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

The NTGreek term episkopos (“bishop”) can be interpreted as overseer, the term has a history that originated with the Septuagint (i.e., the Greek OT), various usages of the term in the classical Greek tradition, and finally in its use by the apostles in the New Testament itself. In one sense the terms for “pastor,” “elder,” and “bishop” all refer to the same office, with emphases on different roles and responsibilities of Christian leadership in the Church. The use of the concept of elder as overseer may have some resonance with council of elders in Jewish rulership where an elder could be recognized as one to speak on behalf of and represent the entire council of elders. The concept in the Church has been expanded through history to refer to the office of the bishop appointed or elected to oversee a number of pastors or groups of congregations in a given context. The standards of bishop are articulated in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, as well as the example of Jesus. As a “pastor of pastors,” bishops have historically come to represent the leaders of large areas and numbers of churches within his area of responsibility. While some traditions may reject the nomenclature (i.e., language) of the bishop, most groups have supervisors who assume the function of a bishop, i.e., ongoing oversight and supervision of churches in association together. The Word of God and church tradition provides us with several key images to understand the role and function of the office of the bishop: the bishop as overseer of pastors and churches functions as supervisor, apostle, and as spiritual director. As supervisor the bishop functions as a superintendent, coordinating and organizing the outreach, personnel, and resources of churches under his/her care to make popular titles. Often these titles are not to be understood in the classic historical sense of a bishop, i.e., one who commissioned to supervise and oversee a number of churches and pastors in a given area, the title becomes a synonym for the title “pastor” or “reverend.” The term “bishop” however, because of its historical breadth and the gravity of the authority and position usually associated with some traditions with that title, is preferred. In looking at the history of the ordination of bishops, however, this is neither a title nor a position that one takes on oneself or without grave sobriety. It is possible, though, to take on this title today in many Protestant settings and to neither be associated with a movement or tradition, to have been commissioned nor appointed by any legitimate church, nor be affiliated with any other spiritual body. What do you make of the uneven application of the term “bishop” among many today, and howmight we remedy and reclaim this term in more its biblical and historical meaning? Is a person a bishop simply because he calls himself one ?

Restatement of the Lesson’s Thesis

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