Three Rs for Church Leaders

In Acts 20, Luke records the apostle Paul’s emotional farewell and warning to the leaders of the church at Ephesus. Certain key terms used here give us insight into the character traits and tasks of congregational leaders in the New Testament church.

Respect

Paul sends for the ‘presbuterous’ (in Latin: ‘presbyters’; in English; ‘elders’). He had previously appointed “elders in every church” in Asia (Acts 14:23), as Titus had in Crete (Titus 1:5). The term ‘elder’ was used in ancient cultures to denote an older man whose experience equipped him to serve as an advisor and arbiter in his community. One cannot be appointed wise or older; time and experience must supply these traits. The church may then officially recognize such men as ‘elders’.

Responsibility

Paul charges these elders to guard the flock over which they were made ‘espiskopous’ (in Latin: ‘bishops’; in English: ‘overseers’). Paul used the terms ‘elder’ and ‘overseer’ (or ‘bishop’) synonymously here and in Titus 1:5-7. (Contrary to traditional denominational usage, he addresses a plurality of “bishops” [overseers] in the congregation at Philippi [1:1].) The overseer was a “steward” (Titus 1:7) – a servant acting in behalf of heaven, exercising protective care for his spiritual charges, and bearing responsibility for their souls (Heb. 13:17). The importance of the overseer’s assignment is seen in I Peter 2:25, where Jesus Himself is described as both “the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

Relationship

The task of these elders/overseers is “to shepherd the church of God.” The noun form of this task appears as a title in Eph. 4:11; ‘poimen’ (in Latin: ‘pastor’; in English; ‘shepherd’). In I Pet. 5:2, when Peter exhorts “elders” to “shepherd the flock of God, exercising oversight….”, he uses variant forms of these three titles to describe a single group of local leaders. (Just as in the case of the hierarchical bishop, the New Testament knows nothing of the modern single pastor system.) As an elder, the leader is a policy maker; as an overseer, he is an administrator; but as a shepherd, he is a personal guide and guard. The shepherding relationship is one of intimate knowledge and mutual trust. The shepherd knows the names and needs of his sheep. He lays down his life for them (John 10:3-4; 11-15).

What, then, is an elder/overseer/shepherd? He is a man with great respect, great responsibility, and great relationships. A man whose family and friends willingly follow his lead, as he faithfully follows his Lord.