What is Oversight?

/ Bible Study
Jeremy Hoover

Introduction
One of the words used to describe biblical church leaders in the New Testament is
"overseer" (1 Tim. 3:1). Traditionally, we've understood the word "oversight" to refer
to physical matters (the legal, financial, and operational concerns of the church)
sometimes referred to as the ABCs—attendance, buildings, and cash.

While this emphasis has truth behind it, is has also led to an over-emphasis on
physical things, meetings, and the "order" of/within the congregation. Relational
shepherding has taken a backseat, sadly, in many of our churches. Sure, we may refer
to our leaders as shepherds (instead of elders, overseers, pastors, or bishops), but
they typically do less shepherding and more overseeing.

But what is oversight? In his excellent book, Emerging Elders1, Ron Clark states that
the role of the elders is to tie together both oversight and relational shepherding.
Oversight is much more than administration; it is modeled on God's oversight of his
people, Israel (in the OT), and seen in Jesus' leadership of people (in the NT; John
10).

In this study, we'll determine a biblical view of oversight. In the next study, we'll
develop a biblical view of shepherding.

What is Oversight?
Oversight takes its cue from God's leadership of Israel. God led Israel by being
attentive to them (Genesis 50:24-25; Exodus 13:19); watching over them (Ex. 3:16);
and being concerned for them (Exodus 4:31). Sometimes God's attention to his people
took the form of judgment, punishment, or vindication (Isaiah 10:3; Jeremiah 6:15;
10:15; 11:23; 29:6). God responded in oversight by hearing the cries of his people and
responding (Judges 3:9, 15; Exodus 3:7; Isaiah 65:24).

Likewise, Jesus is our overseer (1 Peter 2:25). Jesus is also the Good Shepherd who
knows his flock and pays attention to them (John 10:1-21; esp. 14). Jesus is the
example of good oversight (1 Peter 5:1-4).

Clark discusses four categories of oversight that he draws from God's and Jesus'
examples of oversight: accountability to the God and the church (Ezekiel 34:10);
awareness of people and movements within the congregation (Acts 20:28); visitation
of members to identify problems and build awareness of ministry needs (Acts 20:31);
and empowerment of members to grow in maturity and ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16).

1 Ron Clark, Emerging Elders (Abilene, TX: Leafwood Publishers, 2008).

© 2010 Jeremy Hoover / www.jeremyhoover.com / jeremyhoover@gmail.com

 What is Oversight? / Bible Study
Jeremy Hoover

Accountability to God and the Church

Biblical leaders (elders, deacons, preachers, and other members of the congregation
who seek to influence others) must be accountable to God and to the church.
Examples of this include:
• Ezekiel 34:10
• 1 Peter 5:4
• Hebrews 13:17

Awareness of People and Movements within the Congregation

Biblical leaders need to know their flocks (their people). They need to know both the
needs and desires of people and how they interact with other people and groups
within the congregation. Examples of this in scripture include:
• Acts 20:28, 31
• Exodus 2:24; 3:8, 16; 4:31

Visitation of Members
Personal contact with church members enables biblical leaders to know their people
better. Visitation can highlight spiritual needs and problems and areas of concern
among church members. Serving people without really knowing them can be difficult;
we are not sure how to meet their needs. Church members who receive visits from
church leaders feel important and listened to. This approach is encouraged by Acts
20:28.

Empowerment of Members
Church leadership is not only about helping church members feel important and
listened to. Church members must also be encouraged into and empowered for
ministry. Wise church leaders, through awareness and visitation, will determine how
church members could use their gifts to serve God and will encourage and empower
church members into this. Scriptural examples include:
• Ephesians 2:10; 4:11-16
• Titus 2:14

Conclusion
Oversight is relational. Certainly, physical needs and administration are part of
oversight. Sometimes administrative tasks can be delegated to competent people
within the congregation (deacons, perhaps) as an act of empowerment. Sometimes
meetings are useful to discuss how to bring greater awareness of people's needs to the
elders.

But oversight must begin and be maintained relationally.

© 2010 Jeremy Hoover / www.jeremyhoover.com / jeremyhoover@gmail.com