To Adopt Dual Title of Bishop and President for District Presidents

Official Workbook overture source text

9-50 
To Adopt Dual Title of Bishop and President  
for District Presidents 
WHEREAS, The English District, Atlantic District, and 
Southeastern District of the Synod have adopted the dual title of 
bishop and president utilizing president in administrative and board 
settings and bishop in congregational and pastoral contexts; and 
WHEREAS, The Greek term episcopos, often translated as bishop 
appears in scriptural passages such as 1 Timothy 3; 6 and Titus 1, 
describing one who watches over and provides care for the flock of 
Christ; and 
W
HEREAS, The role of a bishop has traditionally been understood 
as the pastor to pastors, serving as spiritual caregiving and shepherd 
to those entrusted with the care of Christ’s people; and 
W
HEREAS, The historical use of the term bishop dates back to the 
Council of Nicaea and has been regularly applied to men serving as 
leaders within the Christian church; and 
W
HEREAS, The designation of bishop  emphasizes the spiritual 
and pastoral nature of the office in contrast to the corporate title 
president, which aligns with legal and administrative functions; and 
WHEREAS, The term bishop carries significant weight and is 
recognized as a respected spiritual office by many in our church 
communities and broader Christian world, facilitating a contextual 
understanding that is both spiritually grounded and relational; and 
WHEREAS, The title bishop is associated with a pastoral, caring 
approach distinguishing from more administrative connotations 
associated with the term president; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod strongly encourage districts to adopt 
and implement the title bishop  for the district president when 
serving in spiritual and pastoral capacities among congregations, 
while retaining president for administrative and corporate purposes; 
and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod strongly encourage districts to adopt 
and implement the title bishop and president emeritus  for former 
district presidents. 
Board of Directors 
Eastern District 
2026 Convention Workbook
494 STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION