An elder with a teachable spirit will soon discover elders’ meetings to be a sort of graduate school for developing Spirit-controlled character. Being a pastor elder stretches one’s mind, character, knowledge of the Bible, prayer life, and people skills to the limit. Each meeting tests one’s love, self-control, forgiveness, humility, truthfulness, knowledge of the Word, spiritual wisdom, and pastoral skills. By having to deal with tough questions and agonizing life problems, elders are forced to