The KJV word is bishoprick, which is now archaic in
spelling. Most Bible translators didn’t use the modern spelling ‘bishopric,’ and that, for a
good reason.
#Acts1v20
For it is written in the
book of Psalms:
“Let his
habitation be desolate,
and let no
man dwell in it.”,
and,
“His bishopric, let another
take.”
A quick google search shows
that bishopric
means:
the office or rank of a
bishop.
· a
district under a bishop's control; a diocese.
But looking closely at the
Greek word, episkopé, reveals a deeper meaning: a visiting, an overseeing
[Strong's].
Here's the kicker:
bishoprick is not a desk job; it's fieldwork.
An excellent, Spirit-filled
bishop or pastor performs the act of visitation.
How does one effectively
"oversee" a flock? By being with them, by being among them. When God
calls one to be a pastor of a people, the expectation is not like that of a
manager who stays in the office building. It’s more like that of a conventional
sales agent, someone who goes out where the people are.
Furthermore, the Bible
didn’t define bishops and pastors as ranks in the body of Christ. They're
synonymous titles of servanthood under the Chief Shepherd of whom we will all
give account.
But yes, we need a leader
of leaders to organize this ministry of service to God's people (because God
deserves the best!), but the basic work is still doing ministry with and among the
people.
The original intention of
the Scriptures for the inspired Episkopé was for the man of God to oversee His
people by, and including, visiting them. The standard schedule should always
have a visitation routine, in one way or another. And not just in hospitals,
but also in their homes and workplaces – right where their real lifestyles are
lived. Sermon making would then be relevant because the preacher would know
o where
the congregation are in their lives
o where
they struggle the most,
o and
the encouragement they needed to hear the most.
·
Not what the members post on Facebook
·
Not what the members would want the others to
perceive about them.
Technology can never
replace a live encounter. Even if it’s just through a video conference (because
of crises situations), you still put your face out there and you look them in
the eye as you proclaim God’s promises over their lives. And we pray for eyes
to see and ears to hear to know just how to minister to them. Person to person,
heart to heart.
When Christ Jesus comes in
a twinkling of an eye, how would He find me in that moment of rapture? Would I
be sitting on my desk, praying and preparing for a church service? Or, would the
Coming King find me praying face to face with someone, and we get caught up all
together into Paradise?
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