Several reasons could be given. One of the reasons why the church is such fertile ground for fights is that it deals with matters that we all care deeply about. Our fighting may be a sign of weakness, but it is also a sign that we are not apathetic. We do not celebrate fights, but we do celebrate independence and cooperation, and environment that allows, if not encourages fights. Talk about the importance of leadership, influence and peer pressure.
Elders have a higher level of responsibility than others in the church.
Therefore, their rebuke is harsher. Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. We have an opportunity to have victory over sin that did not exist before. The importance of believing this concept is that we never live above the level of our belief.