OUR ELDERS

1 Timothy 3:1–7, Titus 1:5–9, 1 Peter 5:1–4, Acts 14:23, 1 Timothy 5:17–19, James 3:1, Acts 20:28, James 5:14, Acts 6:1–4, Hebrews 13:17

The terms overseer, “elder,” and “pastor” (or “shepherd”) are all used in the New Testament to refer to the same office. In Titus 1:5–9 “elder” and “overseer” are used interchangeably. In Acts 20:28 Paul tells the Ephesian elders (Gk. presbyteros, Acts 20:17) that “the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [Gk. episkopos], to care for [Gk. poimainō, “to pastor, serve as shepherd of”] the church of God.” Peter also writes, “I exhort the elders [Gk. presbyteros] among you, as a fellow elder . . . : shepherd [Gk. poimainō, “to pastor”] the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight” (1 Pet. 5:1–2). Paul commends the role of serving the church in this way as a noble task. “Overseer” stresses the role of watching over the congregation (see Heb. 13:17).

Elders function as spiritual shepherds of the church (Lead, Teach, Protect and Care). They are not necessarily expected to oversee specific projects or ministry areas in their capacity as Elders. They function as overseers for the entire Church. Elders are responsible for matters concerning the overall doctrine, direction, and discipline of the church.