Elders and shepherds

I have been asked in the past to explain the meaning of “elder” in the New Testament, and to elaborate on the difference between “elder” and “shepherd,” so I thought this brief article could be helpful.

Three words were used in the original language to denote this office: overseers (or bishops), elders, and shepherds. Two indicate the nature of their work (overseers and shepherds) and one indicates the maturity of their spiritual experience (elders). The term “elder” is an adjective that describes, in general, an older man. The word also represented a rank or position of responsibility. In the Old Testament, elders were the heads or leaders of the tribes and families of Israel. In the New Testament, “elder” was used to describe a man that was appointed for the spiritual care and oversight of the churches. He was spiritually qualified by reason of his maturity level (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9). Because “shepherd” denotes the type of work done (Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 5:2), it is easy to see the involvement of tender care and vigilant superintendence. Shepherds or leaders in the Old Testament were forcefully condemned for their ungodly leadership.

It is very important to know that both terms refer to the same man. They are not hierarchal levels of leadership in the church.

Kyle Campbell