ORGANIZATION OF LOCAL CONGREGATIONS
THE ELDERSHIP
The Office of Elders
Names for Elders
Number of Elders
Relationship of Elders to the Congregation
Qualifications and Work of Elders
DEACONS
Definition of Word
Work of Deacons
EVANGELISTS
Work of Evangelists
Qualifications of Evangelists
Support of Evangelists
Clergy/Laity Terminology
CONCLUSION
Ch. 1 Pg. 6
GOD'S DESIGN FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP
I will present in this study what the Bible teaches about the leadership in the church of Christ. Jesus did not intend to leave his church to be a formless, leaderless group of unguided people. His church will be a thoroughly ordered body of people, not a chaotic, self-willed sect.
The church of Christ is made up of people who are obedient to God's will.
In this lesson I will be presenting the organization of the Lord's church and concentrate mostly on the "eldership." Since the church belongs to God and Christ, it is up to them to determine the organization. It, then, is our responsibility to see how they have organized the church and to follow that organization. The church should follow the divine pattern revealed in the scriptures, not the plans of man. The apostles were sent out by Jesus to establish congregations and thus were the authority for the churches. There were no successors to the apostles, so the Bible reveals how the church was to be organized when they were gone. The Bible teaches that men who are to take leading rolls are the elders, deacons and evangelists or preachers. Elders are the "key" men in the congregation, with the deacons, and preachers in lesser roles of leadership. The function of the elders is to oversee, superintend, harmonize, and integrate the work of evangelists, teachers and the whole membership. Therefore, a strong faithful eldership is needed in every congregation of the Lord's church.
THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH:
The church of Christ is an absolute monarchy with Jesus as "King of kings and Lord of lords." The church belongs to him and he serves as its head (Ephesians 1:22,23; Colossians 1:18). The Bible teaches that Jesus holds all power and all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Thus, He and he alone, has the authority to make and establish laws. His laws and teachings for the church is the New Testament, his last "will and testament. "The New Testament must be our authority in all things.
ORGANIZATION OF LOCAL CONGREGATIONS:
Only the local churches (congregations) has officers and are organized on earth. In the New Testament each congregation was autonomous, or self-ruled. Each one is independent of all other congregations and organizations in its government. Each congregations is left free to follow the direction of the Lord as revealed in the scriptures in carrying out the work which God has given the church to do. This arrangement means that each congregation is not necessarily affected by the teachings or actions of other congregations. The proof is this is taught in Acts 20:17, 28 where Paul called together the elders of the church at Ephesus and in verse 28 told them to "take heed...to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers." It is conclusive that the extent of the oversight of an eldership is only to the flock in which they have been appointed as overseers. Peter's words also prove autonomy of each congregation. In 1 Peter 5:1-3 he states: "Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising Ch. 1 Pg. 7
the oversight." The exercise of the elders' oversight is confined to one particular church or flock. An advantage of local autonomy is that if one church digresses, it cannot carry another with it. Such is the "safety valve" against apostasy provided we hold the pattern of sound words.
THE ELDERSHIP:
God ordained that the local church should be overseen in its work and worship by men qualified for this special task. These men are known as elders, pastors or bishops. Their special assignments are due to the Lord's directives for the church as revealed in the New Testament.
They are not the ultimate authority, but rather have the authority to lead the congregation in the decision to carry out the commands of Christ. Every congregation of the Lord's church should want and have elders because it is the will of God. Elderships are not optional. Paul said to Titus, "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee" (Titus 1:5). Paul and Barnabas "ordained elders in every church...and commended them to the Lord on whom they believed" (Acts 14:23). No other individuals have the responsibility of these men. A congregation will never be truly organized until the will of God is carried out in this area. The number one reason every congregation should have elders is that it is the will of God.
THE OFFICE OF ELDERS:
We need to understand first the meaning of the word, "office." I Timothy 3:1 says, "If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work." This shows that the meaning of an office in the church is a "work." An office in the church is an area of responsibility. or work.
Many think that officers in the Lord's church are like officers in the government, having a desk and telling others what to do. Each elder in the Lord's church has a responsibility or work to do. Elders have the responsibility of oversight (I Peter 5:2). They are to watch in behalf of the souls of the members (Hebrews 13:17). They are spiritual shepherds of the flock (Acts 20:28).
NAMES OF ELDERS:
Elders in the Lord's church were called by six names, that are translated from three Greek words. Each name has an important meaning.
(1) Elders. This is the most common name and means an older person. This refers to one older in faith as well as years. Elders are the most mature and experienced Christians in the church. One of their qualifications was they were not be novices (I Timothy 3:6). The Bible says that Paul called the elders of the church at Ephesus (Acts 20:17). In several cities elders were appointed in every church (Acts 14:23). Titus was left in Crete to ordain elders in every city (Titus 1:5). The name elders shows they were to be older, more mature and thus have respect which years of faithfulness brings.
Ch. 1 Pg. 8
(2) Presbyters. Another name meaning exactly the same as elders translated from the same Greek word is Presbyters. It is found in the Bible one time, "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery" (I Timothy 4:14). This word has the same significance as the word "elders" and should be understood from the above definition.
(3) Bishops. Another name for elders is bishops meaning "overseers." It is found in I Timothy 3:1,2; Titus 1:7 and Philippians 1:1. It is elsewhere used to refer to Jesus as the overseer of our souls, (I Peter 2:25). This name shows the work of over-seeing which elders must do. I Peter chapter five says that they are to have the oversight. This emphasizes that elders themselves do not necessarily do all the work of teaching and leading, but they do oversee all such work. They must superintend or administer the work of the local church. As all organizations must have overseers, God has ordained that the Lord's church have bishops or overseers.
(4). Overseers. As seen above, this word means exactly the same as bishops, and is translated from the same Greek word as bishops. An overseer looks out over the church. He is a watchman over the welfare and business of the congregation. Acts 20:28 says that the Holy Spirit had made the Ephesians elders overseers of the flock. It was their responsibility to keep out false teachers which would come (verses 29,30). The name "overseers" tells of the important work of oversight which is so necessary in the Lord's church.
(5) Pastors. This name for elders is found only once in the New Testament (Ephesians 4:11). It is another word meaning "shepherds."
Spiritual leaders over the people of Israel were called pastors (Jeremiah 2:8).
Woes and curses were pronounced upon those pastors who destroyed and scattered the Lord's sheep (Jeremiah 23:1-7). The word pastor is similar to the word pasture. This further shows the meaning of a shepherd and sheep.
Denominational churches differ from the Bible in that their "preacher" is called a pastor. In the Bible preachers were evangelists, not pastors. Pastors were elders in the Lord's church, and there were always more than one in each congregation.
(6) Shepherds. In writing to elders the apostle Peter tells them to feed the flock among them. Then he says when the chief Shepherd shall appear (Christ), they would receive a fadeless crown (I Peter 5:1-4). This shows that elders are shepherds in the congregation under Christ the chief Shepherd. The comparison of elders to shepherds is meaningful. Shepherds in Bible lands were very interested in their sheep They loved them and nurtured them (Psalm 23). They always led ahead of them, never driving them from behind. They knew each problem of each animal and loved every one of them. They protected them, fed them, and watered them. Shepherds would suffer great hardships to find a lost sheep or to keep their flock from harm. This is the kind of officers the Lord wants as elders. The name "shepherd" and all other names for elders in the church help Ch. 1 Pg. 9
to give us a good understanding of these men. Elders are presbyters, bishops, overseers, pastors, or shepherds.
To prove from the Scriptures that all these names refer to the same group of men, we will look at three Bible references.
(1) In Acts 20:17-28, all three Greek words that are translated by the six English words are used to refer to the same group of men. In verse 17 Paul calls to him the "elders of the church" at Ephesus. In verse 28 Paul is yet speaking to these elders and charges them: "take heed unto yourselves and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops.
Notice carefully, the apostle addresses the ELDERS and says that the Holy Spirit made them BISHOPS. They are the same men! Further, Paul continues in verse 28 and tells them "to feed the church of the Lord" This word, feed, is the Greek word translated "pastor" or "shepherd."
It may be viewed from the meaning of each word as follows: The elders, older qualified men, are bishops who oversee the church, or who pastor the flock of God as spiritual shepherds.
These names are used in speaking of the same group of men and are not to be distinguished from each other.
(2) A second passage of Scripture is I Peter 5:1,2. In this passage once again all three of the Greek words translated by the six English words are used. Consider: "The elders therefore among you I exhort...Tend (pastor or shepherd) the flock of God which is among you , exercising the oversight (Bishop or overseer). So Peter agrees with Paul that elders, bishops, and pastors are the same!
(3) The third Scripture is Titus 1:5-7. In this passage only two of the Greek words are used but shows they are the same group of men. In giving the qualifications of elders, he says in verses five and six that elders must be blameless. Then in verse seven states, "for the bishop must be blameless. It is obvious that qualified elders become the overseers or bishops of the church.
THE NUMBER OF ELDERS:
The number of elders for each local church is always in the plural in the New Testament.
Every example in the Bible presents a plurality of elders over a single congregation. Notice the following passages to see that this was the New Testament pattern. There were a plurality of elders in each of the churches at Iconium, Derbe, and Lystra as appointed by Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:23). At Jerusalem the church had a number of elders (Acts 15:2,4,6,22). The church at Ephesus had a plural number of elders (Acts 20:17,28). The epistle to the Phillipians was addressed to saints with their "bishops and deacons,:" thus plural in number (Philippians 1:1).
The church of the Thessalonians had a number of "them" that were over the saints (I Thessalonians 5:12). Titus was to appoint elders in each place (Titus 1:5). The churches of Christ at Iconium, Derbe, Lystra, Jerusalem, Ephesus, Phillipi, Thessalonica, and the churches Ch. 1 Pg. 10
in the cities of Crete without exception had elders. There are no examples to the contrary in the whole of the New Testament. This is God's plan for his churches throughout time. If not, nothing in Scripture could be said to be a guide to us today. The departure from this order of things was gradual, resulting finally in a falling away from the New Testament pattern. That falling away resulted in the Roman Catholic Church. The pattern for the church of the New Testament includes in its local government a group of men qualified to serve as elders, overseers, spiritual shepherds. A church can exist without elders while it matures them for appointment, but no local church can find authority for one elder or bishop to rule over it. This shows great wisdom by Christ. If a single man ruled each congregation he might easily think of himself as the "chief" of the church. He would be tempted to seek prominence for himself, since he would be sole ruler. There must always be more than one elder in each church.
It needs to be pointed out that in the Lord's church all elders have equal authority. I Peter 5:4 speaks of Christ as the "chief Shepherd," but nowhere does the Bible call an elder, "chief elder." Never do we read of any man as "the bishop" of a church or of a group of churches.
Each congregation has "overseers", not "an overseer or pastor. "The apostle Peter called himself a fellow elder in speaking to other elders (I Peter 5:1). Elders are warned against being lifted up with pride and falling into the condemnation of the devil (I Timothy 3:6). One of the first departures in the early church was in its government. It later led to the Roman Catholic idea of bishops over several churches. All elders in a church have equal authority. None has greater power than any other.
RELATIONSHIP OF ELDERS TO THE CONGREGATION:
The church is not a democracy. It is an absolute monarchy with Christ on the throne.
While elders are not kings, they have been authorized to expedite the work of the church as Christ commands. Elders cannot make laws where God made none. They simply carry out those God has commanded, and God has given them authority to do this. Notice scriptures where this authority is taught. Elders are to "TAKE HEED" to themselves and to the flock.
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28). The word "heed" means to "hold to , turn one's attention to." The Holy Spirit made them overseers and they have the right to turn their attention to every member and see to it that what they are doing is pleasing unto the Lord.
Elders are to "TEND" the flock. In I Peter 5:1-3 we read, "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." The word "tend"
or "feed" means "to shepherd, to nourish, promote the interest of, direct, superintend, to rule."
Ch. 1 Pg. 11
Elders have the "RULE" over the congregation. "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief" (Hebrews 13:17). "Rule" means "to go before, to be a leader, to rule, command, to have authority over, leading in respect to influence, controlling in counsel." They must give the congregation organization and direction.
Elders also have the duty of keeping the church "PURE." In doing so, they teach the word (I Timothy 3:2). They are able by sound doctrine to "convict the gainsayers" (Titus 1:9).
"Convict" means to "bring to light, expose, demonstrate, convince, reprove, and correct those who speak against or contradict the truth." They are to "warn the unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all" (I Thessalonians 5:14). They also take the lead in church discipline (II Thessalonians 3:6).
Since elders have authority over the congregation, the congregation has responsibilities to their overseers. First, the Bible says they are to "Know them, and esteem them." "We beseech you, brethren, to KNOW them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to ESTEEM them very highly in love for their work's sake" (I Thessalonians 5:12,13). Second, they are to "Be subject to them." "Obey them that have the rule over you, and SUBMIT yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account" (Hebrews 13:17). Third, they are to "Receive not an accusation against them, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses (I Timothy 5:19). Fourth, they are to support them who devote full time to their work financially (I Timothy 5:17,18).
QUALIFICATIONS AND WORK OF ELDERS:
In selecting men for the office of elders, some congregations just choose the "best we have." This is done because it is hard to find men who meet the qualifications God gave in the New Testament for elders to meet. God gave these qualifications because they are needed to be able to do the work. The work of elders is very requiring, as we will see. The total picture can be presented under two heads: BE and DO. God says this is what they "must be" in order that they "may do" their work.
QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications of elders are given in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Even though none will meet these qualifications perfectly, each elder must meet all of them to some extent. I will not give a detailed study of these qualifications in this lesson, but the list of qualifications are as follows:
1. Blameless. (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6). This means above reproach, nothing laid to one's charge.
2. Husband of one wife. (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6). In Greek, a "one woman man."
3. Vigilant. (I Timothy 3:2). One who is watchful, alert, on guard against danger.
4. Sober. (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8). Of sound mind, able to make good judgments.
5. Of good behavior. (I Timothy 3:2). Orderly, modest, Ch. 1 Pg. 12
well-behaved, upright.
6. Given to hospitality. (I Timothy 3:2). One who is friendly and generous to guests, who enjoys fellowship and association with others.
7. Apt to teach. (I Timothy 3:2). Skilled in teaching. Able to give instructions.
8. Not given to wine. (I Timothy 3:3). One who does not even get "one drink drunk."
9. No striker. (I Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). Not a brawler, quarrelsome, or quick tempered person.
10. Not greedy of filthy lucre. (I Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). A materialist, whose goal is gain.
11. Patient. (I Timothy 3:3). Gentle, forbearing, mild, not easily disturbed.
12. Not a brawler. (I Timothy 3:3). Not abusive, quarrelsome, or looking for a fight.
13. Not covetous. (I Timothy 3:3). Not a lover of money, who values spiritual treasures less.
14. Ruleth well his own house. (I Timothy 3:4). A man who is head of his family, having his children in subjection.
15. Faithful children. (Titus 1:6). Having children that believe. ASV. Children who are believers, as faithful Christians.
16. Not a novice. (I Timothy 3:6). Not new in the faith. Not a new convert.
17. Of good report by those without. (I Timothy 3:7). Of good and honorable reputation by those who are outside the church.
18. A lover of good men. (Titus 1:8). One who loves good things, including good men.
19. Just. (Titus 1:8). Right in character.
20. Holy. (Titus 1:8). Not wicked or defiled by sin. A Godly person.
21. Temperate. (Titus 1:8). One who is able to exercise self control in speech and actions.
22. Holding fast the faithful word. (Titus 1:9). Able to keep the word when opposed.
Able to "exhort and convince the gainsayers" by "sound doctrine."
23. Not self-willed. (Titus 1:7). One who must have his way in everything. Stubborn.
24. Not soon angry. (Titus 1:7). Ready to "fly off the handle,' hot tempered.
WORK OF ELDERS: Many men have sought the office of "elder" for various reasons, and for what would seem good reasons, but not all have desired the "work." Again we state the qualifications (what they are) is necessary for the work they are to do. In the New Testament their work is as follows:
1. A Watchman. Notice the Apostle Paul's words to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:
"Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood. I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Wherefore WATCH YE..." (Acts 20:28-31). The Hebrew writer also charges:
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they WATCH in behalf of your souls" (Hebrews 13:17). I would also urge you to read Ezekiel 3:16-21 for a descriptive portrayal of God's watchman. This is an awesome responsibility to watch for the souls of others Ch. 1 Pg. 13
and warn them with the word of God. That is why one of the qualifications is "apt to teach."
2. MATURE THE CHURCH. Ephesians 4:11-16 gives a list of gifts from Christ for the perfecting or maturing of the saints. In this list are "pastors" (elders) along with evangelists and teachers, which are given to mature the church. The "children" in this scripture are spiritual babes, that can be "tossed to and fro and carried about with any and every wind of doctrine"
because of their lack of knowledge and maturity in Christ. Pastors, together with evangelists and teachers, are to go about "speaking the truth in love," that is, teaching the word to those saints, that they may no longer be spiritual children, but may grow up! A work of elders then, is to see that spiritual babes mature into spiritual men. Again we see how the qualification, "apt to teach," makes them able to do the work.
3. DISCIPLINE THE CONGREGATION. "But we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves. And we exhort you brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be long-suffering toward all. See that none render unto any one evil for evil," (I Thessalonians 5:12-15). Notice the phrase, "Esteem the highly for their WORK'S SAKE." The work of elders include admonishing disorderly brethren, encouraging fainthearted brethren whose spirits need lifting, supporting the spiritually weak, who may be new babes in Christ or may have suffered a crisis in their lives. This work would require elders to go to the homes and perhaps even businesses of these members. Only qualified men can accomplish this work.
4. SHEPHERD THE FLOCK. (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-3). The word translated "feed"
or "tend" in these scriptures is from the same word in Greek that is translated "pastor" or
"shepherd." The work of a shepherd (elder) is to shepherd the flock. A partial description of the work of a shepherd is given by Jesus in Luke 15:3-7. READ IT. When a sheep strays from the fold, the shepherd leaves to search for it until he finds it. Then tenderly bearing it on his shoulders, he returns it to the sheepfold with rejoicing. The better word for this work is tend, since there is more to do than to "feed" or teach the flock.
5. PRAY FOR THE SICK. Read James 5:13-18. The prayer of godly men will avail much. This is not a miraculous thing. James illustrates the matter by the example of Elijah, who prayed fervently to God and received an answer to his prayers. Read the account in I Kings 18:41-46 to see that God did not answer with a miracle, but interfering into the natural order, as he must to answer men's requests today, he gave Elijah his request. So will God answer the supplications of righteous elders in behalf of the sick, according to his will.
RESTRICTIONS WHILE DOING THE WORK, (I Peter 5:1-4).
1. Not of constraint, that is, by compulsion or reluctance, but willingly.
2. Not for filthy lucre. Elders can be supported to do their work on a full time basis (I Timothy 5:17,18); Thus the warning against exploitation of the eldership for a livelihood.
3. Neither as lording it over the charge allotted. Elders are not to use their authority as dictators.
4. According to the will of God, as opposed to a self-willed desire.
5. Exercising their oversight only over the charge allotted, their oversight limited to the Ch. 1 Pg. 14
flock of God among them.
When the various words and terms used with regard to elders are considered, it is clear as to the high standards which they must reach, and the nature of their work can be seen. In this connection it should be pointed out that if elders are to accomplish their highly important and God-given task, it is necessary for the flock to "obey" and "submit" to the rule of the elders in the area of their authority (Hebrews 13:17).
DEACONS:
Deacons are a special group of men in the church who serve under the authority of the elders or pastors (I Timothy 3:8-13; Philippians 1:1). In Philippians 1:1- Paul addresses his letter to the saints at Philippi with the "bishops and deacons." This shows that deacons served as officers with the elders in the leadership of the congregation. Deacons are not "junior elders."
The New Testament says nothing of deacons aiding the elders in church government and decisions. They do not have the same authority as elders, but are given authority to carry out jobs given them by the elders. Deacons have to meet qualifications to be placed in their position. These qualifications are found in I Timothy 3:8-13. What their duties are must be learned from a study of the original language of the New Testament. Deacons are not mentioned in Ephesians 4, therefore, they are not necessarily teachers.
DEFINITION - THE TERM AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE: The word "deacon" is defined as
"one who executes the commands of another...a servant, attendant, minister." (Thayer's Greek Lexicon). The word is sometimes translated servant or minister. There is no indication from the word itself as to what kind of work or ministry is to be done. Only the context of the scripture can determine the kind of work deacons can perform. We know from Philippians 1
and I Timothy 3 that this word refers to a special group of men, a position or an office, since qualifications are given for them to be appointed. The word "deacon" distinguishes them from other servants or ministers in the church.
THE WORK OF DEACONS: To determine the work we must study the word,
"DIAKONEO", which is translated "deacon." The word is used in Acts 6:2, and is rendered
"serve." During this time relieving the apostles of serving widows' needs was necessary in order that they might continue preaching. In Acts 6:1-6, seven men were appointed to "serve" the widows' tables. Thus they could be called deacons. Thus, in these verses we have (1) A business to be accomplished, v. 3; (2) Qualifications to be met, v. 3; and (3) An appointment to be made, v. 3, 5-6. It seems from the context of Acts 6 and the very meaning of the word translated deacon, that deacons' special work would be to relieve the church of any burden needing attention in order to enable her to function most effectively in evangelism and edification of the church.
Some have stated that they look after the physical needs of the congregation, while elders Ch. 1 Pg. 15
look after the spiritual needs. If this be true, then deacons have an unlimited range of activity.
Good men well qualified for their particular tasks should be selected and given the authority to function in that particular area of work.
The question may be asked whether deacons may be appointed in a congregation where there are no elders. The answer is "no," for these reasons: (1) There is no Bible example of it.
Instead, elders were always appointed first (Acts 14:23) and deacons are always mentioned together with elders (Philippians 1:1; I Timothy 3:1-13). (2) Since deacons are assistants to elders, it is impossible to be an assistant when there are no elders to assist. (3) If deacons are mistakenly appointed where there are no elders, they will likely try to rule the church and usurp the place of elders. For these reasons deacons may only serve where there are elders appointed.
But elders may serve where no deacons are yet qualified, as their work is not under the deacons (Acts 14:23).
EVANGELISTS: