From the Pulpit...

There are several important terms in the Bible that describe the pastoral office in the church. They are overseer or bishop (episkopos), shepherd or pastor (poimen), elder or presbyter (presbuteros), teacher (didaskolos, and preacher (kerux). It is debated whether these terms are used to refer tot he same office. This message demonstrates that the first three terms are basically synonymous as to the office they describe, describing different facets of the same office in the church. So, pastor = elder = overseer.