Thanks Arlis. I have always regarded the portion in Ephesians as a description of the fivefold ministry,but am interested in more of your insights. To be clear,I am not the sole leader of our congregation, I am not regarded as such and do not consider myself as such.I used the expression “executive” in the sense that I have been authorized by my fellow Elders to enact mutually agreed decisions, or to carry out agreed upon functions at times within the body.I await with interest your further thoughts and hope this discussion will be found helpful. Who do you think Jesus was referring to in Revelation two and three?
Of course Pastor is plural in Ephesians 4 ,all of the gift ministries are plural in that passage because it tells us of the many people God would be gifting for the edification of the church. Furthermore “pastor” may be being used synomenously with the Word”elder” these days.Timothy was instructed in his leadership of the churches by Paul...he seemed to have been told to take actions such as to rebuke Elders which sin in the presence of all of the elders...how could he do so if all Eldership is co equal?