Elders are essential in support of God's anointed ministry. These men do not preempt the called man of God by declaring a new application of God's word but instead reinforce his messages. This hierarchy is essential for our understanding. The Holy Spirit speaks only through one man called to lead an assembly.  Paul's epistle to Titus states that a Bishop (or Elder) must "hold fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers (those who contradict truth). Elders are defenders of the faith!