The writer of Hebrews says in Hebrews 13:17,
“17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
Elders are stewards of God’s household, the local church.  In the Bible, elders are sometimes called “overseers.”  That is a fitting description because they serve as supervisors and managers of the church.  “Directing the church” means that the men serving as elders are diligently working to understand the instructions of Jesus, our Chief Shepherd, and they are putting His instructions into practice every day, in practical ways around the church.
At Canyon, we believe that the highest authority in the local church is the elder team.  We do not have denomination, an upper leadership structure or any other authority that supercedes the authority of our local elder team.  We believe that is the best way to apply Paul’s instructions when he said in 1 Timothy 5:17, “ Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor…” Elders are charged to rule (oversee or govern) the church and to rule well.  That means they lead, direct, manage, govern, and care for the local church.
This scripture doesn’t mean that you’ll always agree with what the elders say or do, but it means that as long as the elders are not contradicting the scriptures, you and I should joyfully submit to the policies of the church.  Notice that I included myself as well!  Even though I’m an elder, I don’t act alone, but with the guidance of the other elders on the team.
Our respectful submission makes the work of the elders enjoyable and not burdensome.  The work of the pastor and elders is difficult, so we are all called to pray for those in authority over the church and encourage them often.  They are part of the body, too, and are subject to many difficulties and trials.

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Mark Stafford

Senior Pastor