Together with the pastor, the elders of the congregation serve as the ruling body of the congregation known as the session.  The elders are the shepherds and guardians of the local church, devoted to prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4).  Individually, the elders of the church teach the Scriptures, lead in worship, counsel, pray, and care for those in the congregation.  Corporately as the session, the elders provide leadership and oversight of the life of the church and administer church discipline.