I didn’t say “why the local church (singular) needs an elder (singular)”, but why the local church (singular) needs elders (plural). That’s one church assembly with multiple elders, not one church assembly with just one elder/pastor/bishop/overseer/(these titles are for the same role in scripture about the church). James 5:14-15 does not instruct saints to call on the elder (singular) of their local church, but the elders (plural).

The office of elder in the local church may at times be a tough subject, but I find scripture to be clear when read thoroughly.

Pastor David King of Concord Baptist Church preached a sermon on the topic, that is worth hearing.

The audio is about 50 minutes in length.

Please reserve comments till after listening to the full audio.