Why do we have elders and deacons?

At the core, we have these offices because they are present and prescribed in the New Testament. We see the practice of appointing elders and deacons in the earliest churches of Europe and Asia. Paul’s directions continue to be applied to church’s today. Practically, these offices allow for the work and leadership of the church to move forward.

What are the roles of elders?

Elders have four primary responsibilities: To teach the gospel, to lead the church, to model Christlike character, and to pray for the church. In submission to Chirst and Scripture, the elders function as the authority for the church. Practically, the elders play key roles in shepherding the flock spiritually, leading the organization, and taking the lead in church discipline when needed.

What are the roles of the deacons?

Deacons play the central role in meeting the needs of the church. Deacons are set apart of be servants of the church. Deacons assist with ordinances of the church (Baptism and Communion), facilities, finances, and other elements of the church. Deacons also play a key role in serving individual members of the church who are in need.

What are the qualifications for deacons and elders?

Qualifications for deacons and elders center around character, competencies, reputation, and theology.

Qualifications of Elders include:

• Above reproach

• Husband of one wife

• Sober-minded/disciplined

• self-controlled

• respectable

• hospitable

• able to teach

• not one who gets drunk

• not violent/acts with gentleness

• not quarrelsome

• not a lover of money/not greedy

• Good steward of his household

• Children are faithful, not insubordinate

• not a recent convert

• willing to do the work of a shepherd

• An example to those in the church

• well thought of by outsiders

• upright/pursuing holiness

• able to provide oversight with humility

Qualifications for deacons include:

• Dignified

• self-controlled in speech and appetites

• Clear understanding of the gospel

• Tested and found approved

• Faithful to his spouse

• Manage household/children well

• not greedy

• not given to drunkenness

• Wife who is dignified, not a slanderer, is sober minded, and faithful

• Not divisive