Elders
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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