Elder, Overseer, Shepherd, Pastor, Bishop, Apostle Various Christian traditions have different meanings for these terms. It can be confusing, and the meanings of these words have been obscured over the years.  What does the Bible say? How are we to understand the Lord’s will regarding church leadership? What are the various roles of church leaders? Why in the world do we use these terms?! What is a Bishop? What marks an Apostle?  Let’s get into it.