Foundations of Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG07

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F O U N D A T I O N S O F C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

e. 2 Chron. 34.17 - They have emptied out the money that was found in the house of the Lord and have given it into the hand of the overseers and the workmen.

2. The word episkopos was used in classical Greek speaking contexts (Homer applied it to the gods as overseers, and in Athens, the governors of conquered states were called episkopoi ).

3. The meaning of “guardian,” “overseer,” or “superintendent” corresponds to episkopos .

B. The NT uses words in a fluid way when it comes to defining Christian leaders in the Church.

1. Paul often uses this term in his letters and epistles; Peter uses it in regards to Christ and to elders.

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a. Acts 20.28 - Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers , to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

b. Rom. 12.8 - . . . the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads , with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

c. Phil. 1.1 - Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.