Based on the writings of Ellen White, the emphasis is on a collective leadership of elders rather than a designated "head elder." The model provided is one of shared responsibility and oversight. Here are the key principles from her writings: * **Plurality of Elders:** The writings consistently refer to "elders" in the plural when discussing church leadership. The apostle Peter is quoted multiple times: "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder... Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof" (AA 525.2, 2T 345.3). * **Shared Oversight:** The responsibility for the church is given to a group, not a single individual. The organization of the early church was to be a model, where "Those to whom was given the responsibility of the general oversight of the church were not to lord it over God's heritage, but, as wise shepherds, were to 'feed the flock of God, ... being ensamples to the flock'" (AA 91.1). * **Warning Against Hierarchy:** The counsel specifically warns against a hierarchical structure within the local church, cautioning elders against "being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock" (DA 817.2). The concept of a single "head elder" could potentially conflict with this principle if not handled carefully. * **Qualifications for All Elders:** The standards for leadership outlined are high for anyone called to be an elder. They are to be "blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry... holding fast the faithful word" (AA 95.2). This high standard applies to all who serve in that role. * **A Uniting Influence:** The goal of this collective leadership is to have a "uniting influence upon the entire flock" (AA 91.1). While the writings do not explicitly forbid the administrative designation of a "head elder" for organizational purposes, the governing principle is that the spiritual oversight and leadership of the church is a shared responsibility among a body of qualified elders. The biblical and inspired model is one of collegial leadership, not a top-down structure with one elder ruling over the others.