If as per Scripture the Elders are called to lead then we need to have an understanding of this office. In scripture we see that the word elder, bishop, overseer, shepherd, pastor all refer to the same person or office. They are one and the same function and not separate functions or offices in the church. In 1 Peter 5 v 1-3, Peter uses the word elder, bishop/overseer and shepherd/pastor interchangeably. Paul does the same in Acts 20 V 17 & v 28.
We also see in Scripture that leadership is not a title but simply one of the functions of the Body (Rom 12 v 8). As stated we believe and are committed to ‘the priesthood of all believers”, with all of us functioning in the gifts God has given us. (Please read 1 Pet 2 v 4-11, Rom 12 & 1 Cor 12). As a result we do not ‘carry titles’. It is worth noting that Paul himself never once referred to himself as Apostle Paul but as Paul (His name) an Apostle (His Function) – refer to scriptures such as Rom 1 v 1 & 1 Cor 1 v 1.
It is even more interesting that we call Jesus The Head of the Church by His first name and yet insist on giving each other titles…
Mike & Deborah Graves
Mark & Jen du Toit
Tim & Nicola Hill
Paul MacMunn
Mark & Dena Manfredi