Elder and bishop are terms used for the same office. Elder describes the spiritual maturity required of the individual while bishop or overseer describes the function of the work done. The work of the overseer, or shepherd, is described is several Scripture passages.

Acts 20:28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

1 Peter 5:1-3 The elders who are among you I exhort … shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

Heb 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Acts 20:20-21 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Taking our example from Paul who taught publicly and from house to house, we desire to conform to the biblical standard of spiritual oversight of God's people.

Elders are commanded to apply the Word of God to the specific circumstances of the lives of the people for encouragement and conviction.

Titus 1:7-9 For a bishop must be … holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

1 Thes 5:11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

1 Thes 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

Our motivation in confrontation must be love in seeking restoration. When attempting to restore, we must humbly remember our own sinfulness and avoid self-righteousness; instead using specific guidance from God's word as our righteous standard. God issues the rebuke in His word and we merely communicate it. We must be quick to forgive and eager for restoration.

Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

Our counsel should be the application of God's Word to our everyday struggles, temptations, fears, joys, and triumphs. Biblical admonition communicates how our faith should mold our lives, identifies the barriers to our living the lives God has called us to, and, in brotherly love, establishes accountability to help us obey our calling. Admonishment helps “hearers” become “doers.”

1 Thess. 5:12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another

We must guard ourselves and the flock from unscriptural teachings and worldliness. We must identify and rid ourselves of personal and theological corruption.

Rom 20:28-30 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the placePlaceTypechurch of PlaceNameGod which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

Familiarization - get to know each other in terms of family, interests/hobbies, personal testimony, spiritual history, church participation/gifts.

These are very penetrating questions which get to the heart of our spiritual lives. They can be intimidating to ask and answer. Please keep in mind the goal of following God's pattern for His church in building each other up spiritually. Without true candor, the relationship between God's people will not go beyond superficial interaction and cannot bring the mutual encouragement that God has planned from the fellowship of the saints.

What is the pattern for your individual and family Scripture reading, study and prayer? What areas have brought fruitful interaction lately?

What do you believe is the greatest spiritual danger confronting your family (parents and children may be different)?

How do you handle the struggles of everyday life? Which are most problematic? How can we pray for you and advise you?

How has the ministry of our church been a blessing to you? How would like to be involved? How can the church improve its service and faithfulness?

What is the world's view of marriage and family? How does that compare to Scripture? In what ways is God working on your marriage and family life?

Answers to these questions help to direct individual admonition as well as sermon and Sunday School topics. God's desire for us is building up each other and sharing each other's joys and burdens in the body of Christ. With the Spirit as our helper, let us honor God and enjoy His blessings by our obedience to His word.