The Real Biblical Elder

This book examines the common view among scholars that ‘elder’ and ‘overseer’ (bishop) are synonyms in the New Testament. With actual Greek definitions of ‘elder, ‘overseer’ and ‘deacon’ and data from the Old Testament, background is provided for who the real biblical elder was.
Paul’s references to the ‘laying on of hands’ and ‘lay hands on no man suddenly’ are found to have entirely different meanings
when observed in the context of the elder in the household.
Supposed scriptural admonitions that demand believers obey the pastor in order that he can give a positive report about them on judgment day or that he will get his ‘crown of rejoicing’ are challenged with proper translation and context.
A review of administrative utilities such as denominationalism, membership, Statements of Faith and bylaws in churches today unveils serious hazards that have compromised the oversight and integrity of the believers’ fellowship.
A survey of Paul’s example and instructions for the work of oversight discloses colossal failures in the evangelical church today. Increasing belligerence, immorality and the proliferation of false teaching such as the charismata, ‘prayer language’, contemplative and other mystical dalliances in the professing church are all evidence of the lack of biblical oversight.
Church administration has shifted from a ministerial to a governance mode, a hierarchal propensity that Christ specifically cautioned His disciples against.
These and other topics show that a coherent biblical understanding of church administration is not possible if we do not know the identity of the real biblical elder.