The Bible is clear on how God wants the local church to be governed, and sets two offices in place, namely elders and deacons. Elders are faithful men who are qualified for this office by their mature, Christ-like character. They are chosen by God and appointed by apostles to govern the local church with authority, to teach, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to pray for the sick, and to exercise church discipline. As saints, God expects us to respect our elders, to obey and submit to them, to remain teachable, to imitate their faith, to support them financially, and to believe the best of them. Deacons are men and women who are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3). They are given the responsibility of administering certain areas in the life of the local church and serving the people of God.