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

b. The elders of Acts 20.17 are referred to as overseers in Acts 20.28.

(1) Acts 20.17

(2) Acts 20.28

4. The idea of a bishop as an elder who gave oversight resonates with the NT usage of the terms: traditional senses of elder leadership.

a. Ruling elders : those elders (i.e., bishops) whose responsibility focused on presiding over the affairs of the Christian community

b. Teaching elders : those elders whose primary responsibility focused on laboring as teachers and preachers within the Christian community

5. Why the difference between elder and bishop?

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a. The term “presbyter” ( elder ), a term familiar to the Jews, signifies their place and age within the Church community.

b. The term “bishop” ( overseer ), a term used more in Gentile settings, refers to their office and authority .

c. Whatever the case, bishop and elder refer to the same person .