Bible Studies
The Function of Elders/Overseers/Shepherds
Series: The Selection and Appointment of OverseersIntroduction:
1. Over the past few weeks we have been giving consideration to the function of elders, overseers, or shepherds. 2. When a congregation gives consideration to the selection of these leaders they immediately think of the lists of qualifications given in 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1, and appropriately so. But if we appoint individuals based upon these lists without understanding the relationship between the lists and the function of the office we miss the point of the qualifications. 3. There are various terms used in Scripture to describe the function of the office. Understanding these terms can help us comprehend the relationship between the qualifications and the function of the office. 4. In this lesson and the lesson this evening we will examine six terms used in the N.T. to describe the function of those who are elders. Our interest is to determine the work of overseers in the church based upon the terms used to describe their function.Discussion:
I. Overview.A. Three primary terms:
| presbuteros | episkopos | poimen |
| elder | overseer | shepherd |
| (bishop) | (pastor) |
B. Three secondary terms:
| oikonomos | didaskalos | proistemi |
| steward | teacher | manage |
| (rule) |
C. The two terms episkopos and oikonomos seem to go together. They describe slightly different aspects of the same function.
D. The three terms poimen, didaskalos, and proistemi seem to go together. They describe slightly different aspects of the same function.
E. The study will be outlined under the three primary terms with secondary terms considered under their appropriate function.
II. Elders. Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4; 20:17, 18; 1 Tim. 5:17; Titus 1:5; James 5:14; 1 Pet. 5:1, 5.A. The Greek term presbuteros literally means older.
B. Used three ways in the N.T.
1. To refer to older individuals comparatively speaking. Acts 2:17 refers to the older (elder) men dreaming dreams and young men seeing visions.
2. The religious-political leaders of the Jews. The chief priests and the elders of the people came to Jesus and questioned him (Mt. 21:23).
3. The leaders of N.T. churches. Barnabas and Saul delivered a contribution for the relief of the brethren in Jerusalem to the elders (Acts 11:30).
C. Some have found in this term a qualification for the office rather than a description of the function of the office.
1. Some object to a 45 year old man being appointed as an elder because they do not feel he is old enough.
2. I think we have missed the real point of the term as applied to the church.
a. The basis of its use to describe the church office is not found in its association with age.
b. But in its association with leadership among the Jews and other ancient peoples.
c. To be sure old age is to be respected and honored. Generally those of older age have more wisdom and understanding than the young, but age itself does not commend one to leadership in the Lord’s church. It is probably safe to conclude that the Jewish elders were older men. It takes time to develop genuine leadership abilities. Young men have not had the time to earn the confidence of the people that would bring them into top leadership positions.
D. Background of N.T. church eldership.
1. In the O.T.
a. During the Egyptian bondage and thereafter we read of leaders known as elders (Ex. 3:16; 4:29).
b. They were particularly associated with religious leadership (Ex. 24:1, 9).
c. Moses appointed seventy elders as judges (Num. 11:16-17).
d. Served to dispense justice (Deut. 22:15).
e. Witnessed legal transactions (Ruth 4:4).
f. Served as military leaders (Josh. 9:10; 1 Sam. 4:3) and were involved in the selection of the kings of Israel (1 Sam. 8:4, 5).
2. First century Judaism.
a. General sense of Jewish leaders (Matt. 15:2).
b. Jewish synagogues had a regular office of elders responsible for the government of the Jewish community.
3. Other cultures.
a. Nations such as Egypt and Moab possessed elders (Gen. 50:7; Num. 22:7).
b. The Greeks had their council of older men.
4. A rather general designation referring to the leaders of cities, tribes, synagogues, etc. Their responsibilities involved making judgments or decisions concerning the group over which they were elders.
E. The use of the word “elder” to refer to the church office emphasizes a decision making function of the office.
1. After the appointment of elders the eldership is responsible for the decision making of that congregation.
a. Not that they act as authoritarians neglecting the wishes and good judgment of the congregation, but not on a majority rule basis either, where the elders are dictated to by the majority. Elders are not mere figure heads. The position is not an honorary title.
b. Various decisions can be delegated—song leader, preacher, Bible class teacher, deacons, etc.
c. Primary responsibility rests with the elders. Primary decisions arrived at by the elders, secondary decisions delegated to others.
2. Eldership should function as a group in their decision-making.
a. Individual elders do not have authority over the eldership.
b. Necessitates meeting together to discuss matters.
3. Decision making seems to be the sole function of eldership in minds some.
a. “Elder” the primary, almost exclusive term used regarding official church leaders.
b. Many pray for God to help elders make wise decisions.
c. All needed, but this is not the only function of this office and may not be the most important.
III. Overseer. 1 Tim. 3:1, 2; Titus 1:7; Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1.A. From the Greek episkopos. Derived from a root meaning “to oversee.”
B. Translated in the English “bishop” or “overseer.”
C. This term describes the administrative or supervisory role of elders (Titus 1:5, 7).
1. This is the function of the office particularly responsible to integrate congregational aims, goals, and objectives into the accomplishment of God’s purpose for the church.
2. This is the function that involves planning to accomplish this purpose.
a. The purpose of the church is to glorify God through worship
b. Benevolence.
c. Evangelism that persuades people to become Christians.
d. Edification that causes Christians to grow spiritually.
3. Overseers function to organize the church to accomplish these goals. Ask and answer the question: “What are the means through which our goals (compatible with God’s) can be accomplished?
4. This is the function that delegates specific work to specific people. Must work to mobilize every member.
5. This is the function that involves supervising the work done.
a. Planning, organizing, delegating and supervising go together. Cannot supervise what has not been planned, organized and delegated.
b. Are goals accomplished? Does worker need help? Do workers need to be motivated? Do they need further training?
c. Most projects break down with delegation and supervision.
6. This is the function that involves evaluating the work done.
a. Were the means effective to the accomplishment of the task?
b. What was learned? What were the problems?
c. How can we improve?
D. A secondary term within the area of overseership—steward (oikonomos, Titus 1:7).
1. Has his stewardship from God. He acts as God’s representative. His position is one of service. The steward is not the owner. While he has authority on his side he is not the authority.
2. As the overseer looks at himself he is humbled: he is only a steward. As those he is leading look to him he is exalted: he is God’s steward.
E. This function cannot be accomplished without an extensive amount of time devoted to it. Cannot be accomplished through chance meetings of overseers in the vestibule and parking lot of the church building.
IV. Shepherd. Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2.A. From the Greek poimen. Finds its meaning in the literal occupation of tending sheep.
B. Translated in the English “pastor” or “shepherd” (Eph. 4:11; 1 Pet. 5:2). The image carries over into the congregation being the flock (1 Pet. 5:2).
C. This term describes the “counseling-teaching” function of the office.
1. Counseling defined. Helping others to understand the Scriptures and helping them to apply them to their real life circumstances. Not to be confused with psychological and psychiatric counseling. It is spiritual counseling. It is very closely related to one’s psychology. But it involves teaching Biblical principles and their application so that the sick are strengthened, the diseased are healed, the broken are bound up, the lost are sought.
2. A relationship built on trust. “The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out” (Jn. 10:3). If a shepherd of the flock doesn’t know all the people of the congregation by name this relationship has broken down.
3. Shepherding involves (Ezek. 34; Psa. 23). A shepherd is responsible for the total welfare of his sheep. He is to guard them against false teachers (Acts 20:28-29; Titus 1:9); to feed them by declaring and teaching the whole purpose of God (Acts 20:27; Titus 1:9). He is to care for them and pray for them when they are sick (James 5:14).
D. Secondary terms relative to shepherding.
1. Teacher (didaskalos, Eph. 4:11; 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9; 1 Tim. 5:17). Note the close relationship of this term to concept of shepherd in Eph. 4:11.
2. Manage (proistemi; KJV—“rule”). Used in 1 Tim. 3:4, 5; also 1 Tim. 5:12 of deacons.
a. The translation “rule well one’s household” makes you think of an administrative function, but such is not the case.
b. The term is actually defined in 1 Tim. 3:5 “to care for (epimeleomai; Lk. 10:34-35) the church of God.”
c. Has the sense of leading, but especially emphasizes the leader’s care for his followers. This care becomes the basis of the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep. The emphasis is not on rank or authority, but on their concern for the sheep.
d. “It is an all inclusive concept. There is nothing that is not included in this task” (Gene Getz, Sharpening the Focus, p. 138).
Observations:
1. The two most important functions of church leaders (overseeing, shepherding) are often the most neglected. The least important is identified as the function of the office. I wonder if this relates to our authoritarian perspective as opposed to the servant style of leadership? 2. Is this why churches become stagnant and non-growing?a. Approach leadership from an exclusive decision making perspective.
b. Combined with crisis management techniques.
c. When overseeing and shepherding are the foundations upon which decisions are to be based.
d. When overseeing and shepherding are the more critical elements of church growth and membership training.
3. Is it any wonder that at least some of these men were paid in N.T. days? See 1 Tim. 5:17-18.Conclusion:
1. Decision-making. Administering. Planning. Organizing. Delegating. Supervising. Evaluating. Stewardship. Feeding. Teaching. Caring. 2. Much work to do. God help us to do the work he has set before us.
