Bible Text: Acts 20:17-38 | Preacher: James Allan | Series: Eldership | Elders are to govern. They rule so that the church might be looked after and protected; not in a tyrannical way but as servants. They protect the church from wolves. Elders are also to be skilful in teaching. This is one of the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:2 but does not mean every elder must preach frequently. The elder must be able to evaluate whether what is said in the pulpit is right. They will be gracious on issues where there is less clarity but others they will defend with vigour.