Leadership In The Lord's Church

Leadership that follows Biblical Authority is essential to the Lord's church.  Anything other than this, does not constitute as the Lord's Church, but rather "Man's Church."  When we examine the scriptures thoroughly and appropriately (2 Timothy 2:15), it is clear that God specified who was in authority of the church.  Ultimately, we are to obey Jesus Christ, because he has been given all authority from Heaven (Matthew 28:18) and He is the Head of the Church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:9-18) .  Further examination of the scriptures shows us that each congregation of Lord's church was/is designed to be independently governed by a group of elders  (1 Peter 5:2; Titus 1:5) ; the word "elders" is never used in the singular form when identifying the number of elders for a congregation in the New Testament.  Within each congregation, the Bible also mentions Deacons, who are to be the workers of the church.  However, not everyone can be an elder or a deacon.  The Bible gives clear descriptions, qualifications and  duties for these individuals.

Elders

Descriptive Names Found In Scripture

• Bishop – 1 Timothy 3:1-7
  
• Elder – 1 Peter 5:1
  
• Overseer – Acts 20:28
  
• Pastor – Ephesians 4:11
  
• Presbyter – 1 Timothy 4:14
  
• Ruler – Hebrews 13:7,17
  
• Shepherd – 1 Peter 5:2

The Work/Responsibility of an Elder

• Rule the church – Romans 12:8
  
• Feed/guard the church – Acts 20:28-31
  
• Be an example of faithfulness – 1 Peter 5:3
  
• Be knowledgeable in the Word – Titus 1:9
  
• Tend to the flock, not lords – 1Peter 5:2-3
  
• Watch in behalf of souls – Hebrews 13:17
  
• Keep the flock informed – 1 Peter 5:3
  

Qualifications of an Elder (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)

• Blameless
  
• Husband of one wife
• Faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination
• Not self-willed
  
• Not quick tempered
  
• Not given to wine
  
• Not Violent
  
• Not greedy for money
  
• Gentle
  
• Be Hospital
  
• Not covetous

• Must rule his own house well, having his children in submission will all reverence
• Not a novice
  
• Not puffed up with pride
  
• He must have a good testimony among those who are outside
  
• A lover of what is good
  
• Sober-minded
  
• Just
  
• Holy
  
• Self-Controlled
  
• Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught so that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convict those who contradict
  

Deacons

Duties of a Deacon

• Are to serve – Commission – Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13; Philippians 1:1
  
• Are under the oversight of the Elders – Acts 20:28
  
• Have a special responsibility/service – Hebrews 13:7,17
  
• Should do all to the glory of God – 1 Corinthians 10:31
  

Qualifications of a Deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-13)

• Reverent
  
• Not double-tongued
  
• Not given to much wine
  
• Not greedy for money
  
• Holding the mystery of faith with a pure conscience
  
• Blameless
  
• Their wives must be reverent, not slanders, temperate and faithful in all things
  
• Husband of one wife
  
• Rule their own children and houses well