Throughout the New Testament local churches are placed under the authority of appointed men from the community who serve as under-shepherds of Christ (Acts 14:23). These men shepherd the flock and exercise oversight over the local body (1 Peter 5:1-3, Acts 20:28). Elders are called to serve in godliness and gentleness, and will give an account for their stewardship of the local church (Hebrews 13:17). They are appointed based on character qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9) and are also called to serve through functional qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9).