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The Eldership: 1 Tim 4:14
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.
Christ is the head of every local church. There is no human head of
the church.
The Bible is the only written creed for each local church, rather
than a man-made written creed.
Each local church is autonomous and self-governing. No outside
interference from others.
No organizational tie between local churches.
No organization larger than local churches.
The Bible uses Elder, Presbyter, Overseer, Bishop, Shepherd, Pastor
interchangeably and they all refer to a single office in the church.
Local churches appoint their own plurality of elders using 1 Timothy
3, and Titus 1 as guidelines for the qualifications.
Elders have authority only over the members of the local church, not
members from outside congregations.
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I. Five Terms That Describe an Elder
A. There are four main terms used to describe this position of authority:
(elder, overseer, shepherd, steward)
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.
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"
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 superintendent
Oversight
Shepherd or pastor
Poimen
Metaphoric term (tending flocks)
Protection
Steward
Oikonomo
Metaphoric term (treasurer)
Trustworthy
Eldership
Presbuterion
Group of older men/elders
Plurality & equality
B. Proof that all terms refer to same office because of their
interchangeable usage:
All terms refer to same single office
Elder or Presbyter (Presbureros)
Overseer or bishop (Episcopos)
Shepherd or pastor (Poimen)
Steward (Oikonomo)
Acts 20:17,28
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Tit 1:5,7
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1 Pe 5:1,2
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C. Why do people confuse the one office, for many distinct offices:
People are taught false doctrine from their denominations, that the
"office of Bishop" is a different office than the "office of Pastor" and
the "office of Elder" and the "office of Steward". They are falsely taught
that these are three distinct offices, rather than three descriptive terms
that describe the same ONE office.
A failure to be shown that in scripture, these terms are used
interchangeably, as seen in the chart above. The fact remains, that if
these four terms all refer to the same office, then most denominational
organizations make mush of the inspired pattern and are utterly false and
to be rejected.
A failure to recognize that the English terms "Elder and Presbyter
come from the same Greek word "Presbureros". That the English terms
"Overseer and Bishop come from the same Greek word "Episcopos". And that
the English terms "Shepherd and Pastor come from the same Greek word
"Poimen". Part of the confusion is that one Bible translation will
consistently translation the Greek word "Presbureros" as "Elder, while
another translation will render the same Greek word "Presbureros" as
Presbyter. We are find no fault with these translations, but people simply
do not look closely enough to notice what is really going on between
translations.
Each of the three Greek words are translated into two English words,
where one of these English word is a true translation and the other is a
meaningless man-made ecclesiastical, church term invented by various
churches. To prove the point, when in everyday language do we ever use the
words, Presbyter or Bishop or Pastor. They have no use or meaning outside
of religion and their meaning is obscure. However meaning the words, Elder
or Overseer or Shepherd are understood by all and are used in all areas of
life. Another example of this is the word "Baptism", which comes from the
Greek word "Baptizo" and is translated "immersion". If Bible translations
only used the true translations of all these words, it would greatly reduce
confusion as well as immediately prove that "Baptism" is immersion, not
sprinkling.
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 office? Simple!
Each term gives us a distinct view of the 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 terms.
Elder indicates an older man with wisdom that can only come from age
and experience.
Overseer indicates a position of top authority, one who is in charge
and makes all final decisions for the local congregation.
Shepherd is a metaphoric term that indicates the men are to show
love, care, dedication and self sacrifice for the members as sheep. The men
are not literally Shepherding sheep, but are doing so in a metaphoric sense
that everyone immediately understands.
Steward indicates a man who can be trusted with great treasures. Of
course the greatest of these treasures, are the souls of the local church
members, over whom he is in charge. But it also indicates the fact that the
men are also in charge of the churches financial assets, including church
buildings and the weekly collection of money from the church on the first
day of every week through freewill offerings.
E. Although a different office, God did the same thing with "Pulpit
preacher" terms by using three distinct Greek words to describe that one
office:
Minister indicates one who serves as a servant.
Evangelist indicates one who spreads the good new of the seed of the
Gospel everywhere.
Preacher indicates one who proclaims the message of God.
II. Unscriptural terms used by denominations: Titus 2:1
A. Paul told us to "speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine."
Tit 2:1 This means that we must use Bible terms to describe Bible things.
Many denominations use terms that are not found in the Bible.
B. Unscriptural manmade terms, many of which are titles only God Himself
would wear! In fact most of these terms are outright blasphemous for a man
to wear!
Pope
Universal Bishop
Ecumenical Patriarch
Patriarch
Metropolitan or Archbishop
Protopresbyter
Cardinal
Arch-bishop
Archpriest
His All Holiness
His Eminence
His Beatitude
His Grace
Very Reverend
Right Reverend
Reverend Father
Reverend
Father
C: Various terms used by denominations today. Each of the four sets of
terms refer to the same greek word.
Overseer: Bishop, Episcopate, Bishopric, Diocese
Elder: Presbyter, Presbyterate
Shepherd: Pastor
Servant: Deacon, Diaconate
III. Scriptural terms misused by denominations: Titus 2:1
Applying "pastor" as a synonym for the pulpit preacher. All pastors
are pulpit preachers, but not all preachers are pastors.
Applying "pastor" "Elder" or "Bishop" to any women. Women are
forbidden to be such: 1 Tim 2:12
Applying "pastor" to any young man, any single man, or a married man
who has no children, or a married man whose children are not faithful in
Christ
Applying "evangelist" exclusively to pulpit preachers who preach in
different churches every Sunday, while refusing to call a "located
preacher" an "evangelist" because he preaches in the same church every
Sunday. The terms, evangelist, preacher and minister are interchangeable
terms and the Bible makes no distinction as to whether the minister is
located or moving around from week to week.
Applying "elder" to any young man, as Mormon missionaries insist
they be called as they go door to door. Such a term applied to a young man
is a violation of common sense.
IV. Bible Qualifications For Pastors:
A. There are two passages that list qualifications: 1 Tim 3:1-7 & Tit 1:5-9
These qualifications are what all Christian's should strive to meet.
Most churches today will set human standards that ignore Bible
directives
B. Six qualifications that many modern day pastors don't meet:
Elders must be men.
Elders must be married.
Elders must have children who are old enough to be believing
Christians.
Elders must have PROVEN that they can keep their children under
control WITHOUT REBELLION. [the big test is with teenagers]
Must be what "elder" implies: an older man of experience. Men under
40 years old are never called elderly. When 18 year old Mormon missionaries
demand that a 70 year old man address them as "elder" when they knock on
his door, it is as illogical as it is insulting! Calling anyone under 30
years of age and "elder" is a clear violation of what the word elder means!
Must have enough Bible knowledge to be able to refute false
doctrine.
C. An evangelist/preacher/minister is different from an
elder/pastor/overseer
Elders in the New Testament were not always full time preachers: 1
Ti 5:17 "Let the ELDERS who rule well be considered worthy of double honor
especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching."
Full time preachers in the New Testament were not always elders.
Apostle Paul was not an elder: no where in the Bible is Paul
referred to as an elder. Paul wasn't married: 1 Cor 7:7, therefore was not
even qualified: 1 Ti 3:2,4,5.
Peter on the other hand, was both a full time preacher and an elder.
1 Peter 5:1 "I [Peter] ... your "FELLOW elder"
D. The Bible pattern for elders is absolutely foreign to most denominations
as they rely heavily upon human creeds to set standards.
V. The office of the paid Overseer/Elder/Shepherd:
A. Some believers go beyond the organization God provided for in the New
Testament by making it more complex than it is. This is seen in the
organization of the Roman Catholics and many protestant churches.
B. Some believers reject that there is a formal office of overseer. They
view him as being on the same authority level as the rest of the Christians
in the local church. This is false.
C. "Office of Overseer": The Bible not only calls them "overseers" but also
states it is a formal office and tells us their function is to "rule"!
"It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of
overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do." 1 Timothy 3:1
"Be on guard for yourselves and for ALL THE FLOCK, AMONG WHICH the
Holy Spirit has made you OVERSEERS, to SHEPHERD the church of God which he
purchased with His own blood." Acts 20:28
" The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double
honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the
Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing," and
"The laborer is worthy of his wages."" 1 Timothy 5:17-18
D. "overseers" must be obeyed by the other members!
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your
souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not
with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you." Hebrews 13:17
" But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who
diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give
you instruction," 1 Thessalonians 5:12
"Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that
they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves
for ministry to the saints), that you also be in subjection to such men and
to everyone who helps in the work and labors." 1 Corinthians 16:15-16
E. "overseers" can be paid, just like evangelists:
" The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double
honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the
Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing," and
"The laborer is worthy of his wages."" 1 Timothy 5:17-18
""Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you; for
the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to
house." Luke 10:7
"So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get
their living from the gospel." 1 Corinthians 9:14
"Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working?
Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a
vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does
not use the milk of the flock? I am not speaking these things according to
human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things? For it is
written in the Law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is
threshing." God is not concerned about oxen, is He? Or is He speaking
altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the
plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of
sharing the crops. If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if
we reap material things from you? If others share the right over you, do we
not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things
so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. Do you not know
that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and
those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? So
also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living
from the gospel." 1 Corinthians 9:6-14
"Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the
gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of
giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a
gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I
seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received
everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having
received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an
acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your
needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians
4:14-19
VI. The Limit of the Elder's Authority
A. Elders authority in the Bible was limited to within one local
congregation:
Acts 20:28 "Be on guard for yourselves and for ALL THE FLOCK, AMONG
WHICH the Holy Spirit has made you OVERSEERS, to SHEPHERD the church of God
which he purchased with His own blood."
1 Pet 5:1-3 "Therefore, I exhort the elders AMONG YOU ... shepherd
the FLOCK OF GOD AMONG YOU ... proving to be examples to the flock"
1 Pet 5:1 "I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow-elder"
Peter was an elder but he was not higher in rank that any other
elder.
All elders in the eldership are of equal authority.
B. Many churches today do not follow the Bible pattern for an elder's
authority:
One bishop/elder is never over other bishop/elders in rank: all are
equal.
One bishop/elder is never over more than one local church churches
The pyramid type organization is contrary to the Bible pattern and
did not come to full development until 606 AD when pope Boniface III
claimed to be the one man who ruled every local church world wide. This was
600 years too late to be the Bible pattern and represents a serious
apostasy in organization.
C. The Baptist church, for example, admits in their official creed book
(The Hiscox Standard Baptist Manual), that new offices not found in
scripture have been added long after the Bible was written:
"CHURCH OFFICERS: In the New Testament we find that in apostolic
times, and for many years after, pastors and deacons only were known as
permanent church officers. Others have been added at later times, for a
variety of reasons." (The Hiscox Standard Baptist Manual)
"THE WIDER FELLOWSHIP OF BAPTISTS: Because churches are the only
Christian organizations provided for in the New Testament, it may be said
that they are the only ones really essential to the accomplishment of the
purposes of Christ. Experience, however, has demonstrated that churches in
fellowship with one another are able to fulfill the work of the gospel more
effectively than churches alone." (The Hiscox Standard Baptist Manual)
What we observe in these two quotes from the Hiscox Standard Baptist
Manual, is the following: First, they admit that new offices were added to
the church many years after the Bible was completed. Second, they admit
that local churches with no organizational tie between them, was the Bible
pattern, but because of human wisdom, an organization was invented to tie
local churches together on a global basis.
VII. The Plurality Of Elders
A. There is a pattern in the Bible where two or more men serve as elders.
Never do you find a church with only one elder appointed.
B. The divine directive:
Tit 1:5 "For this reason, I left you in Crete, that you might set in
order what remains, and APPOINT ELDERS IN EVERY CITY as I directed you."
Acts 14:23 "And when they had APPOINTED ELDERS IN EVERY CHURCH,
having prayed and fasted, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had
believed."
C. Let's examine the Bible pattern of plurality within specific local
congregations:
JERUSALEM: Acts 15:4 "when they arrived at Jerusalem, they were
received by the ELDERS" (Acts 15:2; 15:6; 15:22: 15:23; 16:4; 21:18)
EPHESUS: Acts 20:17,28 Paul "called to him the ELDERS OF THE
CHURCH."
JUDEA: Acts 11:29,30 "sending it in charge of Barnabas and Saul TO
THE ELDERS"
D. Let us look at various other references:
Jas 5:14 "Is anyone sick? Let him call the ELDERS OF THE CHURCH."
1 Pe 5:1-3 "Therefore, I exhort the ELDERS among you
1 Ti 4:14 "the laying on of hands of the PRESBYTERY." (assembly of
aged men)
1 Ti 5:17 "Let the ELDERS who rule well be considered worthy of
double honor
E. Singular usage here refers to each individual elder:
1 Ti 3:1,2 "If any man aspires to the OFFICE OF OVERSEER
Tit 1:7 "for the OVERSEER must be above reproach"
1 Ti 5:19 "Do not receive an accusation against an ELDER except..."
2 Jn 1 "The ELDER to the chosen lady and her children"
3 Jn 1 "The ELDER to the beloved Gaius whom I love in truth"
F. Presbytery: Plural use of "elder" [Gr. Presbureros, singlular] in the
New Testament: "Presbuterion" [plural of Presbureros]. Three passages in
total. The first two, refer to the leading group of Jewish elders. The last
one refers to an eldership within a single local church.
"When it was day, the Council [Presbuterion] of elders of the people
assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their
council chamber" (Luke 22:66)
"as also the high priest and all the Council [Presbuterion] of the
elders can testify." (Acts 22:5)
"Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on
you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the
presbytery [Presbuterion]. " (1 Timothy 4:14)
VIII. Four Organizational Possibilities for Local Churches
A. Unscripturally organized:
Pastor system (one man over church)
Unqualified men (Position worse than having no elders at all)
any organization larger than local church (world headquarters etc.)
B. Unscripturally unorganized: church has qualified men who are not elders
C. Scripturally organized: a church which has a qualified eldership
D. Scripturally unorganized:
a church without elders because no one qualified: Acts
14:1-3,6,8,21-23
a church with no elders, when qualified men could be appointed,
"lacks": Tit 1:5
Conclusion:
A. There are four terms: elder, overseer, shepherd & steward
They all refer to the same thing
They are used interchangeably
The terms are not titles but teach us about the role, function and
work
4. It is wrong to view pastors elders and bishops as three different
offices
B. The Bible gives clear qualifications for the office which most churches
ignore. The modern day "pastor system" as employed by most denominations,
where one man is over the church rather than a group of men is
unscriptural.
C. An elder can only oversee one local congregation
Each church is self governing and autonomous
A bishop from one church can not oversee another church
D. Churches in the Bible began with no elders but in time elders were
appointed
Churches can scripturally exist either with or without elders
Further study:
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John Paul II
Catholic, Bishop of Rome, Pope
Click to View Graphical Mouse Rollover of gradual change of organization over time
Click to View 4 Competing views of organization
Click to View Outline: 30-150 AD
Click to View Outline: 150-250 AD
Click to View Outline: 250-451 AD
Click to View Outline: 451-588 AD
Click to View Outline: 588-606 AD
Click to View Outline: 606 AD-Today
Click to View Catholic organization today
Click to View Orthodox organization today
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Bartholomew
Orthodox, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch
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organized exactly as the Bible says
Steve Rudd
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