All organizations have leaders, but good church leaders aren't like CEO's but shepherds.
Elders/Bishops (Greek: presbuteros/episkopos) lead the church along with Deacons. A presbyterian church is different from an episcopal church in that it considers Elder and Bishop to be titles for the same office rather than two offices with different levels of authority. Elders are mature examples of Christlikeness who oversee (bishop) the life and doctrine of the whole church. They are shepherds (pastors) who watch diligently over the flock by serving, comforting, discipling, and at times disciplining (1 Peter 5:1-5).
Elders are also called to serve the broader church by meeting together with the elders of other congregations, according to the pattern of Acts 15, in what is called "Presbytery." A presbyterian church is different from a congregationalist church (baptist) in that it shares the responsibility of leadership with the elders of other presbyterian churches. The Presbytery deals jointly with many things including doctrinal issues, preparing new pastors, promoting church planting, and even disciplining wayward pastors. We do not have independent churches nor do we have a lead bishop/elder or a pope or any other head of the church than the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the great Shepherd of the sheep! Elders are his under-shepherds who work together as servant-leaders of many congregations.
Application Questions:
Is there a difference between an elder "Presbuteros" and a bishop "Episkopos" in terms of church office (see Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5-7; 1 Peter 5:1-2)?
According to 1 Peter 5:1-5, what must elders do and how must they do it? What does it mean for church elders that Jesus is the "Chief Shepherd"?
In Acts 15, what relationship did the elders have to the broader church? What authority did the council of elders have over congregations?
Scriptures for Further Study: Colossians 3:16-17; Ezekiel 34:1-10; John 10:14-17; Acts 20:17-38; Colossians 1:15-20
