The Office of elders, pastors, bishops and stewards

Introduction:

The church we read about in the Bible was organized in a very simple way. A general pattern was to have 2 or more qualified
men overseeing each local congregation or church. These men could be referred to as the "eldership". Each man must meet
several high qualifications which the Bible lists in two passages. Elders are the spiritual leaders of a congregation. They also
watch out for the souls of the members like a shepherd.

1. Christ is the head of every local church. There is no human head of the church.
2. The Bible is the only written creed for each local church, rather than a man-made written creed.
3. Each local church is autonomous and self-governing. No outside interference from others.
4. No organizational tie between local churches.
5. No organization larger than local churches.
6. The Bible uses Elder, Presbyter, Overseer, Bishop, Shepherd, Pastor interchangeably and they all refer to a single office
in the church.
7. Local churches appoint their own plurality of elders using 1 Timothy 3, and Titus 1 as guidelines for the qualifications.
8. Elders have authority only over the members of the local church, not members from outside congregations.

I. Five Terms That Describe an Elder

A. There are four main terms used to describe this position of authority: (elder, overseer, shepherd, steward)

1. Each term gives us a little more information about the function of the office: Christians are described as: priests, saints,
children citizens, soldiers, etc. In the same way we have different descriptive terms for the eldership.
2. These terms are not honorary titles but descriptions of work to be done: a. It would be wrong to call someone "Elder
Smith", or "Pastor Brown"
3. In the table below, you will notice four individual terms (elder, overseer, shepherd, steward) and one collective term
(eldership: which is simply the plural of term elder).
 Five terms describing the office of an elder

Term Greek word Definition: Emphasis

Elder or presbyter Presbureros An older man a senior Experience

Overseer or bishop Episcopos A guardian or Oversight

superintendent

Shepherd or pastor Poimen Metaphoric term Protection

(tending flocks)

Steward Oikonomo Metaphoric term Trustworthy

(treasurer)

Eldership Presbuterion Group of older Plurality & equality

men/elders

B. Proof that all terms refer to same office because of their interchangeable usage:

All terms refer to same single office

Elder or Overseer or Shepherd or Steward (Oikonomo)

Presbyter (Presbureros) bishop (Episcopos) pastor (Poimen)

Acts 20:17,28

Tit 1:5,7

1 Pe 5:1,2

C. Why do people confuse the one office, for many distinct translation will render the same Greek word
offices: "Presbureros" as Presbyter. We are find no fault
with these translations, but people simply do not
1. People are taught false doctrine from their look closely enough to notice what is really going
denominations, that the "office of Bishop" is a on between translations.
different office than the "office of Pastor" and the 4. Each of the three Greek words are translated into
"office of Elder" and the "office of Steward". They two English words, where one of these English
are falsely taught that these are three distinct word is a true translation and the other is a
offices, rather than three descriptive terms that meaningless man-made ecclesiastical, church term
describe the same ONE office. invented by various churches. To prove the point,
2. A failure to be shown that in scripture, these terms when in everyday language do we ever use the
are used interchangeably, as seen in the chart above. words, Presbyter or Bishop or Pastor. They have no
The fact remains, that if these four terms all refer to use or meaning outside of religion and their
the same office, then most denominational meaning is obscure. However meaning the words,
organizations make mush of the inspired pattern and Elder or Overseer or Shepherd are understood by all
are utterly false and to be rejected. and are used in all areas of life. Another example of
3. A failure to recognize that the English terms "Elder this is the word "Baptism", which comes from the
and Presbyter come from the same Greek word Greek word "Baptizo" and is translated
"Presbureros". That the English terms "Overseer "immersion". If Bible translations only used the true
and Bishop come from the same Greek word translations of all these words, it would greatly
"Episcopos". And that the English terms "Shepherd reduce confusion as well as immediately prove that
and Pastor come from the same Greek word "Baptism" is immersion, not sprinkling.
"Poimen". Part of the confusion is that one Bible
translation will consistently translation the Greek
word "Presbureros" as "Elder, while another
 Greek Word True translation Meaningless "gobbledy
goop" words that have no
use outside of religion.

Presbureros Elder Presbyter

Episcopos Overseer Bishop

Poimen Shepherd Pastor

Baptizo Immersion Baptism

D. Why did God use four different terms to describe the one weekly collection of money from the church on the
office? Simple! Each term gives us a distinct view of the first day of every week through freewill offerings.
various functions of that one office. If God had used only
one word, it would not be nearly as clear as it is with the four E. Although a different office, God did the same thing with
terms. "Pulpit preacher" terms by using three distinct Greek words
to describe that one office:
1. Elder indicates an older man with wisdom that can
only come from age and experience. 1. Minister indicates one who serves as a servant.
2. Overseer indicates a position of top authority, one 2. Evangelist indicates one who spreads the good new
who is in charge and makes all final decisions for the of the seed of the Gospel everywhere.
local congregation. 3. Preacher indicates one who proclaims the message
3. Shepherd is a metaphoric term that indicates the of God.
men are to show love, care, dedication and self
sacrifice for the members as sheep. The men are not II. Unscriptural terms used by denominations: Titus 2:1
literally Shepherding sheep, but are doing so in a
metaphoric sense that everyone immediately A. Paul told us to "speak the things which are fitting for
understands. sound doctrine." Tit 2:1 This means that we must use Bible
4. Steward indicates a man who can be trusted with terms to describe Bible things. Many denominations use
great treasures. Of course the greatest of these terms that are not found in the Bible.
treasures, are the souls of the local church members,
over whom he is in charge. But it also indicates the B. Unscriptural manmade terms, many of which are titles
fact that the men are also in charge of the churches only God Himself would wear! In fact most of these terms
financial assets, including church buildings and the are outright blasphemous for a man to wear!

 Pope  His All Holiness

 Universal Bishop  His Eminence
 Ecumenical Patriarch  His Beatitude
 Patriarch  His Grace
 Metropolitan or Archbishop  Very Reverend
 Protopresbyter  Right Reverend
 Cardinal
 Reverend Father
 Arch-bishop
 Reverend
 Archpriest
 Father

C: Various terms used by denominations today. Each of the 1. Applying "pastor" as a synonym for the pulpit
four sets of terms refer to the same greek word. preacher. All pastors are pulpit preachers, but not
all preachers are pastors.
1. Overseer: Bishop, Episcopate, Bishopric, Diocese 2. Applying "pastor" "Elder" or "Bishop" to any
2. Elder: Presbyter, Presbyterate women. Women are forbidden to be such: 1 Tim
3. Shepherd: Pastor 2:12
4. Servant: Deacon, Diaconate 3. Applying "pastor" to any young man, any single
man, or a married man who has no children, or a
III. Scriptural terms misused by denominations: Titus married man whose children are not faithful in
2:1 Christ
4. Applying "evangelist" exclusively to pulpit
preachers who preach in different churches every
 Sunday, while refusing to call a "located preacher" D. The Bible pattern for elders is absolutely foreign to most
an "evangelist" because he preaches in the same denominations as they rely heavily upon human creeds to
church every Sunday. The terms, evangelist, set standards.
preacher and minister are interchangeable terms
and the Bible makes no distinction as to whether V. The office of the paid Overseer/Elder/Shepherd:
the minister is located or moving around from week
to week. A. Some believers go beyond the organization God
5. Applying "elder" to any young man, as Mormon provided for in the New Testament by making it more
missionaries insist they be called as they go door to complex than it is. This is seen in the organization of the
door. Such a term applied to a young man is a Roman Catholics and many protestant churches.
violation of common sense.
B. Some believers reject that there is a formal office of
IV. Bible Qualifications For Pastors: overseer. They view him as being on the same authority
level as the rest of the Christians in the local church. This is
A. There are two passages that list qualifications: 1 Tim false.
3:1-7 & Tit 1:5-9
C. "Office of Overseer": The Bible not only calls them
1. These qualifications are what all Christian's should "overseers" but also states it is a formal office and tells us
strive to meet. their function is to "rule"!
2. Most churches today will set human standards that
ignore Bible directives 1. "It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to
the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to
B. Six qualifications that many modern day pastors don't do." 1 Timothy 3:1
meet: 2. "Be on guard for yourselves and for ALL THE
FLOCK, AMONG WHICH the Holy Spirit has
1. Elders must be men. made you OVERSEERS, to SHEPHERD the
2. Elders must be married. church of God which he purchased with His own
3. Elders must have children who are old enough to be blood." Acts 20:28
believing Christians. 3. " The elders who rule well are to be considered
4. Elders must have PROVEN that they can keep their worthy of double honor, especially those who work
children under control WITHOUT REBELLION. hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture
[the big test is with teenagers] says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is
5. Must be what "elder" implies: an older man of threshing," and "The laborer is worthy of his
experience. Men under 40 years old are never wages."" 1 Timothy 5:17-18
called elderly. When 18 year old Mormon
missionaries demand that a 70 year old man address D. "overseers" must be obeyed by the other members!
them as "elder" when they knock on his door, it is
as illogical as it is insulting! Calling anyone under 1. "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for
30 years of age and "elder" is a clear violation of they keep watch over your souls as those who will
what the word elder means! give an account. Let them do this with joy and not
6. Must have enough Bible knowledge to be able to with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you."
refute false doctrine. Hebrews 13:17
2. " But we request of you, brethren, that
C. An evangelist/preacher/minister is different from an you appreciate those who diligently labor among
elder/pastor/overseer you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give
you instruction," 1 Thessalonians 5:12
1. Elders in the New Testament were not always full 3. "Now I urge you, brethren (you know the
time preachers: 1 Ti 5:17 "Let the ELDERS who household of Stephanas, that they were the first
rule well be considered worthy of double fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted
honor especially those who work hard at preaching themselves for ministry to the saints), that you
and teaching." also be in subjectionto such men and to everyone
2. Full time preachers in the New Testament were not who helps in the work and labors." 1 Corinthians
always elders. 16:15-16
3. Apostle Paul was not an elder: no where in the
Bible is Paul referred to as an elder. Paul wasn't E. "overseers" can be paid, just like evangelists:
married: 1 Cor 7:7, therefore was not even
qualified: 1 Ti 3:2,4,5. 1. " The elders who rule well are to be considered
4. Peter on the other hand, was both a full time worthy of double honor, especially those who work
preacher and an elder. 1 Peter 5:1 "I [Peter] ... your hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture
"FELLOW elder"
 says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is 2. 1 Pet 5:1-3 "Therefore, I exhort the elders AMONG
threshing," and "The laborer is worthy of his YOU ... shepherd the FLOCK OF GOD AMONG
wages."" 1 Timothy 5:17-18 YOU ... proving to be examples to the flock"
2. ""Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they 3. 1 Pet 5:1 "I exhort the elders among you, as your
give you; for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do fellow-elder"
not keep moving from house to house." Luke 10:7 4. Peter was an elder but he was not higher in rank
3. "So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the that any other elder.
gospel to get their living from the gospel." 1 5. All elders in the eldership are of equal authority.
Corinthians 9:14
4. "Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to B. Many churches today do not follow the Bible pattern for
refrain from working? Who at any time serves as a an elder's authority:
soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard
and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a 1. One bishop/elder is never over other bishop/elders
flock and does not use the milk of the flock? I am in rank: all are equal.
not speaking these things according to human 2. One bishop/elder is never over more than one local
judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these church churches
things? For it is written in the Law of Moses, "You 3. The pyramid type organization is contrary to the
shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing." God Bible pattern and did not come to full development
is not concerned about oxen, is He? Or is He until 606 AD when pope Boniface III claimed to be
speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake the one man who ruled every local church world
it was written, because the plowman ought to plow wide. This was 600 years too late to be the Bible
in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of pattern and represents a serious apostasy in
sharing the crops. If we sowed spiritual things in organization.
you, is it too much if we reap material things from
you? If others share the right over you, do we not C. The Baptist church, for example, admits in their official
more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but creed book (The Hiscox Standard Baptist Manual), that new
we endure all things so that we will cause no offices not found in scripture have been added long after the
hindrance to the gospel of Christ. Do you not know Bible was written:
that those who perform sacred services eat
the food of the temple, and those who attend 1. "CHURCH OFFICERS: In the New Testament we
regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? find that in apostolic times, and for many years
So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the after, pastors and deacons only were known as
gospel to get their living from the gospel." 1 permanent church officers. Others have been added
Corinthians 9:6-14 at later times, for a variety of reasons." (The Hiscox
5. "Nevertheless, you have done well to share with Standard Baptist Manual)
me in my affliction. You yourselves also know, 2. "THE WIDER FELLOWSHIP OF BAPTISTS:
Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, Because churches are the only Christian
after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in organizations provided for in the New Testament, it
the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; may be said that they are the only ones really
for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than essential to the accomplishment of the purposes of
once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but Christ. Experience, however, has demonstrated that
I seek for the profit which increases to your churches in fellowship with one another are able to
account. But I have received everything in full and fulfill the work of the gospel more effectively than
have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having churches alone." (The Hiscox Standard Baptist
received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a Manual)
fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well- 3. What we observe in these two quotes from the
pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your Hiscox Standard Baptist Manual, is the following:
needs according to His riches in glory in Christ First, they admit that new offices were added to the
Jesus." Philippians 4:14-19 church many years after the Bible was completed.
Second, they admit that local churches with no
VI. The Limit of the Elder's Authority organizational tie between them, was the Bible
pattern, but because of human wisdom, an
A. Elders authority in the Bible was limited to within one organization was invented to tie local churches
local congregation: together on a global basis.

1. Acts 20:28 "Be on guard for yourselves and for VII. The Plurality Of Elders
ALL THE FLOCK, AMONG WHICH the Holy
Spirit has made you OVERSEERS, to SHEPHERD A. There is a pattern in the Bible where two or more men
the church of God which he purchased with His serve as elders. Never do you find a church with only one
own blood." elder appointed.
B. The divine directive: 3. "Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which
was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance
1. Tit 1:5 "For this reason, I left you in Crete, that you with the laying on of hands by the
might set in order what remains, and APPOINT presbytery [Presbuterion]. " (1 Timothy 4:14)
ELDERS IN EVERY CITY as I directed you."
2. Acts 14:23 "And when they had APPOINTED VIII. Four Organizational Possibilities for Local
ELDERS IN EVERY CHURCH, having prayed Churches
and fasted, they commended them to the Lord in
whom they had believed." A. Unscripturally organized:

C. Let's examine the Bible pattern of plurality within 1. Pastor system (one man over church)
specific local congregations: 2. Unqualified men (Position worse than having no
elders at all)
1. JERUSALEM: Acts 15:4 "when they arrived at 3. any organization larger than local church (world
Jerusalem, they were received by the ELDERS" headquarters etc.)
(Acts 15:2; 15:6; 15:22: 15:23; 16:4; 21:18)
2. EPHESUS: Acts 20:17,28 Paul "called to him the B. Unscripturally unorganized: church has qualified men
ELDERS OF THE CHURCH." who are not elders
3. JUDEA: Acts 11:29,30 "sending it in charge of
Barnabas and Saul TO THE ELDERS" C. Scripturally organized: a church which has a qualified
eldership
D. Let us look at various other references:
D. Scripturally unorganized:
1. Jas 5:14 "Is anyone sick? Let him call the ELDERS
OF THE CHURCH." 1. a church without elders because no one qualified:
2. 1 Pe 5:1-3 "Therefore, I exhort the ELDERS among Acts 14:1-3,6,8,21-23
you 2. a church with no elders, when qualified men could
3. 1 Ti 4:14 "the laying on of hands of the be appointed, "lacks": Tit 1:5
PRESBYTERY." (assembly of aged men)
4. 1 Ti 5:17 "Let the ELDERS who rule well be Conclusion:
considered worthy of double honor
A. There are four terms: elder, overseer, shepherd &
E. Singular usage here refers to each individual elder: steward

1. 1 Ti 3:1,2 "If any man aspires to the OFFICE OF 1. They all refer to the same thing
OVERSEER 2. They are used interchangeably
2. Tit 1:7 "for the OVERSEER must be above 3. The terms are not titles but teach us about the role,
reproach" function and work
3. 1 Ti 5:19 "Do not receive an accusation against an 4. 4. It is wrong to view pastors elders and bishops as
ELDER except..." three different offices
4. 2 Jn 1 "The ELDER to the chosen lady and her
children" B. The Bible gives clear qualifications for the office which
5. 3 Jn 1 "The ELDER to the beloved Gaius whom I most churches ignore. The modern day "pastor system" as
love in truth" employed by most denominations, where one man is over
the church rather than a group of men is unscriptural.
F. Presbytery: Plural use of "elder" [Gr. Presbureros,
singlular] in the New Testament: "Presbuterion" [plural of C. An elder can only oversee one local congregation
Presbureros]. Three passages in total. The first two, refer to
the leading group of Jewish elders. The last one refers to an
1. Each church is self governing and autonomous
eldership within a single local church.
2. A bishop from one church can not oversee another
church
1. "When it was day, the Council [Presbuterion] of
elders of the people assembled, both chief priests
D. Churches in the Bible began with no elders but in time
and scribes, and they led Him away to their council
elders were appointed
chamber" (Luke 22:66)
2. "as also the high priest and all the
Council [Presbuterion] of the elders can testify." 1. Churches can scripturally exist either with or
(Acts 22:5) without elders