There are six different English words that are used to translate three Greek terms which refer to the office or work of an elder. Each of these terms tells us something about the work of an elder, and need to be examined as we consider whether or not a man is scripturally qualified to be appointed to this work.

ELDER or PRESBYTER. The word "elder" (1 Pet. 5:1; Titus 1:5) is translated from the Greek term presbuterous. The word "presbytery" (1 Tim. 4:14, KJV, NASB; "eldership" NKJV) is translated from the Greek term presbuteriou. This term refers to one's age, maturity and spiritual experience.

The word "elder" emphasizes the wisdom a man has gained through study and experience. The opposite of this characteristic is found in the qualification "not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil" (1 Tim. 3:6). While we sometimes chuckle at the young Mormons who call themselves "elders," we must realize that old age does not necessarily qualify one to be an "elder" in the Lord's church. One must possess spiritual wisdom and maturity.

BISHOP or OVERSEER. The word "bishop" (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1) is translated from the Greek term episkopois. A related word, "overseer" (Acts 20:28) is translated from the Greek term episkopous. These terms refer to a superintendent; one who watches over.

While the term "elder" describes the spiritual maturity of the individual, the terms "bishop" and "overseer" indicate the type of work that is to be done by an elder. Elders are to oversee the work of the local church. They have the responsibility of making sure the local church is doing the work God has given it to do in the manner which He has commanded it to be done (1 Pet. 5:2). They also have the task of watching over the souls under their charge (Heb. 13:17).

PASTOR or SHEPHERD. The word "pastor" (Eph. 4:11) is translated from the Greek term poimenas. The word "shepherd" (1 Pet. 5:2; Acts 20:28, NKJV, NASV; "feed" KJV) is translated from the Greek term poimanate. These terms mean to tend as a shepherd.

Sheep need to be fed and watered, guided and protected. Elders have the responsibility of making sure the members of the church are receiving a steady diet of the word of God. Simply "hiring" a preacher does not fulfill this task. The babes in Christ need the milk of the word (1 Pet. 2:2). Those who are more mature need to be challenged by the meat of the word (Heb. 5:12-14). The whole counsel of God needs to be presented over a reasonable length of time (Acts 20:27). When need be, elders have the right to tell a preacher to get off a hobby horse and preach on other things. As a shepherd protects the flock from wolves, elders need to protect the church from the influence of error. Elders have every right to deny men access to the pulpit and opportunities to teach Bible classes. They need to alert the members to spiritual dangers by making them aware of false doctrines and trends that are posing a threat to the church.