What Is An Elder?

I have not seldom been asked: "What is an elder?" My major ministries have had both elders and deacons. An elder gives attention to the Church’s spiritual well-being, while a deacon gives attention to its material well-being. It is, however, crucial that deacons should be deeply spiritual people, too, and there is much overlap. Apart from this, elders tend to deal with issues where the personal life of members intersects with the whole Church. For instance, where there are reservations over a nominee for Church office, or where a personal problem affects the whole Church. OBSERVATION: This is putting it very simply of course. Scripture would add a lot more. In my experience, it is important to have both elders and deacons.