Understanding the Five-Ministry Gifts and Their Function 6-23-25

I am posting more on the church and how God has designed for it to function.  For anyone who believes the pastor should function with the deacons next in line to him, this will prove that the belief is wrong. This is what the Word of God says who the bishops are. I have said for years that the five ministry offices are the overseers, although the pastor has the lead role, he cannot function alone.

I was asked if women could be bishops, and someone on the Bible study class asked if they could read a scripture, which was 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Verses 1-2 had  the answer. Then she referenced the scripture to Titus 1:4-9. About a week later another student aske me to text her the scriptures. As I was looking in the book of Titus, these verses really stood and were confirming what Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

Titus 1:1-9  For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you— if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of]dissipation or insubordination.  

For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled,  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.

For those who have associate ministers serving with them, that is NOT the proper word to use;  (that was my role, I am evangelist/prophetess, not title; it’s office/ministry). They are not associate pastors or pastors who function in certain capacities, they are one of the five ministry offices, if they have been graced with one of those offices. Otherwise, they are functioning in error according to the Word of God- Let God be true and every man be a liar (Romans 3:4).

Bishops/Elders/Overseers- Five ministry offices of the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher.

The connection between the office of Bishop (Overseer) and Elder

AI Overview

Yes, Titus 1:6-7 establishes a connection between the terms "elder" and "bishop" (or "overseer"), indicating they refer to the same role within the church. Paul uses both terms to describe the qualifications for church leaders on the island of Crete, suggesting they are interchangeable. 

Explanation: Interchangeable Terms:

In Titus 1:5, Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders in every city. Then, in Titus 1:7, he uses the term "bishop" (or "overseer") to describe the same position, outlining the qualifications for these leaders. 

Shared Qualifications:

The qualifications Paul lists for both elders and bishops in Titus 1:6-7 are essentially the same: they must be above reproach, faithful to their wives, have believing children, and be known for good character. 

One Office:

This passage is often cited to demonstrate that the terms "elder" and "bishop" (or "overseer") were used synonymously in the early church to denote the same leadership role. While later church traditions developed distinctions between these terms, Titus 1:5-7 suggests they were initially used interchangeably. 

If AI has more knowledge than some Christians do, that’s sad. It tells me how much they are providing a lot of information that lines up with the Word of God, even though they are not accurate on everything; none of us are. However, the church should be further along in their knowledge and understanding when it comes to God’s Word.

His Handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~burnettministries.org