Today marks the 18th year anniversary of my being consecrated into the office of a bishop. For the record, biblically the term bishop is synonymous with words like overseer, elder and pastor. Originally, bishops were the teaching and pastoral leaders of the local church. In these two verses below you can plainly see it.
There was one church many bishops and deacons.
Phil 1:1 KJV
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Again the term elder and bishop were synonymous and used interchangeably. Titus was to “ordain elders” in verse 6 and they were called “bishops” in verse 7.
Titus 1:5-9
5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Eventually, (through time, church evolution and tradition) the term bishop came to be applied to a regional church leader who oversaw not just their local church but many churches and elders/overseers and bishops. They were usually given charge of a diocese. (Which is a district or a particular region). They were elected by a group of pastors or designated by another overseeing bishop.
How was I chosen to become a bishop? I was actively overseeing, mentoring, and “covering” about 35 other pastors and ministries. I was doing this as a local church pastor and for several years. This pastoring of pastors was then recognized by many who had a greater or “different” understanding of what I was doing than I did. (I was just helping folk.) They said to me, you are “doing” the work of a bishop. So, in 1997 and 1998 I was invited and did attend the College of Bishops in Cleveland, Ohio held at Case Western Reserve University. I completed 2 semesters of formal training to understand the history of the church from the varied traditions and also studied things like apostolic succession, church liturgy, etc. My consecration followed shortly on March 6, 1999. This was 18 years ago today.
With the proliferation of bishops and apostles in the church world today I think it’s my duty to shine light on the fact that a bishop/pastor/elder/overseer must first and foremost be a SERVANT. You have to deflate before you elevate. Also, I believe that a bishop in the tradition of the New Testament church today should have some tangible substance and concrete manifestation that reflects their jurisdictional and regional given authority. They should influence their communities by impacting the areas in which they serve socially, economically, educationally as well as spiritually.
For the record, a bishop should love God, their spouse, their children and the people that they lead. They should be sound of doctrine and of a sound mind. They should be good people and live a balanced and biblically moral lifestyle. Lastly, they should not be a novice. (This means new in the faith or too young.) Lord, help us. “Baby bishops”.
So, thanks for some of the posts of congratulations on my church Facebook site, but be it known that it ain’t easy being a Christian and it’s just that much harder being a “bishop in the Lord’s Church”.
Why don’t I wear the vestments and bishop’s attire? Why don’t I have adjutants and Armour-bearers all around me? I want it to be known that it ain’t about the ring and the chain and the robes, the cross and all of the so-called perks that come with the office. (aka: Money).
Be it known to you today that when you walk in this office of bishop what you really need is a good prayer life, a heart to serve and a fresh personal relationship with God Himself.
Celebrate your bishops but worship God.
—Vaughn McLaughlin
