The elders are the shepherds of the church.  Their responsibility is to lead the church, to teach the word of God, and to shepherd the sheep to salvation and eternal joy in Christ.  (Acts 20:17-38; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:11-16; 5:17-25; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:1-5)