Define "Bishop" scripturally

[one love]

What is a Bishop in the bible really mean?
How did it become a title verses a office? The word Bishop really means Shepherd so why are so many referenced as Bishops if they are not active? We dont we call someone a pastor when they may stop pastoring yet they both mean shepherds..

Bishops/Overseers/pastors..

[paul]

I agree with you that it is not a title. In Eph 4 when we speak of Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Pastor (Poieman)and Evangelist they are not simply titles either. I see them as functions. It is the area that we function in which to me is a calling. In my circles I am generally refered to as one who operates in an apostolic function. I am not comfortable with being called by the title. It is simply what I do. And because I believe it is a calling in which I function, I also believe that they are irrevocable.

If one is called to be a pastor, that is who he is...Wehter he is behind a pulpit or not. Retired or not, God called, God set and prayerfully we walk in it.

[TW]

I will refer you to the Bible.

Acts1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Evidentally the Apostles felt that they held an office. And while we are at it "Bishop" is not defined as "sheperd," it actually comes from Old English and is definded as overseer or, one who watches.


TW

[one love]

Thank you paul and TW.

Yes I believe it is a shepherd or if this fits better one who has "over sight" Guides or leads?

Ephesians and Timothy plainly describes this as a active position not just a appointment. Just as I have pastored but I dont carry that title anylonger because I am not pastoring.


episkope (ep-is-kop-ay'); inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the Christian "episcopate":




episkopos ; a superintendent, i.e. Christian officer in genitive case charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively):


So my point being it is somebody who has oversight in some manner over a certain group of people. Local church, overseer etc. I consider that shepherding but TW I see your point regarding the old english but I do not see how that changes the question. For the sake of not splitting hairs on that I would love your opinion a little further.

When did COG/COGOP/TCOG make this a title? I know in 1912 I believe the question was asked should and answered that pastors were to be Bishops.

Anyway thanks Brothers, Just wanted some feed back on this.

Be blessed.

[Full Quiver]

Bishop = pastor = shepherd

[PastorDaniel]

Well...according to my understanding and limited knowledge...all the the Tomlinson descended COG's have always ordained bishops and used that title in reference to the ordained ministry. The better question I believe is at what point did the title become a more elevated title. It appears that originally the licensed evangelist / minister rank was for those not ready or qualified to be fully ordained. But at some point it became extremely difficult to become fully ordained by the COGOP. We have now started elevating the licensed minister to ordained licensed minister...yet we will say that we don't ordain women while giving them the same credential. Not sure about other branches of COG. Personally, I don't like the fact that a minister may only be recommended for bishop by his state / national / regional overseer. I think the recommendation could come from another bishop, like the district overseer. In many cases some minister's never even get to know their national, regional, state overseer and they may very well be doing more work in the office of a bishop than those who hold the title. I think that bishop is a good and appropriate title and office for those who are actually doing the work. But I am not big on titles or those who simply want to hold them. If someone is doing the work, I think they should be recognized in that office. I would feel it appropriate to allow ministers to apply for the right to be ordained as a bishop. They would still have to meet the requirements and they would still have to be reviewed by a ministerial credentialing board, and receive the approval of their overseer. This may not alleviate some of the nepotism and good ole' boy recognition that I have seen happen, but it could level the playing field for those who are virtually unknown. However, I do say all of this while knowing that God is ultimately in control and can promote even the unknowns. I just think the system could be tweaked and prevent a lot of the discouragement which causes our ministers to leave.

[one love]

Interesting, Danny we fully agree and Daniel I think we do to a degree.
Bishop from my studies is a active work. It is not a title. Some want to be bishops for the title but they are not biblically a bishop though they may be ordained.
I notcie in 1912 this was asked

"
Q. Should not a pastor in the Church of God be as blameless and a bishop?
A. Bishops are to be the pastors. If for any reason any other person should act as a pastor his life could be very pure and upright. 1Tim.4:12"

So for the most part the early church believed Bishops to be pastors, Overseers did not have to be bishops but were to keep count of the Bishops.

If one is a bishop/overseer/pastor when he is no longer holding that Office, a active role, are they still a bishop? We made it a title verse a office being the problem. Again I pastored a church and may again soon but I am not regonized a "pastor Kevin" because I am not actively a pastor. If it is a verb and or a office then the title portion is not valid.
So why did it change? I know many that feel this is the bible description of what a Bishop is and if that is the case why do you feel it changed or is not addressed? I think it is relative to women pastors. I am speaking of COGOP/COG/TCOG
However it wouldnt effect them anyway because they are limited in what authority they have.
I also dont feel that pastors are held to a less standard then a bishop. I feel those are the qualifications of a pastor.
In a nut shell I feel if you pastor you are a bishop, if you are a overseer you are a bishop. I do feel you have to be ordained.
would love more input..... I feel we have it wrong in TCOG in our definition of bishop because it has to be a sheperd type office and active.

Be blessed

[Full Quiver]

I'm right there with you Kevin.

Also a look back into your history and you will find where each local church selected their own pastor. According to the historical writings there was a message and interpretation that solidified that type of selection BUT somehow it was moved away from.

I personally believe that local congregations should choose their pastor and said pastor should be left to tend the sheep and grow the congregation both spiritually and numerically.