2.  In this lesson, we shall study what the Bible says regarding elders/presbyters, bishops/overseers, and pastors/shepherds.  When considering this office, we should understand that three Greek words (which are translated into six English words) describe this office.

3.  Presbuteros, translated “a presbyter” or “an elder,” identifies one who is “an older person, one advanced in life.”  Episkopos, translated “a bishop” or “an overseer,” identifies “a superintendent, one who sees that things are done properly.”  Poimen, translated “a pastor” or “a shepherd,” identifies one who does in the church what a shepherd does for a flock of sheep.

4.  From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders [Greek: presbuteros] of the church.  “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [Greek: episkopos], to shepherd [Greek: verb form of poimen] the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

5.  For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders [Greek: presbuteros] in every city as I directed you,  namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.  For the overseer [Greek: episkopos] must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self- willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain,

6.  Therefore, I exhort the elders [Greek: presbuteros] among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,  shepherd [Greek: verb form of poimen] the flock of God among you, exercising oversight [Greek: variation of episkopos] not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

7.  It must also be noted that, according to the New Testament pattern, a plurality of elders should be found in every church (Acts 14:23; 20:17; Phil. 1:1).  Any attempt to ignore this pattern is a mark of digression.  A plurality affords strength and security (Eccles. 4:9-12).

8.  A Popularity Contest  A “Figurehead” Position  A “Lordship” Station  A Universal Office

9.  A Place of Rule  A Place of Work  A Place of Watching  A Place of Example

10.  In this lesson, we have considered what the eldership is and is not.  The work of elders reflects the care, compassion and commission of Christ – who is the Shepherd [Greek: poimen] and Guardian [Greek: episkopos] of our souls (1 Peter 2:21- 25).  Let us both appreciate and appropriate God’s pattern of congregational oversight.