The Godly Elder

Who are the Elders of the church and why are they so important?

John Piper pointed out in his excellent book "Brothers We Are Not Professionals" that the success or failure of elders is not to be measured using the standards of the business world. Merely counting "nickels and noses" in the church is not the model for their ministry. Their success or failure has to be judged by the criteria that JESUS has established in His word.

So what did Christ commission them to do and how are they to act?

Also, what are the implications of Peter calling himself 'a fellow elder' especially regarding claims he was the first Pope?