Ministers
| Ministers (Romans 15:15-16), also known as preachers (Romans 10:14) and evangelists (2 Timothy 4:5), are to proclaim the “good news” of the gospel of Christ. According to the Holy Bible, God’s inspired Word, several roles of ministers include: preaching the Word (2 Timothy 4:2, Titus 1:2-3); equipping the saints and edifying the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12); instructing the brethren in truth (1 Timothy 2:7, 1 Timothy 4:6-7); training teachers (2 Timothy 2:2); speaking sound doctrine (Titus 2:1, Titus 2:7) and preaching against false doctrine and false teachers (1 Timothy 1:3-4); setting a good example for the brethren (1 Timothy 4:12, Titus 2:7); and giving attention to reading, exhortation and doctrine (1 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 2:15). |
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Elders
| Elders (Acts 14:23), also known as pastors (Ephesians 4:11-12) and bishops (1 Timothy 3:2), have important roles in the local church. Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25), is the head of His church, and serving under Him locally as spiritual shepherds are Godly elders, who must meet scriptural qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9). God’s Word lists several roles for these spiritual leaders: overseers (Acts 20:28, 1 Thessalonians 5:12, Hebrews 13:17); shepherds (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2); teachers (1 Timothy 3:2) and examples (1 Peter 5:3). Elders also serve as God’s stewards (Titus 1:7) through their leadership (1 Timothy 5:17). |
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Deacons
| Deacons (Philippians 1:1) are also recognized in the scriptures. Like elders, men chosen to serve as deacons must also meet biblical qualifications (1 Timothy 3:8-13). While an elder’s primary role is as an overseer, a deacon’s primary role is as a servant – serving the local church in various assigned areas. Under the elders’ oversight, deacons handle more the local church’s physical and logistical needs so elders can concentrate more effectively on their own primary duties. A corresponding example of this is found in the Bible in Acts 6:2-5 where seven men were appointed to handle certain tasks so the apostles could concentrate on spreading the good news of the gospel. |
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