The New Testament uses three terms; Elder, Overseer (Bishop), and Pastor (Shepherd), as functional synonyms to describe the same group of church leaders. Each term is used to emphasize a different quality of eldership, yet each term works in concert to exemplify the Elder as a loving servant who models the life of Jesus Christ.

Luke 22:24-27 And there arose also a dispute among [the disciples] as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. And [Jesus] said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ “But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. “For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

Jesus does not reject the role of leaders among the church, anymore than He could reject his own role as Messiah. What Jesus does so well is redefine a leader as someone quite different from the world’s kind of leader. Jesus is the Head, yet he chose to serve (Philippians 2:1-10). Elders are gifted to lead, but they must model the life of Jesus and serve.

“Elder” and “bishop,” then, are synonymous, but whereas “elder” indicates the great dignity surrounding this office, “bishop” signifies its function of rule or oversight. In the New Testament oversight is especially related to the figure of the shepherd, who feeds and cares for his flock. It is therefore natural that pastoral language is interwoven with the use of the terms overseer and bishop (Acts 20:28; cf. John 21:15–17). In their pastoral oversight of congregational life, elders reflect Christ’s own office as the Shepherd and Bishop of souls (1 Pet. 2:25; cf. John 10:11–16; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 5:4).

Robert Webber, The Biblical Foundations of Christian Worship, 1st ed., 172 (Nashville, Tenn.: Star Song Pub. Group, 1993).

In every major passage that talks about Elders, there is a consistent emphasis upon Elders as the ones who care for the spiritual well-being of the church.

The elders’ task of oversight and discipline can be described in terms of keeping watch and shepherding on behalf of the great shepherd Jesus Christ. In Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders he said: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).

Walter A. Elwell and Walter A. Elwell, Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, electronic ed., Baker reference library; Logos Library System (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1997, c1996).

Primarily the Elder is a servant-shepherd who demonstrates the love of Christ to the entire church. Check out the instruction given by Peter, the Apostle & Elder of the Church.

1 Peter 5:1-4 Therefore, I exhort the elders 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 [pastor] the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Paul, and his fellow Apostles, modeled this very attitude among the churches. Even under great distress, Paul and his fellow-workers did not rely on their Divine-Apostolic-authority to control the church, rather they persuaded people through their labour of love.

1 Thes 2:5-12 For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness— nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

For the most part, the service of an Elder is a demonstration of what every disciple should be doing in their life, but there are unique elements in how an Elder must serve the congregation.

• The Elders mentor and appoint other Elders in younger congregations – Titus 1:5
• The Elders rule well over the congregation – 1 Tim 5:17

Aspects of servant-shepherding that are common to both the Elders and every disciple of Jesus.

• The Elders administer relief to those in need – Acts 11:29, 30
• The Elders model a Christ-like leadership over those in their charge – 1 Pet 5:3
• The Elders keep the church rooted in sound doctrine – Acts 15:4, 6, 23
• The Elders who are properly gifted should both teach & preach the Gospel – 1 Tim. 5:17
• The Elders protect the flock from the wolves who would ravage Her – Acts 20:28
• The Elders minister to the sick and pray for healing – James 5:14, 15

Now that we have seen how a biblical Elder leads, we will next look at the giftings given by the Spirit that empower Elders for their service.

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