Deliberation of Early Church Leadership Terminology

Shepherd: Pastor, Elder, Overseer

The Shepherd

The words elder, overseer, and pastor all describe the same authority of leadership within the universal church. However, since different denominations use these terms as though there are separate entities, the three offices are thought to have distinct meanings. Within the ultimate authority of the Bible and the Scripture, the terms elder, overseer, and pastor overlap in meaning. Indeed, Apostles Paul and Peter continuously interchange the offices of elder and overseer with the gift of pastor or shepherd. From this, it is clear that -- for the people they minister to, for, and with -- pastors are intended to have oversight. Thus, it is possible to say with confidence that those who have the gift to pastor also hold the office of elder and overseer.

Table of Contents

Thesis

Introduction

Historical Definitions.

Two Parallel Directions.

The Human Overseer.

Fitness to Lead.

Conclusion

"Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding." (Jeremiah 3:15) 16

Bibliography 17

Introduction

The office of elder, overseer, and pastor all hold the same office of shepherd, are interchangeable terms in Biblical times and should be so today. Various titles have been associated with the "head" shepherd according to different worldviews. The offices of elder, overseer, and pastor have been traditionally related to the priesthood. A comprehensive exploration of these roles will review the qualitative differences and similarities in the provision of service. The discussion reviews how a calling to shepherd God's flock may differ from the roles inherent in the offices of elder, overseer, and pastor. From the history of the Church, it is apparent that the biblical standard for the office of elder and overseer is in concordance with the roles of pastor and shepherd. Deeper consideration of the origins and applications of these titles can provide better insight into the intentions and purposes the roles have assumed, and support the articulation of the roles in the Church today.

Historical Definitions.

In order to establish a foundation for the discussion of the historical evolution of the focus terms, this section will provide basic and commonly accepted definitions.

Pastor. The word Pastor is associated with the gift of spiritual oversight given by God to certain people[footnoteRef:1]. An associated presumption is that this God-given gift is characterized by an acceptance of responsibility and an expression of authority. Spiritual oversight is characterized by several aspects, which are central to the manifestation and functional use of the God-given gift[footnoteRef:2]. These aspects include the following: 1) Explicit study and exposition of the Word of God, and based on these activities, providing explanations to other people; 2) A fundamental understanding of the occurrence of human error in religious practice, the capacity to discern this error as it is manifested in various forms, and the capability to refute the occurrence of human error -- once it has been identified as such -- through reference to Scripture; and, 3) Spiritual access to the problems and needs of people through conversation with individuals, and providing the appropriate Scripture as a means of helping to solve the problems and answer the needs of those with whom one provides counsel.[footnoteRef:3] [1: Cox, D.R. (2003). Pastor, bishop, and elder: What's the difference? [Web]. Retrieved http://davidcox.com.mx/usa/our_promo/pastorelderbishop_whats_the_difference.htm] [2: Ibid.] [3: Ibid.]

To these basic aspects of the role of pastor, it is important to ensure that the role of a pastor is inextricably linked to a group to whom one functions as a shepherd -- one who is in charge of God's people.[footnoteRef:4] It should be evident that the gift given to a pastor is a calling that expressed the will of God for a particular person to locate in a specific place in order to "pastor" to a certain group of people.[footnoteRef:5] [4: Ibid.] [5: Ibid.]

Elder. The term elder is found commonly in the Old Testament. The literal meaning of the word refers to a person characterized by these two attributes: Age (older in comparison to others in a particular group) and wise (possessing more wisdom than others in the reference group).[footnoteRef:6] A member of a group is identified as an elder explicitly because of the qualities of character that they exhibit.[footnoteRef:7] Clearly in any given population, not everyone who is older -- that is, who qualifies as an elder in the age-related technical aspect of the concept -- is wiser. In the biblical context, there are many examples of Old Testament tribes and families -- inside and outside of Israel -- identifying their elders according to the manifestation of certain characteristics.[footnoteRef:8] Typically, Old Testament elders were older men who demonstrated leadership, nobility, wisdom, and bravery.[footnoteRef:9] From this basis, it is apparent that an elder is identified by the spiritual quality of his character, and not by some particular talent or by placement in an official capacity -- a position or office.[footnoteRef:10] In summary, "Within the context of the church, elders would be those men who are spiritually mature, very capable and able of leading others and ruling over the church."[footnoteRef:11] [6: Ibid.] [7: Ibid.] [8: Ibid.] [9: Ibid.] [10: Ibid.] [11: Ibid.]

Bishop (Overseer). The term bishop is associated with the word overseer, as a bishop is a man who is spiritually responsible to God and who is spiritually responsible for the church brethren.[footnoteRef:12] In his official capacity and the bounds of his definitive office, God holds the bishop responsible for a people.[footnoteRef:13] In order to assume this office, a person must also spiritually qualify as an elder, having been vetted and approved as such by the existing body of elders in the church.[footnoteRef:14] Following approval by church leadership and designated authorities, the bishop is to assume leadership of the church and conduct those activities that are required to lead the church.[footnoteRef:15] Should the bishop be found unworthy of the position -- in any way disqualifying himself because of his actions, behaviors, or communications -- a bishop may be removed from his position and replaced by another candidate for the position of bishop with the church.[footnoteRef:16] To summarize, the bishop or overseer is an individual who holds an office with the church that enables him to guide and lead the church members, and allows him to officially represent the church and to preside over its official business.[footnoteRef:17] [12: Ibid] [13: Ibid] [14: Ibid] [15: Ibid] [16: Ibid] [17: Ibid.]

To conceptually clarify the way these terms are used and the meanings they convey, consider the different roles a man may play and the titles that are associated with those roles. For example, a man can be at once a son, a brother, a husband, a father, and an employee. The roles are not at all contradictory -- in fact, they overlap and connect in important ways. These roles are defined by interpersonal relationships and the obligations and responsibilities that are created as a result of these relationships.[footnoteRef:18] In the same manner, the words used to refer to a pastor can be used interchangeably -- without contradiction -- in a manner that more richly expresses the any facets and nuances of the official life of a pastor.[footnoteRef:19] [18: Ibid.] [19: Ibid.]

Many would suggest that using the word bishop is confusing and may cause misunderstandings because of its long association with the Catholic Church.[footnoteRef:20] Hence, it has become increasingly common to hear the official church position referred to as that of an overseer, with the responsibility of the position described as oversight.[footnoteRef:21] The word pastor is used as both a noun and a verb. That is, when someone uses the term "to pastor," they refer to the spiritual gift that a man who is a pastor exercises.[footnoteRef:22] By extension, the term elder can refer to the spiritual character that a pastor must possess to qualify for the position and to be effective in the role.[footnoteRef:23] The term overseer, then, refers to a spiritual office in a church, and the term pastor refers to a relationship of spiritual oversight that exists between an individual man and a specific group of people.[footnoteRef:24] When a man who has been a pastor is not currently affiliated with a church -- in the common vernacular, is "between churches," he should technically not be referred to as a pastor.[footnoteRef:25] This is because a pastor is a man who has a spiritual gift that is being exercised within the context of a church -- a group of people.[footnoteRef:26] Without that relationship -- absent the provision of oversight for a group of people -- the man would properly be considered to be an elder, not a pastor.[footnoteRef:27] [20: Ibid.] [21: Ibid.] [22: Ibid.] [23: Ibid.] [24: Ibid.] [25: Ibid.] [26: Ibid.] [27: Ibid.]

Two Parallel Directions.

The early Church was growing in two parallel directions at once -- both horizontally and outward to spread the Gospel and vertically as it structured the organization to facilitate communication and to stabilize the local bodies of Christians as the Apostles went forward to distant lands. These two simultaneous dynamics of church growth fostered the use of different terminology.

Brief consideration of the Book of Acts and the Book of Luke illustrates a parallel telling of the continuation of history that began in the Gospels. Two facets of the same story are told in the Luke-Acts writings. Of this two-part composition, Constable wrote, "Whereas Luke's Gospel focuses on the vertical universalization of the gospel (up and down the social scale). Acts focuses on its horizontal universalization (from Jerusalem to the uttermost parts of the world)."[footnoteRef:28],[footnoteRef:29] In reference to the same dynamics, the terms elder and overseer appear connected the vertical growth of the Jesus Christ's Church, which was manifested in part through a co-optation of the traditional religious roles that existed before the establishment of His Church. In the same manner, the roles of pastor and shepherd align with the horizontal growth of the Church that did not emphasize the authority structure of the Church, but did emphasize spreading The Word, baptism, and conversion. [28: Constable, T.L. (2010). Notes on Acts. Plano, TX: Sonic Light. Retrievedhttp://www.soniclight.com / ] [29: Elliott, John Hall. "Elders as leaders in 1 Peter and the early church." Currents In Theology And Mission 28, no. 6 (December 1, 2001): 549-559.]

There are many passages in the literature of the early Church where terms for church leaders are used interchangeably:[footnoteRef:30] The following passage from Titus is a good example: [30: Mileant, Bishop Alexander (Ed.). (2001). The Structure and Worship of the Early Church [Missionary Leaflet # E43d]. [Web]. La Canada, CA Holy Trinity Orthodox Mission. In Clark Carlton, The Way: What Every Protestant Should Know About the Orthodox Church, Salisbury, MA: Regina Orthodox Press. Retrieved http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/worship_early_church_ext.htm]

"For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders [lit. presbyters] in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre" (Titus 1:5-7).

As in the New Testament example above, the terms bishop and presbyter are used interchangeably. Other versions of the Bible show similar translations.[footnoteRef:31] For instance, in most English translations of the New Testament the term presbyter is rendered as elder. The King James Version (KJV) and the Revised Standard Version (RSV) usually translate bishop as bishop.[footnoteRef:32] However, one exception is found in the KJV where bishop is translated overseer once (Acts 20:28).[footnoteRef:33] The New International Version (NIV) translates bishop as overseer exclusively and, in this way, is able to avoid using a term that would be considered objectionable to most Evangelicals.[footnoteRef:34] [31: Ibid.] [32: Ibid.] [33: Ibid.] [34: Ibid.]

The Human Overseer.

Although the core of human issues and problems has not changed markedly over thousands of years, there are some aspects of contemporary life that present cultural, philosophical, and social differences with respect to applying the gospel in the world in this day.[footnoteRef:35] One of the questions that churches must make an effort to address today is: "What is the role of ordained ministry in the contemporary world culture?"[footnoteRef:36] Individuals in positions of responsibility and authority have never been strangers to ethical dilemmas and eventual moral failure.[footnoteRef:37] Communications technology permits instantaneous transmissions about the conduct of people in authority, exposing them to limelight that may be tremendously favorable or devastatingly unfavorable. This level of transparency is doubtless good at one level, but it has also served to undermine the faith and confidence that people have had in their church elders and officials.[footnoteRef:38] [35: Zehr, Paul M. 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus. Believers Church Bible Commentary. Scottdale, PA; Waterloo, ON: Herald Press, 2010] [36: Ibid.] [37: Ibid.] [38: Ibid.]

The letters to Timothy and Titus refer to the pastor or overseer as a person -- a human individual who is charged with striving for impeccable conduct.[footnoteRef:39] These epistles serve as reminders that the manner in which an elder or overseer lives their life as an example of their Christian faith.[footnoteRef:40] Indeed, an elder or overseer can substantively influence his own proclamation of the gospel, diminishing its effect or enhancing it through the manner of his quotidian living.[footnoteRef:41] This is precisely the tenant that Paul underscores in the letters he sends to Timothy and Titus, in which he notes that both right belief and right living are important -- orthodoxy and orthopraxy.[footnoteRef:42] Paul admonishes Timothy to "Set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim 4:12) -- a path that is relevant in any time.[footnoteRef:43] [39: Ibid.] [40: Ibid.] [41: Ibid.] [42: Ibid.] [43: Ibid.]

Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus are relevant to elders, overseers, pastors and shepherds alike in that they provide a framework for clarifying one's own theology and applying it to daily life -- and to one's spiritual duties and Christian ministry.[footnoteRef:44] In a very critical way, one's theology informs the way spiritual duties are accomplished and the way elders, overseers, pastors, and shepherds practice their ministry.[footnoteRef:45] Paul emphasizes the importance of right (sound, healthy) doctrine, teaching, and living.[footnoteRef:46] As a matter of course, the way to a healthy church is through right teaching and preaching.[footnoteRef:47] Whether an individual is an elder, an overseer, a pastor, or a shepherd, their spiritual duties must align with the apostolic teaching -- that conducted by the earliest of Jesus Christ's witnesses.[footnoteRef:48] Regardless of the title given to a role -- elder, overseer, pastor, or shepherd -- right living and right theology (teaching and preaching about Jesus Christ is inextricably linked to Christ-like living.[footnoteRef:49] Moreover, it is essential that the theology of contemporary spiritual leaders of the church addresses the cultural, social, and political practices and concerns of members of the church -- and that they link to the philosophy and religion practiced within the church.[footnoteRef:50] Finally, right living and right theology serve to invite others to Christ for salvation and for their lives.[footnoteRef:51] [44: Ibid.] [45: Ibid.] [46: Ibid.] [47: Ibid.] [48: Ibid.] [49: Ibid.] [50: Ibid.] [51: Ibid.]

As Paul Zehr set about studying 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, he formulated three major questions related to the practice of being a church pastor. Categorically, these were questions of being, of knowledge, and of skills needed for the pastoral ministry. His thoughts were: "What kind of person should the pastor be? What should the pastor know? And what must the pastor do?" As Zehr set about answering these questions for himself, he concludes that growth was both possible and necessary in these areas of ministry. Zehr's confirmation of this path came from the words of Paul to Timothy: "Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress" (1 Tim 4:15).

There are two ways in which a man can become a pastor or an elder in a church: Divine appointment and human appointment.[footnoteRef:52] The argument for the divine appointment is signaled throughout the Scriptures. Paul relates his being in the ministry as Divine placement (Ephesians 3: 7-8: [52: Zaspel, F.F. (1988). The Placement of Spiritual Rulers In The Local Church

or How does a man become an elder? Pottsville, PA: Word of Life Baptist Church. Retrieved http://www.biblicalstudies.com/bstudy/ecclesiology/church/9.htm]

"I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ."

And also in I Timothy 1:12):12

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service."

The apostles themselves were "set apart for the Gospel of God" (Romans 1:1).[footnoteRef:53] Peter (I Peter 5:1-2) and Paul tell the elders of the church of Ephesus that the "Holy Spirit has made you bishops" (Acts 20:28). [footnoteRef:54] [53: Ibid.] [54: Ibid.]

"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,[a] which he bought with his own blood."

John Newton is known to have asserted, "None but He who made the world can make a minister of the Gospel."[footnoteRef:55] Unquestionably, God creates the desire within a person to serve God in a particular way and, in so doing, appoints those men to be elders in the church.[footnoteRef:56] Moreover, if God calls a man to be an elder, he also equips him with the capabilities needed to perform the duties of teaching, leading, and pastoring.[footnoteRef:57] [55: Ibid.] [56: Ibid.] [57: Ibid.]

Fitness to Lead.

In 1 Timothy 3:1-13, the qualifications of Church leaders are discussed. Interestingly, very little mention is made about the duties of leadership. Central to the narrative is a discussion about the fitness of Church leaders as measured by attributes such as being "above reproach" (1 Timothy 3:2) or being "blameless" (1 Timothy 3:10).

"Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap." (1 Timothy 3:2-7).