OFFICE OF AN OVERSEER/BISHOP/ELDER

 

DEFINITION OF BISHOP/OVERSEER/ELDER:

Bishops (pastors, overseer, elders), are mature MEN, with integrity and spiritual experience, responsible to lead the church.

In the New Testament, the words “bishop,” “elder,” “overseer”, “shepherd” and “pastor” are used interchangeably to describe the same men (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-2).

From a biblical context, we treat responsibility of bishops as an office, to function as God’s stewards. 1 Tim. 3:1, says, “It is a trustworthy statement, if any man aspires to the office of bishop/overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.”

At Glad Tidings Fellowship Church, a pastor is also called a servant, reminding him that he is to minister to others; and he is a steward, managing the property of others (the church of Christ).

 

• CHOOSING OVERSEERS/ELDERS/BISHOPS

 

Our criteria to choose church elders, follows that which was used in Israel. The men chosen are mature men, able men of strong moral character; men who fear God, men of truth and integrity (Exodus 18:20-21), men full of the Holy Spirit (Numbers 11:16-17); capable men of wisdom, discernment, and experience— impartial and courageous men who intercede, teach, and judge righteously and fairly. As church leaders, much emphasis is on maturity and spiritual experience. Just like what the bible shows us, we only choose men to become bishops or elders. The qualifications of elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7), provide us with a guide in choosing the elders at our local church.

 

We consider a man for leadership as an elder only after he has proved himself suitable for a ministry of leadership through a period during which he is tested, during which he is observed functioning in a limited position of delegated oversight. If he demonstrates capability in leadership and loyalty to the message, he can be publicly acknowledged as one who is to be trusted in the service of leadership. We also find out on personal and spiritual life on the man from his wife.

 

We take a close look at the start of the church in the book of Acts, and follow how the church leadership was identified.

 

In Acts 14:21-23, we see that one of the key steps in establishing a new church was to identify and appoint elders for church leadership.

“And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed (Acts 14:23). At Glad Tidings Fellowship – High Glen Church, after a new church has been planted in a particular area, the presiding pastor appoints the elders after having prayed with fasting.

 

At Glad Tidings Fellowship, church, we believe in the plurality of church leadership.

This biblical norm is substantiated by the fact that wherever specific local churches in the New Testament are described as having elders, they always had a plurality of elders. For example, there were the elders (plural) of the church (singular) at Ephesus (Acts 20:17). There were the overseers (plural) along with the deacons of the church (singular) at Philippi (Phil. 1:1; 4:15).

 

As a church, our norm is that we have more than one elder (pastor) in each individual church. As a church, we believe that the office of elder or Bishop or overseer, is the highest level of local church leadership. Thus, it carries a great amount of responsibility. 1 Tim. 3:1, says, “It is a trustworthy statement, if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.”

One who is qualified to be an elder will be eager to give his life totally to the teaching of the Word of God and shepherding the flock of God, without any thought of gain at all. He will desire the office, pursue being set apart, and devote himself to the Word of God.

 

• QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS

 

While there may be many ways to organize leadership within a church, there can be no substitute in fulfilling God’s commands in the qualifications and functions of church leadership, if a church is to provide an environment conducive for the spiritual health of its people. Therefore, it is vital to have a clear and uncompromising understanding of how church leadership is to be organized.

At Glad Tidings Fellowship – High Glen church, we are guided by what the bible says regarding these qualifications. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul’s purpose in writing this letter was to instruct Timothy regarding the choosing of elders for the church.

 

BLAMELESS–above reproach, people are looking at this man’s life trying to find something that is wrong which they can use against him.

THE HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE–faithful to his marriage partner and exemplifying what Christian marriage really ought to be. He is to be a “one-woman man. “No background of divorce.”

VIGILANT–temperate, sober, mentally alert. Having a well-disciplined mind, in possession of the full use of all his faculties.

SOBER–sound mind, sensible, serious, “in his right mind” (Mark 5:15), having a serious attitude. There is a need for balance here. He is not to have the reputation of always cracking jokes and being a clown (Eph. 5:4), nor is he to be one who casts a cloud of gloom everywhere he goes. A serious attitude can be blended with a healthy and Christ honouring sense of humour.

OF GOOD BEHAVIOUR–orderly, organized, a well-arranged and well-ordered life (opposite of “chaos”). A man who is disciplined and faithful in his stewardship of time. His life should exhibit good planning and purpose.

GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY–a lover of strangers. A real love and concern for people. One who manifests a genuine love for the brethren. His door and his heart are always open when it comes to rightly ministering to the needs of others.

APT TO TEACH–able, skilled and willing to teach and communicate God’s truth. According to Titus 1:9 he must be able to exhort and bring conviction by sound doctrine, “holding fast the faithful word.” This does not necessarily imply pulpit ability, but it does imply the ability to rightly use and communicate God’s Word in helping and confronting and admonishing others (see 1 Tim. 5:17). 1 Tim. 3:3

NOT GIVEN TO WINE–literally, no affinity for wine. In a society infatuated with alcoholic beverages and defiled by the unwholesome things associated with drinking, total abstinence from alcoholic drinks and avoidance of any wrong or questionable association is the only truly safe choice for the elder. NOT A STRIKER–not quick tempered to fight. The man must not be a fighter (ready with his fists). Comes from a verb meaning “to strike.” You rub this kind of violent person the wrong way and he will really let you have it.

NOT GREEDY OF FILTHY LUCRE–not someone who is out for personal gain and profit. The man’s financial dealings must be blameless and not in the least bit questionable. Free from greed.

PATIENT–gentle, forbearing (Phil. 4:5), sweet-reasonableness, considerate of the feelings of others, a man who is able to yield and who does not always insist on having things his own way, willing to concede, and yet not compromise when it comes to truth.

NOT A BRAWLER--not a fighter (literally “without war”), not one who is always arguing and getting involved in carnal disputes and quarrels. A man who is peaceable (Rom. 12:18).

NOT COVETOUS–literally, “not a lover of money” (Heb. 13:5). The ruling motive in his life is not money or possessions, but the glory of God. 1 Tim. 3:4-5

RULES WELL HIS OWN HOUSE–faithful in superintending his own household, having children who are obedient and respectful and well-disciplined (kept in line). Compare Titus 1:6-his children are properly controlled and not accused of riot or unruly. They are not wild and disorderly and rebellious. 1 Tim. 3:6

NOT A NOVICE–not one who has newly come to the faith, not a new convert, not one who has recently become a Christian, not a new believer, but rather one who has had years of growth and development in the faith (well tested by time). 1 Tim. 3:7

A GOOD REPORT–an excellent testimony before the unsaved, a good reputation among the community.

 

• ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ELDERS/BISHOPS/OVERSEERS

 

Our clear understanding is that the terms “bishop/overseer” or “pastor/shepherd” are not distinct from “elder.” Each term is simply a different way of identifying the same person. The roles, functions and responsibilities of this office are outlined below;

 

• To be caretaker (steward) for the church of God as primary responsibility;
• To shepherd the flock of God – feeding, caring, leading, healing, protecting and generally nurturing the flock of God; (1 Peter 5:1-2 & Acts 20:28)
• To give oversight and direction in the character and priorities of Christ – spiritual guidance of the entire church; (What must we do as a church?)
• To oversee the direction and belief system of the local church; (1Tim. 5:17 says, Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour)
• To lead the congregants in implementing the church vision, (both local and global to GTF);
• To guard and protect the flock of God against false teachers; (Acts 20:28-30)
• To preach and teach the word of God; (1 Tim. 5:17; 1 Tim.3:2; Titus 1:9)
• To baptize new converts with water; (Mat. 28:19; Acts 10:47-48)
• To regulate doctrinal issues for the church. Thus, the overseer must be understand true and sound doctrine, be consistent and defend it. (Titus 1:9; Titus 2:1; 1 Tim. 4:6; 1 Tim. 6:3)
• To be responsible to God for the spiritual welfare of the church: (Acts 20:28)
• To consistently lead and model these traits; (1 Tim. 3:2-7; 1 Peter 5:1-3), to others.
• To pray for those who are sick; (James 5:14)

(The elders of a local church are also to be a resource for those who seek partnership in prayer)

• To comfort congregants; (1 Thessalonians 2:11)
• To determine church policy, to guide the flock.
• To provide counselling to the congregants on various life challenges, socially and spiritually.
• To carefully recognize the gifts and desire placed in a person Christ is giving to His church and of Whom the Spirit is working to become an elder/pastor/bishop – leads to one to be appointed and ordained; (1 Tim. 4:14)
• To encourage and rebuke; (Titus 1:9; 1 Thes. 4:1)
• To prescribe discipline for congregants for wrong-doing.
• To exhort; (Acts 13:15; Acts 20:2)
• To keep and practice events which the bible instructs us to do, such as conducting Holy Communion.
• Devotion to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.
• To select deacons to handle the matters of physical needs that may distract elders from functioning in their sphere of responsibility. (Acts 6:3-4), i.e. choose and ordain other leaders.
• To ensure orderliness in conducting worship services;
• To pray for the believers to receive spiritual gifts. (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6)
• To pray for people who are spiritually oppressed, to be set free.
• To help believers in identifying their gifts to utilize them.
• To encourage believers to utilise their gifts in the church.
• To provide pre-marital counselling to youths in relationships.

 

Conclusion

In the early church, the elders were charged with the spiritual guidance of the entire church. There was no higher court of appeal, and no greater resource to know the mind and heart of God with regard to issues in the church than the elders/overseers. This is our guiding principle in handling this office at Glad Tidings Fellowship Church. The qualifications for elders’ office bearers is there to emphasise the importance of this office in the eyes of God. Once appointed into this office, one needs to carry out the various responsibilities to the satisfaction of our father, the Almighty God.