The New Testament provides specific guidance for both elders and young people within the Christian community, emphasizing the importance of leadership, humility, and mutual respect. These instructions are primarily found in the pastoral epistles and the general epistles, which address the roles and responsibilities of different members within the church.

Instructions to Elders

Elders, also referred to as overseers or shepherds, hold a significant position of leadership within the church. The Apostle Paul, in his letters to Timothy and Titus, outlines the qualifications and duties of elders. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul states, "Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task." He continues to list the qualifications, which include being above reproach, faithful to one’s spouse, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. An elder must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.

In Titus 1:6-9, Paul reiterates similar qualifications, emphasizing that an elder must be blameless, not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, and not pursuing dishonest gain. Instead, he must be hospitable, love what is good, be self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Peter also addresses elders in 1 Peter 5:1-4, urging them to "be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." The role of an elder is thus characterized by servant leadership, integrity, and a commitment to the spiritual well-being of the congregation.

Instructions to the Young

The New Testament also provides guidance for young people within the church, emphasizing the importance of humility, respect, and submission to authority. In 1 Peter 5:5, Peter writes, "In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'"

Paul, in his letter to Titus, instructs young men to be self-controlled (Titus 2:6). He also advises Timothy, a young leader, to set an example for believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12). This underscores the expectation that young people should live lives that reflect their faith and serve as a positive example to others.

The relationship between elders and the young is one of mutual respect and learning. Elders are to guide and nurture the younger members, while the young are to respect and learn from the wisdom and experience of their elders. This dynamic is essential for the health and growth of the Christian community, fostering an environment where all members can grow in faith and maturity.