For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Kent Tisdel
This is an interesting question and in the church where I am an associate pastor that very question has been raised in various leadership meetings regarding comments and suggestions I offer over issues arising in the church. Some feel that the position is irrelevant and I should be quiet. Others see my role as described in your comments. The idea of "elders" today is totally different in many churches than that which is present in the N.T. There are elder boards which govern the church much like a board of directors in a corporation. But the Bible describes elders as the church leaders and so associate pastor, minister of youth or music, etc. is fitting as "elders".