It is interesting to note that there is in fact more information in the Scripture about Elders than pastors or even deacons.

Elders are found having a place in Old Testament Israel as early as Exodus 3:16: Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, `The LORD, the God of your fathers--the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob-- appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt.' (NIV). 1 Tim 3:1: Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. (NIV)

The word presbyter originally means an older man (once in the New Testament, the feminine form is used to refer to older women, 1 Tim. 5:2). What we have in mind now is the New Testament office of elder (presbyter). The word "bishop," "overseer" (Greek episcopos) is frequently applied to the individuals. Elder or presbyter is the office; bishopric or overseer is the activity or function as seen in Acts 20:17: From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. (NIV) Acts 20:28: Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.(NIV)