Five distinct terms refer to the pastoral office:
1. elder (presbyteros), a title highlighting the administration and spiritual guidance of the church (Acts 15:6; 1 Tim. 5:17; James 5:14; 1 Pet. 5:1–4)
2. bishop or overseer (episkopos), which emphasizes guidance, oversight, and leadership in the church (Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:2–5; Titus 1:7)
3. shepherd or pastor (poimēn), a position denoting leadership and authority (Acts 20:28–31; Eph. 4:11) as well as guidance and provision (1 Pet. 2:25; 5:2–3)
4. preacher (kērux), which points to public proclamation of the gospel and teaching of the flock (Rom. 10:14; 1 Tim. 2:7; 2 Tim. 1:11)
5. teacher (didaskalos), one responsible for instruction and exposition of the Scriptures whose teaching is both instructive (1 Tim. 2:7) and corrective (1 Cor. 12:28–29)