The New Testament supports both a plurality of qualified elders and recognizable leadership among those elders. “Elder,” “overseer,” and “pastor” describe the same church office, and every man holding that office must be able to teach and defend sound doctrine. Equality of office does not require rotating or leaderless administration. Timothy in Ephesus and Titus …
First Timothy 3 requires an overseer to manage his household well and keep his children under control. Titus also says an elder’s children must not be open to a charge of serious rebellion. These standards matter because a man’s leadership at home bears directly on his qualification to lead the church. An adopted child’s traumatic …
In the New Testament, pastor, elder, and overseer describe the same church office. Churches should not create a biblical distinction between these terms. Every man serving in that office should meet the qualifications given in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Pastors or elders should appoint other pastors or elders. Existing qualified leaders are responsible …