The role of elders and deacons in the cburch
The true model for the church as Paul indicates in his pastoral letters
Paul often wrote letters to congregations, whether it was one specific congregation, for example to the congregation in Corinth, or to several congregations in an area, for example the letter to the Galatians. However, he also wrote letters to individuals. Three of the recipients were Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. It is the three letters to Timothy (two letters) and Titus (one letter) that we will pay particular attention to, and see how Paul explains what the structure of the church should be. These three letters are considered pastoral letters, and we could possibly include a fourth one, the letter to Philemon. Philemon is not identified as a pastor, but he was the leader of a congregation in his home (Philemon 1:2).
What is a “pastor”? In the Bible, a pastor (Latin for “shepherd”) is a spiritual leader who feeds, guides, protects, and equips God’s people (the flock), similar to an elder or overseer, who focuses on teaching sound doctrine, leading by example, and caring for the congregation’s spiritual well-being, drawing heavily on the Old Testament imagery of shepherds tending sheep. Let us see if Paul’s choice of the two men for the office of pastor was right.
Both Timothy and Titus were men who came to faith under Paul’s leadership. We read of Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:2 – “my true child in the faith”; and of Titus in Titus 1:3 – “my true child according to the common faith.” After Paul had established churches in both Ephesus and Crete, he left these two pastors behind with the goal of leading and growing the new churches. Both congregations had problems – the Gentiles who had converted to faith in Jesus Christ were in the sights of converted Jews, who anted to impose Jewish requirements, such as circumcision and upholding the law; and there were pagan customs that had to be left behind as part of the conversion process, as John the Baptist pointed out – then bear fruit befitting conversion (Matthew 3:8).
In order to give structure to these new congregations, which met in homes, it was necessary to have the right leaders. Paul is clear about the requirements that both Timothy and Titus had to meet. For Timothy he prescribes it for elders in 1 Timothy 3:2-11 (“overseers” was often used when “elders” was implied) and deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-12.
There was a clear difference between the roles of the elders/overseers and deacons. To Titus Paul writes that he was to appoint elders, as we see in Titus 1:5-9. Very clearly then, these are the requirements that the elders had to meet. The task of the deacon is outlined in Acts 6. These persons were to take care of the practical aspects of the church, as we read in Acts 6:1-3. While the elders were to give teaching and adhere to true doctrine, the deacons were to provide practical care. It is very important to note that Paul nowhere indicates that any of these roles were to be filled by women; always by men.
How the modern church has changed the order
The problem arises when we begin to disregard God’s order. Our modern churches have mostly gone astray and it is no wonder many churches are falling apart. You cannot expect God to bless your congregation if you act outside of his will. The teaching of doctrine is very important and where it is not applied, a drifting away from the true gospel follows. Paul explains to Timothy (1 Timothy 5:17) and Titus (Titus 1:9) how the elders and overseers are to deal with doctrine. It is about effective teaching, based on the doctrine of the Word. We can define the task of overseers and elders in six areas:
- The character of the person – 1 Timothy 3:3-7; and Titus 1:5-8
- Responsibility towards his family – 1 Timothy 3:1-5; and Titus 1:5-6
- Oversight and responsibility – 1 Timothy 5:17
- Pastoral care – Acts 20:17-38; and 1 Peter 5:1-4
- Maintaining sound doctrine – Acts 20:30-31; 1 Timothy 5:17; and Titus 1:9-16
- Prayer – Acts 6:1-4
The problem that clearly emerges in our time is how these two important offices have been abandoned in favour of “leaders”. Most newer churches and their pastors have long since removed these offices in order to ensure that only the pastor of the church has a voice. The “leaders” are often individuals with no proper theological background; often do administrative work; and are often women. Take a look in your church to see if all the “leaders” meet the six points mentioned above. Pastoral care is one of the most important aspects, but it has long been replaced with offices held by individuals who do not have the necessary Scripturally-based requirements.
As the time runs out until the Coming of Jesus Christ, more and more churches are getting further and further off the path. This is the apostasy that Paul warns the church in Thessalonica about (2 Thessalonians 2:3). It is happening from within the Church, not from the world. Look at what Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:1-3. He repeats the idea in his second letter to Timothy. See 2 Timothy 4:13. When the Church begins to do its “own thing”, what Paul describes in 2 Timothy 4 happens. The “they” in verse 3 refers to those in 2 Timothy 3:13. Look at what “they” do: they do not tolerate sound doctrine (and therefore they no longer appoint elders, whose responsibility is doctrine/sound doctrine). The result is that they turn away from the truth and will turn aside to fables (verse 4). Despite this, Timothy is admonished to continue doing his work.
What has changed with respect to the six aspects that elders must comply with?
- We no longer see a Christian character in many “pastors” and their “leaders” but rather a total worldliness (secularisation). It is about the pastor’s position, prestige, and salary.
- Few pastors have families (many are not married), or act responsibly towards their families. Many have already been divorced once or twice and remarried.
- There is no oversight and “pastors” and their “leaders” do not make home or hospital visits.
- Few of them are truly “pastors” who feed, guide, protect, and equip the flock. They rather ensure that the congregation is undernourished by the poor preaching they give, must find their own way, must fend for themselves, and are certainly not properly equipped. All they are equipped for is to do that work that the pastor does not want to do, but is paid for.
- Doctrine and its fundamental truth no longer exist in most congregations. They do not address sensitive issues; do not call sin by name; and avoid preaching from large parts of the Bible. Doctrine and teaching from the Word have been replaced with motivational speeches from the world.
- Prayer is no longer important. As one “pastor” told me: “We do not have a prayer meeting because our programme is already full”. The programme he is talking about is the maintenance of a structure that the church was never intended to be.
What are you going to do?
Where you still have influence in your congregation, warn them against the tendency to appoint “team leaders” in favour of elders and deacons. Even if they do not listen, be the one who lives out the true character of Jesus Christ; be an example in how you act toward your family; live out your responsibility toward others; exercise pastoral care; practice sound doctrine; and persevere in prayer.
If you are a cell group leader, test yourself against the six requirements for overseers. Where you are lacking, urgently find someone to help you so that those in your care receive the necessary guidance and spiritual support.