high and increasing measure should be the leaders who fill the office of elder.Sojourners and Strangers, 218
When Paul lists the qualifications for elders, it is significant that he combines requirements concerning character traits and heart attitudes with requirements that cannot be fulfilled in a short time but will only become evident over a period of several years of faithful Christian living.Systematic Theology, 916
These officers clearly had the oversight of the flock that was entrusted to their care. They had to provide for it, govern it, and protect it, as the very household of God.Systematic Theology 500
Elders were of course both well known and well respected in the Jewish community as the leaders of the community itself, and later when there came to be synagogues, leaders within the synagogue. They were the guardians of the ethic of the community, and they were held responsible for maintaining good moral order and exercising good moral judgement - Suffice it to say that the notion of Christian elders owes something to Judaism.