Pastor, Bishop, Elder - One Calling

"The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly." - 1 Peter 5:1-2 (NKJV)

Peter uses three distinct terms to describe what is essentially the same office in a local church. In this passage alone, he references "elders," "shepherds" (same Greek word for pastors), and "overseers" (bishops). These aren't three different positions—they're three aspects of the same calling.

The word "elder" describes spiritual maturity. We grew up hearing "respect your elders," and there's truth to that, but in the Bible, "elder" specifically refers to spiritual maturity. It's describing someone who may not be physically old but is spiritually mature—an example to the flock.

The word "shepherd" (pastor) speaks of feeding and caring for God's people. Do you know how many times the word "pastor" is used in the New Testament? One time—in Ephesians 4:11. But it's the same Greek word as "shepherd," which is used over and over again in the New Testament. This word speaks of a church leader feeding the flock.

The word "bishop" (overseer) describes the administrative oversight—the management and organization necessary to lead God's people effectively.

What strikes me most is Peter's humility here. He referred to himself not as the chief among them, but as "a fellow elder." He says to the elders, "I am also an elder. I'm a fellow elder." This humility should mark anyone called to spiritual leadership.

Acts 20:17-28 brings this together beautifully. Verse 17 says Paul "called for the elders of the church." As Paul is speaking with them before leaving them, he charges them in verse 28: "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers (bishop), to shepherd (pastor) the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." There's "overseer," "shepherd," and "elders" all in one passage, all describing the same people appointed by the Holy Spirit. Each of God's appointed leaders should be bishops who oversee God's flock, pastors who feed and care for God's flock, and elders who are examples to God's flock. This is a high calling, but God will equip those whom He has called.

Reflection Question: How does knowing that the Holy Spirit has appointed church leaders change your perspective on submitting to and supporting godly authority?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the clear picture You've given me of spiritual leadership. Help me to grow in spiritual maturity so that I can be an example to others. Whether I'm in formal leadership or simply influencing those around me, may I honor You and build up Your church. In Jesus' Name, amen. 

Adapted from "God's Ideal for Servant Leaders" (1 Peter 5:1-4): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/wbzxn7b/22-god-s-ideal-for-servant-leaders-1-peter-5-1-4