Elders & Deacons

Elders

  1. Their Gradual Emergence in the Early Church
  • The 12 Apostles of Jesus led the Jerusalem church—Acts 1:2, 26; 2:37, 42-43; 4:32-37; 5:12; 6:1-4; 8:14; 9:27
  • As time passed, elders were chosen from the assembly in Jerusalem to serve alongside the Apostles—Acts 11:1 (subtle addition of “brothers”);           Acts 11:30 (first ref to “elders” as leaders in the church); Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22-23; 16:4 (last ref to “apostles and elders”)
  • Eventually, even in the church at Jerusalem, elders were recognized as the official leaders of local churches—Acts 14:23; 20:17; 21:17-18 (“James        and all the elders”); Phil 1:1; Titus 1:5
  1. The Spiritual Authority of Elders in the Assembly
  • Evidences—Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:2, 6, 22-23; 16:4; 20:28; 1 Thess 5:12; 1 Tim 5:17
  • Spiritual Qualifications—1 Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9
  • Limitations to Authority
  • The headship of Christ—Col 1:18
  • The ministry of the Apostles—Eph 2:19-22
  • The priesthood of the believer—Acts 15:12, 22; 1 Pet 2:5, 9; 5:3
  1. Their Work of Elders within the Assembly
  • The Nature of Their Work
  • Lead the Flock—1 Tim 3:4-5; 5:17; Heb 13:17; 1 Pet 5:1-3
  • Feed the Flock—Matt 28:20 (cf John 21:17; 1 Pet 5:1-2); Titus 1:9; 1 Tim 4:13; 5:17-18
  • Defend (Protect) the Flock—Acts 20:17, 28-31a
  • Tend (Care) for the Flock—Jas 5:14; 1 Thess 5:12-13
  • The Organization of Their Work
  • A team of multiple members sharing equal authority—Acts 14:23; 15:22; Titus 1:5; Jas 5:14; 1 Tim 5:17
  • A team of individuals with diverse gifts and primary responsibilities—1 Tim 5:17

Deacons

  1. Biblical Foundations of the Office
  • Acts 6:1-7; Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:8-13
  • “Deacon” transliterates a Greek word meaning “servant.” The parameters of the office are not carefully defined in the NT, indicating flexibility in the        ministry assigned to deacons by local churches.
  1. EBC Filters for Determining Qualified Deacons
  • Filter #1: Meets Biblical Qualifications (1 Tim 3:8-13)—the man + his wife + his family
  • Filter #2: Faithful Giving to Church—demonstrates spiritual maturity and commitment
  • Filter #3: Regular Attendance at Church Services—the nature of their work demands it
  • Filter #4: Servant’s Heart and Orientation—has the spiritual DNA of John 13:1-17