The Twisted Scriptures - Lesson 28 - The Eldership - Perry Cotham

In this episode, The Eldership, we examine God’s pattern for church leadership as revealed in the King James Version of Scripture. Paul describes the office of an elder with unmistakable clarity: “If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work… A bishop then must be blameless” (1 Timothy 3:1–2, KJV). Titus is instructed to “ordain elders in every city” who hold fast “the faithful word” (Titus 1:5, 9, KJV). Peter exhorts these leaders to “feed the flock of God… not by constraint, but willingly… being ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2–3, KJV). We explore how these verses are sometimes twisted—whether by softening the qualifications, blurring the responsibilities, or elevating authority beyond what Scripture grants—and how returning to the KJV text restores a picture of humble, sacrificial shepherding that reflects Christ. Whether you are studying the role of elders, preparing to serve, or seeking clarity on what the Bible teaches, this episode invites you to open your Bible and walk through these passages with us—one verse at a time.