Two Terms: Overseers and Elders

The terms, "overseer" and "elders" refer to the same work of shepherds. This work, along with Apostles, prophets, and evangelists share the work of teaching.

Their work involves watching individual souls, not local church organizations. This action describes the same work of a spiritual shepherd. However, the word, "bishop" is used to translate the Greek word, episkopos to communicate the thought of some official capacity of an organization. It, along with other ecumenical words like deacon, church, and added interpolations like "office" are all designed to support the existence of local church organizations.

The word, presbuteroi translated elder speaks of one who is wise, experienced and matured who will lead an exemplary life and is worthy of honor. Such honor is not due to some official title held in an organization as decision-maker. Instead, he sets the proper example to follow, leading by example and is held in high esteem because of his work's sake. This gift was chosen by the Spirit to perform the same work of the others mentioned in Ephesians 4:11, for the same purpose and same duration.

The plural "elders" is not a reference to an eldership that refers to a board of rulers (having at least two) to prevent the abuse of power. This would only be accurate when describing an organization that is ruled. The plural is similar to other plural nouns that describe a class like "children. If having one child classifies a man for having "children," then having one elder would classify a city for having elders. Whether one or many, each would provide spiritual oversight and leadership for the saints living in his town (cf. "among you").