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Messiah Baptist Church of Baesa, Inc.
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April 23, 2023
Leadership in the Local Church
There are three terms interchangeably used for the human church leaders in the local church:
1. Elders
2. Pastors
3. Bishops
There are three different Greek terms in the New Testament that are used to described men who are in the leadership of the local church. These leaders have been chosen of God to be the rulers and human leaders under Christ’s direction as the Head. The three Greek terms are:
1. ποιμήν – poimain – (translated pastor) – a shepherd; one who generally cares for flocks.
2. ἐπίσκοπος – episkopos – (translated bishop/overseer) – a watchman; superintendent.
3. πρεσβύτερος – presbuteros – (translated elder) – an older man; a senior; implies maturity.
Notice how these three Greek terms interchangeably used:
1. The Apostle Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders in every city in Crete. (Titus 1:5), but noticeably that when Paul started to list the qualifications of an elder, Paul refers to the same man as a bishop (Titus 1:7).
Titus 1:5 “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 1:7 “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;”
During the first century, both the elder and bishop are generally admitted to be identified. However, as the church expanded in succeeding years, the overseer that is often translated bishop set over many elders and made or become an administrative officer over on an assigned certain area. Any setting or attempt to make the bishop or overseer a higher rank than the elder is unreasonable, insupportable, groundless in the Bible and not confirmed in the New Testament and usage during the first century. It is clear that an elder is the same office as a bishop. It is clear that an elder and bishop refers to the same person.
2. The Apostle Paul called and talks to the elders in the church of Ephesus (Acts 20:17), but noticeably that Paul refers to these elders as overseers or bishops. Then Paul told the elders whom he addresses which he refers as overseers or bishops that their function is to feed the flock of God which is the work of the shepherd or Pastor. That is why, Paul wants to teach us right and clear that the elders he addressed in Ephesus were the same men of God he referred to as overseers has their function to feed the flock of God, which was the duty of the shepherd or Pastor of the flock. Acts 20:17 “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.” Acts 20:28 “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.”
Clearly, that the elders, the bishops or overseer and the Pastor or shepherd refers to one person.
3. The Apostle Peter addresses the elders and instructed the to feed the flock of God (I Peter 5:1-2), which is the work of the Pastor or shepherd and take the oversight which is the work of the bishop.
I Peter 5:1-2 “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: 2 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;”
We therefore conclude, that the interchangeable use of the three terms (elders, bishop who overseers, pastor who feed the flocks of God) proves biblically that each of these three which is used in different contexts represent the same office or same function in the local church. God appointed: Elders – group of older, spiritually mature, discerning men. Bishop/overseer – taking care of the church of God by watching over it. Pastor – feeding the church, protecting it as a shepherd would tend to his flock.
The most commonly used term in the New Testament for the church leader is “elder.”
The noun “pastor” appears only once, although the verb form regarding the function of shepherding appears three times in the book of Acts and the epistles when the context is about the church.
The noun “bishop/overseer” appears five times, while the term “elder” appears sixteen times.
The function of the men referred as elders is often listed as overseeing (the function of the bishop) and shepherding (the function of the Pastor), or the elders functioning both as overseer/Bishop and as shepherd/Pastor. These leaders made themselves in some other times, whether they are to be called pastors, pastor/teachers, elders, or bishops.
The debate is reduced to little more than one of studies of the meaning and just become personal preference because the three terms are used in the Bible interchangeably.
What is important is that when the local church has qualified men who are functioning as God designed, no matter of what term these men are called. What benefits or edifies the church (Body) and glorifies or exalts Christ (Head) is the faithful and skillful function of men of that office and not the tile of the office.
Frederick Fyvie Bruce (October 12, 1910-September 11, 1990), a Scottish biblical scholar who supported the historical reliability of the New Testament had said “there was in apostolic times no distinction between elders (presbyters) and bishops such as we find from the second century onwards: the leaders of the Ephesian church are indiscriminately described as elders, bishops (i.e. superintendents) and shepherds (or pastors).” [F.F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, 1980, page 415].
Augustus Hopkins Strong (3 August 1836 – 29 November 1921) was a Baptist minister and theologian who lived in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His most influential book, Systematic Theology, Augustus H. Strong agrees when he writes in his book “the appellations ‘bishop,’ ‘presbyter,’ and ‘pastor’ designate the same office and order of persons.” [Augustus H. Strong, Systematic Theology, Judson Press, Valley Forge, 1993, page 914].
I – BIBLICAL RECORDS OF THE PLURALITY OF ELDER / PASTOR / BISHOP
There was a plurality of elders appointed to teach as teachers, feeding and protecting the flocks as shepherds, taking care by watching the flocks as overseer.
The reasons why the Apostles and churches did not appoint only one man to be a leader in every local church is because there is no one man that has all the spiritual gifts to properly shepherd the flock of God. Although God designed not a particular number, because this would vary depends on the need, but God designed a number of men to do the role of leadership in the church. There are biblical records that every local church has a plurality of Elders / Pastors / Bishops.
Plurality of Elders in the church:
1. Acts 15:4 – plurality of elders (plural) in Jerusalem church.
Acts 15:4 “And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.”
2. Acts 14:23 – Paul and Barnabas prepared the church in Antioch and ordain elders (plural) in every church.
Acts 14:23 “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”
3. Titus 1:5 – the reason why Paul left Titus in Crete that he might ordain elders (plural) in every city.
Titus 1:5 “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:”
4. Acts 20:17 – There were several men designated as elders (plural) at the church of Ephesus.
Acts 20:17 “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.”
5. Philippians 1:1 – Paul salutes the bishops (plural) in his writing to the Philippians church.
Philippians 1:1 “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:”
6. I Thessalonians 5:12 – Paul spoke of “them” (plural) who labor and are over the Thessalonians believers.
I Thessalonians 5:12 “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;”
7. James 5:14 – James exhorts the sick to call for the elders (plural) of the church to pray over the sick.
James 5:14 “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:”
8. I Peter 5:4 – The plurality of under shepherd, the pastor serving the flocks as servants of Chief Shepherd.
I Peter 5:4 “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”
9. James 1:1; James 5:14 – The plurality of elders in the early churches in Jerusalem, Antioch, Crete, Ephesus, Philippi, Thessalonica, and assemblies of scattered abroad believers sets the pattern.
Whether some of the local church have what they called board of elders or a pastoral staff that is inconsequential or has little importance. What is important and consequential or significant is that each local church has several gifted men to function as leaders and overseers. It has an additional of collective wisdom for the guidance and leadership, a sense of balance and accountability because of the plurality of leaders in church.
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Many conclude that one of the pastors should be in a position to be a senior pastor or a presiding elder.
Their inference based from the facts that they see in the Scriptures.
Scriptures teaches the concept of a senior pastor or presiding elder:
1. Acts 5:19. When the heresy of legalism entering the church, for there are certain men from Judea taught the brethren that they cannot be saved except they are circumcised to keep the law of Moses. There was much discussion from the apostles and elders about that doctrinal issue of circumcision to be part of salvation (Acts 15:6 “And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.”), the man James gave his sentence regarding the debate (Acts 15:19 “Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:”). And the apostles were pleased by James’ decision (Acts 15:22 “Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church”). After James join in the discussion and benefited from it, he speaks with authority for the rest of the elders (pastors) with final decision that stop the debate.
2. I Timothy 1:3. Timothy having function as the Pastor/Teacher in Ephesus, is responsible having an authority to charge other teachers, as Paul given him an instruction to “charge some that they teach no other doctrine,” I Timothy 1:3 “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,”
In this Epistle, the charge of Paul to Timothy is dominant. The verb “paraggello” is used five times (I Timothy 3; I Timothy 4:11; I Timothy 5:7; I Timothy 6:13, 17) and the noun form of it is found twice (I Timothy 1:5, 18).
The term “charge” is an idea of having transfer of commands from a superior officer to a subordinate. Timothy was expected by Paul to carry out the apostolic charge as Paul expected him to endure (II Timothy 2:3 “as a good soldier of Jesus Christ”). Previously the Apostle Paul as having farewell to the church in Ephesus, instructed the elders to be alert because Paul said that when he departed there are wolves or false teachers who will come in not sparing the flock, so Paul warned the Ephesian elders Acts 20:30 "from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them." That is why Paul did not stop to admonish each of these elders with tears night and day for a period of three years (Acts 20:31 “Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.”). Again, we see the senior position among these Ephesian elders.
Notice again Paul warned these Ephesian elders that there will arise heretics with heretical doctrines from among themselves (Acts 20:30 “from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.”). At this point, we want to stress that a dangerous heretical doctrine is to be rejected even if an elder of the church introduces it. Paul instructed Timothy (one man) to use the responsibility and authority to make the charge and reject such unbiblical false teachings, even if these heretics or false teachers arose from the elders or pastoral staff of the local church. The real authority bestowed upon the local church does not come from the church leader but comes from the Scriptures. Therefore, any elder or pastor who deviates from the truth is scripturally disqualified to function in that office of a bishop/elder/pastor. Every elder/pastor must be found (Titus 1:9a “holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught”), and if not that elder/pastor must be rejected. No matter what high ranking position he has in the local church, even if the presiding elder or the senior pastor turn away, depart, or deviate from the truth or sound doctrine, that senior pastor is now disqualified to function in that capacity as a senior pastor with high-ranking position in the local church. Now, if it happens, who will be the one responsible to deal with that heretic elder or pastor? It is the responsibility of the other elders and the local church congregation to impose church discipline to that heretic or false teacher that arise from among the elders or pastoral staff of that church (Acts 17:11; I Timothy 5:19-20). Acts 17:11 “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” I Timothy 5:19-20 “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.”
3. Revelation 2-3. Revelation 2:1,8,12,18 “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus 8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna 12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos 18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira” Revelation 3:1,7,14 “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis 7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans,”
These passages are letters addresses to one messenger (angelos) of each church of Asia Minor. Throughout the rest of the book of Revelation, there is a debate regarding the term “angelos” or messengers that it refers to angels or spirit beings and not addressed to men.
Although it is true that the term “angelos” can refers to angels or spirit beings, it can refer to human beings a messengers for God (Matthew 11:10 “For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.”). This is a tribute of Jesus Christ about His messenger John the Baptist, not an angel. The term “angelos” or messenger was used similarly of those who are appointed to teach the Word of God in the Old Testament (Malachi 2:7 “For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.”). It talks about Priest to be disciplined who are described here as teacher of the law of God. Because of the Lord use of singular of the term “unto the angel of the church” or messenger of the church repeatedly in the book of Revelation, thus it is a proof that the Lord addressing the messenger directly.
The Lord addressed each Messenger of the church:
1. The Lord addressed the messenger of the Church in Ephesus
Revelation 2:1-2a “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus…2 I know thy (singular) works…”
Revelation 2:4a “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee (singular), because thou hast left thy first love.”
Revelation 2:6a “But this thou (singular) hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”
2. The Lord rebukes the messenger of the Church in Pergamos.
Revelation 2:14a “I have a few things against thee (singular),”
The Lord rebukes the messenger of the church in Pergamos for tolerating things in the assembly that the Lord hates. One man, or an individual was accountable for what went on in that congregation, that individual have the authority to do something about it in the local church. If that individual or the messengers of that assembly rebuked by the Lord because he failed to carry out the responsibility in the church by doing nothing, it is clear impossible that messengers mentioned here refer to angels or spirit beings, but this refer to one man who was accountable and responsible in the church. If these messengers who are rebuke by the Lord for tolerate things in the church and failure to do something as responsible and accountable, then they were sinful, evil, wicked fallen angels. But it is hard to believe and hard to accept that the Lord God would appoint and give authority to fallen angels as responsible messengers to the local churches. We therefore conclude that the messengers referred here are not angels but it is credible and acceptable that these messengers addressed in each church are men who have been placed in a position with pastoral authority over a local church, responsible to warn and feed the flock of God by preaching and teaching the message of God’s Word and who are accountable to the Lord for all what is taught and for all which was tolerated and not confronted the believers in the church (Hebrews 13:17 “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account,”). Although there are plurality of elder/bishop/pastor in every local church, however in the context of the passages in Revelation 2-3, the Lord addresses one messenger and not a plurality of messengers, that is why we concluded that messenger in our text was the senior pastor or the presiding elder of each church whom the Lord addressed in the book of Revelation 2-3. Although there are Pastors who themselves do not prefer to be called as senior Pastor and does not agree to have senior pastor, but the fact the one individual was accountable for all church matters, affairs, welfare, is evident to the existence of a senior position or senior responsible man on the pastoral staff or board of elders.
According to three passages that we discussed (Acts 15; I Timothy 1; Revelation 2-3), it is bible truth that there was that one man considered to be a senior among equal ministers and therefore took the lead, spoke for the board (Acts 15 like James; I Timothy 1 like Paul), or received rebuked from the Lord for failure to take the responsibility to overseer well (Revelation 2-3). But this does not mean the senior pastor will be the only one to make all decision or perform an action without the agreement of other elders. Let us make it clear, it must be noted that the presiding elder (senior pastor) is one of the elders and not a different office or different function. The Church is under the Headship of Christ and His Word and every local church is to be led by the board of elders who are part of pastoral staff. Human leadership in the local church is a team effort and not the sole responsibility of someone who is a professional religious leader. Although there is the scriptural existing evidence of a senior pastor (presiding elder) but it does not support or does not imply the idea that one pastor is to have the preeminence in the assembly. Christ is alone and the only One who is exclusively the preeminent No bishop/elder/pastor who has preeminence in the local church. A senior pastor could possibly be tempted to puffed up with arrogant pride (I Timothy 3:6 “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride.”) or with self-will (Titus 1:7 “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed,”) and in order to lessen that possibility, the Bible provided us the spiritual qualities and requirements for the office of elder/bishop. An elder/bishop must be (Titus 1::8b “sober, just, holy, temperate;”). When an elder continually displays a self-will or assumes himself as a self-proclaimed potentate, he disqualified himself from the office of a bishop. God is against and would not allow anyone who rob Christ of His preeminence in the local church like Diotrephes (III John 9-11 “I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10…prating against us with malicious words…neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them…casteth them out of the church. 11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil,” Human leaders in every local church must have a Christlike example (I Peter 5:3), must demonstrate the servant’s attitude (John 13:1-17; Philippians 2:5-9; Matthew 20:28). Church leaders are not to lead like a dictator.
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Acts 20:28 “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.”
Notice the command given to the elders “feed the flock of God” and “feed the church of God”. The Greek verb (poimaivnw) is used. The meaning of this Greek verb here is broader than the English translated “feed.” This verb “poimaivnw” is form of the noun “shepherd.” That is why the elder/pastor responsibility is to “shepherd” the flock of God which is the church.
The responsibility of shepherding the flock in a broader sense include all things a shepherd does to care for his flock: feeding, protecting, leading, and oversight of the flock. All the physical needs of the flock must be cared by the shepherd. The Pastor or elder in the local church has a spiritual ministry and he is to attend to all the needs of the flock. It is true that the responsibility of shepherding the flock through feeding or preaching of God’s Word which means more on paper works might be the major function of the elder or pastor, however, it appears often that the board of elders becomes more like administrators or managers of certain organization or business firm who are so busy with policies, projects and programs but doing little in their responsibility of the command given to shepherd the flock of God. Elders or Pastors should not be confused that the job of administration is necessary but not his primary function. A good shepherd leads the flock and so much devoted to the well-being of the sheep.
B. To rule the church I Timothy 5:17 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” Romans 12:8 “Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
The term “rule” in Greek “proistemi” from pro and histemi. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words translated “rule” which means “to stand before”, hence “to lead”, “to attend to.” (indicating care and diligence). Translated “to rule” (middle voice) with reference to a local church in Romans 12:8; perfect active in I Timothy 5:17. Strong Greek concordance define the word “rule” means to “stand before” “to preside.” Lexicon defines the term “to be at the head of” “to rule” “to direct” or “to manage.” So, Elder or Pastor are to rule in the local church.
In order to care the body of Christ, God designed a leadership position. What kind of rulership God designed? The term “rule” in I Timothy 3:5 suggests what kind of rulership it is. I Timothy 3:5“(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)”
As Paul cited the qualification of an elder/pastor, Paul is saying that he must first prove by demonstrating his ability to “rule” in his own home if he is going to be able to function in a leadership capacity in the local church.
The church “rule” (I Timothy 5:17; Romans 12:8) is similar to home “rule” (I Timothy 3:4. I Timothy 3:12), both used the same Greek word “proistemi”. The church rule like the home rule is a loving, caring, devoted leadership, not using a power in cruel or dictator way of rulership. As God has a given authority to a father to lead in the home, the same is true that God has a given authority to elder/pastor to lead in the local church.
The Bible teaches that the elder have to rule over the local assembly (congregation).
Hebrews 13:7,17,24 “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. 17 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: for that is unprofitable for you. 24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.”
Paul exhorted and encourage the elder / pastor to rule over the church in a fatherly way. I Thessalonians 2:11 “As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,”
There is expectation from the people in the church to “obey” those in a rulership position.
This is illustrated as the children are expected to obey their parents in the Lord. The Greek verb “hupakouo” defines “to listen, attend” so in (Ephesians 6:1 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord:”; Colossians 3:20 “Children, obey your parents in all things:”) the verb “hupakouo” that is “to submit, to obey” is used of obedience to parents by children.
This is also illustrated as wives are expected to submit to their husbands. Understanding the words “Subject”, “Subjection” would help us. The Greek verb “hupotasso” primarily a military term, to rank under. From “hupo” means under and “tasso” means to arrange. To put in subjection, to subject, to put under. In the middle or passive voice, it means to subject oneself, to obey, be subject to. Bible commanded the wives to submit to their husband unto the Lord
(Ephesians 5:22) or subject unto their husband in everything (Ephesians 5:24). “hupotasso” to put under subjection.
As the children are expected to obey their parents and the wives are expected to submit or subject to their own husbands likewise the congregation is expected to submit and obey the rulership of the elder /pastor of the local church. The Greek word “hupeiko” comes from “hupo” means under and “eiko” means “to yield”. hence the meaning is “to yield”, “to submit” and is used metaphorically in Hebrews 13:17 regarding submitting to spiritual guides in the churches.
Hebrews 13:17 “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: for that is unprofitable for you.”
There are some might tremble or feel uneasiness at the thought of human authority in the local church, but the Scriptures clearly teaches it. The congregation is commanded to obey the elders who rule over them. The concept of human authority or human leadership in every local church is not embraced or liked but it is a Biblical instruction that needed to be applied in true bible believing church.
Notice the plural “them” used by the author in reference to those who rule in the congregation which means the responsibility to rule is to be shared by the elders. Some passages that speak of a plurality of elders who share in the rule of the church. Hebrews 3:7,17,24 “Remember them which have the rule over you, 17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: 24 Salute all them that have the rule over you,.” I Timothy 5:17 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” The aspect of Pastoral work includes responsibilities in administration and the one who leads requires diligence or zeal (Romans 12:8 “he that ruleth, with diligence;”). This rule responsibility of the elders must be understood in the context of Christ’s authority as Head of the Body, the church. The Pastors or elders have only authority provided their rule is in accordance and agreed with the Word of God.
C. To teach the church The Pastor/elder primary responsibility is teaching God’s Word. The Pastor/elder are teachers of God’s Word.
I Timothy 3:2 “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;”.
For a man to be qualified in the office of a bishop, one of the requirements is that a man must be fit and able to teach
I Timothy 5:17 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”
Homer Kent Jr. said that “This verse does not give sufficient warrant for the Reformed view of two classes of elders, those who ruled and those who taught. Every elder engaged in teaching (I Timothy 3:2 “A bishop then must. . .apt to teach”). However, some would do so with more energy and excellence than others.”
(Homer Kent is a teacher at Grace Theological Seminary and Grace College in Winona Lake, IN. An educator, authored many books and bible commentaries).
Pastor/Elder responsibility is to work hard or labor in the Word, that is preaching and teaching God’s Word.
Hebrews 13:7 “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”
II Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” Timothy as a Pastor was to commit to faithful men the things that he had been taught from Paul. II Timothy 2:2 “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
In Acts 15, there are some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren that they need to be circumcised according to the law of Moses in order to be saved. And when Paul and Barnabas had great debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to the apostles and elders (council at Jerusalem) concerning this issue. This false teaching of salvation from Judaizers attacks the church and needs to be avoided and refuted. The Apostles and elders teaching responsibility is essential.
Ephesians 4:11 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;” In this text, Paul called the man as a pastor/elder.
About Ephesians 4:11, Homer Kent Jr. comments that “pastors and teachers are named as one grammatical unit (by use of just one article in the Greek. Text). Inasmuch as the teaching of God’s truth is basic to all pastoral care, the two items form a natural combination.”
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D. To Oversight the Church Oversight, in Greek “episkopeo” or “eipiskopevw” literally means to look upon, inspect, oversee, look after, care for, or by implication, to beware (Strong Concordance). From “epi” means upon; “skopeo” means to look at, contemplate. (Vines Expository Dictionary). Not only the responsibility of a Pastor to the flock of God, to shepherd, to rule, to reach but also to oversight the church of God. I Peter 5:2 “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;”
Acts 20:28 “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.”
Notice the word “taking”, better translated “exercising” is the right rendering, the word does not imply the entrance upon such responsibility, but the fulfillment of it. It is not a matter of assuming a position, but of the discharge of the duties. The word “episkopeo” looking carefully is also found in I Timothy 3:1” This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” Literally “if any one seeketh everseership”. There is no word representing office. The Pastor serves as a watchman to the flocks which is church of God, the same with the shepherd who are responsible watching over his flock. Ezekiel 33:1-7 “Again the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: 3 If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; 4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. 5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. 6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. 7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.” Proverbs 27:23 “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” Pastor/Elder as compared to the shepherd of the flocks:
A. Oversight for the physical needs of the sheep.
1. Praying for the sick brethren (James 5:14)
2. Providing financial relief to needy brethren through sending church funds (Acts 11:30)
B. Oversight the well-being and see if the sheep are well protected.
1. Guarding sheep against the attack of wolves (Acts 20:29-31).
2. Guiding by warning the sheep against the dangers (Titus 1:9-14)
C. Oversight and give remedy for any diseases that will affect the health of the sheep.
1. Ready for the spiritual diseases that would affect the brethren like sinful living, division among brethren, grudging, biting and fighting among the members of the church. (II Timothy 4:2; Titus 2:15).
2. Rebuke those who practice sin but admonish them as a brother (I Thessalonians 5:12)
D. Oversight all dangers that would arise from outside and from inside the church.
E. To be Example to the Church
With all of the responsibilities state previously, to be example is the most important.
I Peter 5:3 “Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.”
Some reasons why the elder/Pastor must be an example to the flock of God:
1. Elders/Pastors will only be effective church leaders if first and foremost they are followers of Christ.
I Corinthians 11:1 “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
2. Elders/Pastors objective is to gently lead the flock to spiritual maturity through Christlikeness by example.
Colossians 1:29 “Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.”
Ephesians 4:11-15 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”
3. Elders/Pastors must be reminded continuously that they one of the sheep and are not above the sheep.
Philippians 1:1 “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:”
4. Elders/Pastors together with all the believers as His sheep must all be followers of Jesus Christ the lamb of God
John 10:26- 27 “But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”
5. Elders/Pastors good testimony and example as effective church leaders helps the flock to be aware or conscious that they are not followers of men but followers of the Chief Shepherd the Lord Jesus Christ.
I Thessalonians 1:5-6 “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.”
THE INSIGNIFICANCE OF THE HUMAN LEADERSHIP COMPARED TO THE CHIEF SHEPHERD JESUS CHRIST
1. Elders/Pastor are to lead but are not to Lord.
I Peter 5:3 “Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.”
2. Elder/Pastor as human leaders are sinners and accomplish only the God’s will imperfectly. Pastors are not perfect
They will check each other and become a safeguard against the tendency that human can play God over other people.
3. Elder/Pastor has no responsibility to push his personal views but determine that the will of God must be obeyed.
4. Elder/Pastor are only instrument used by Christ the True Shepherd of the flock, to carry out the Lord’s ministry of shepherding the flock of local church.
5. Elder/Pastor must be knowledgeable in the Bible to be able to teach, discerner, spiritually matured, filled by the Spirit and not novice. They can only shepherd the flock by means of God’s Word and points the church to written record of the Word and will of God.
I Timothy 3:2 “A bishop then. . .apt to teach;”
I Timothy 3:6 “Not a novice,”
6. Elder/Pastor who are faithful and love God is much concerned of the will of God for the church not his own will.
7. Elder/Pastor study the Word to feed the flock but actually Christ really cares for His body the church.
8. Elder/Pastor is not to have the preeminence. Christ is to have all the preeminence.
Note: When all the believers in the body of Christ are well taught and cared for, Jesus Christ gets all the glory.
III – BIBLICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEACON
Deacon is the second office in the church.
Regarding the qualifications of a deacon, Homer Kent wrote. “From the title given to the office (diakonos) and from the cognate verb employed in verse 10 (diakoneitosan), it is concluded that the nature of the office is a ministering or serving.”
Diakonos – means servant. (But the exact duties of service are not found listed in the Scripture).
Several terms for servant in the New Testament:
1. Doulos – was a bond slave who was under obligation to submit to the will and authority of his master.
Matthew 8:9 “For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.”
2. Oiketes – was a house servant that has a closer relationship with his master than a bond slave (doulos). From oikos, “house”) – properly, a household-servant working for a family, implying it is done with affection and devotion.
Acts 10:7 “And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;” Note: The terms doulos (bond slave) and oikeths (house servant) are both not chosen to describe the church office. Diakonos is the Greek term used to describe for the purpose of the deacon’s office. The Greek term Diakonos (servant) refers to the activity of the servant. This servant renders service to another in order to one being served will have benefit.
Diakonos (servant) has an implication of about voluntary service as a ministry which is different from the word doulos (bond slave) that was obliged to do the will of his master.
In the New Testament, the term “diakonos” often refers to a servant in a general sense, but based in a few passages of the New Testament the term “diakonos” (servant) refers to the office of a deacon, thus officially recognized servants of the church.
Difference between the congregation of the saints or believers and the two officers in the church was clearly recorded by letter of the Apostle Paul addressed to the Philippians church.
Philippians 1:1 “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:”
In this passage Paul mentioned the bishops (overseers) and the deacons (servants). Augustus Hopkins Strong, (D.D., LL.D. President and Professor of Biblical Theology in the Rochester Theological Seminary) had wrote, “the number of offices in the church is two: first, the office of a bishop, presbyter, or pastor; and secondly, the office of a deacon.” Augustus Strong is right; he believes and supports this Biblical teaching that there are only two offices in the church (Pastor and Deacon).
This passage in I Timothy 3:8-13 clearly proved the term deacon as an officer in the church. Paul first lists the qualifications for the office of a bishop (verses 1-7) and then Paul lists the qualifications for the office of a deacon (verses 8-13). Paul wrote the specific spiritual qualifications that must be met first before a man is able to serve in the capacity for being a Pastor or a Deacon. In General sense, all believers in Christ, the so-called saints are to be servants. But in specific sense, not all believers or saints are called to the office of a deacon.
Qualifications of the Deacons: (I Timothy 3:8-13).
Therefore, they are to be blameless, the husband of one wife, a good household manager, respectable, honest, not addicted to alcohol, and not greedy (I Timothy 3:8-12). According to the Word, the office of deacon is an honor and a blessing. “For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus” (I Timothy 3:13).
The qualification listed by Paul prove that he is referring to a specific office in the church and not to service in general sense.
We can read in detail in many New Testament passages about the specific responsibilities of the elder/pastor, but nowhere is mentioned concerning the specific duties of the deacon. Why? It is because those duties and responsibilities would vary greatly from church to church depending upon the size of every church and the need of every church. Obviously, the needs of a large church or cities church with high income and high populated church may differ from the needs of a small church or churches located in remote areas or mountainous areas. As those needs arise in a local church, that is why every assembly of the believers will have needs that must be attended to. The design of God to meet those needs is to appoint a group of servants or specific officer called deacons who are to serve the Lord by ministering as those needs arise and that the Body might function more smoothly for God’s glory. We must remember that the voluntary and willing service of caring love performed by the deacons to the church is an expression of the love and care of the Lord Jesus Christ the Head for His body which is the church. The deacons serve the way Christ serves. Christ being the Head of the church has planned wisely to meet all the various needs of His body, the church by using His servants’ called deacons.
The Bible teaches the plurality of deacons. Let us take a look at some passages which deal with the office of a deacon.
Philippians 1:1” Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:”
I Timothy 3:8-13 “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
These passages indicate that there is more than one deacon in each church. Having the plurality of a deacon depend upon the need of the local church so there is no exact number specified but the deacons formed a team of a servants as they were together serving in the local church.
Many bible teachers or commentaries said that Acts 6:1-6 is a foreshadow of the origin of the office of a deacon. Although we never read in this section of scriptures that the men here are called deacons, a related term (diakonia, a noun, refers to the office and work of a diakonos, means service or ministry, does appear twice in this passage, which is translated as “ministration” KJV or “serving” NASB or used of religious and spiritual ministration of the service of believers (verse 1) and used of apostolic “ministry (verse 4).
Acts 6:1-6 “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.”
Now the word “serve” in verse 2, in Greek “diakonein”, a verb – present infinitive active, from the word “diakonos” means to be an attendant and in reference to serving tables. So, here we see a deacon type of service being rendered. At this very time of history of the church, the officers of the church had not yet been revealed, because the Apostle Paul who is the writer of two passages dealing with deacons has not yet been saved or converted as a believer. However, as the times past, as the early church began to expand as many churches were started and scattered and grow in large numbers, the Body of Christ developed various needs arises which hard to be neglected but need to be attended. That is why Acts 6 was written to illustrates two types of needs in the local church and two groups of men that were appointed to meet those needs that arises. In verse 4, with the discernment of the twelve apostles, they called the multitude of the disciples and said that there was a need for some men to give themselves “continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word”. The twelve sensed that prayers and ministry of the Word of God as their primary responsibility as leaders of the church. But on the other hand, these twelve men discovered that the congregation of believers had their physical needs to be cared for as well as we see in verse 1-2. Hence, the multitude of disciples chose seven capable, trusted men to assist the twelve apostles in this needed situation of the local church as we see in verse 5. They had to look for mature, and Spirit-filled men of faith. The twelve apostles approved to the choice of the multitude, and thus appointed seven men to do the duty of service like that of a deacon but they are not called as deacon officer. We need to understand that the twelve men are not elders/pastor and the seven men that were chosen were not called deacons, but the passage narration does demonstrate two specific types of needs manifested in the early church, namely a need for pastoral teaching and prayer (ministerial) that need not to be neglected and secondly, there was a need for ordinary earthly (menial or manual) that needs to be attended to.
Two groups of men were provided by God to serves in such a way to meet those needs. The twelve were not able to do it all, they need assistant to some men to serve tables that would take these twelve away from prayer and their labor in the Word. The function of these appointed seven chosen men were to lighten the load of the twelve apostles. The division of workload between the twelve men with their ministry prayer and Word and the seven chosen men with their ministration of food resulted to the increased and the number of disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly as said in verse 7.
These two kinds of needs and two specific functions recorded in Acts 6, later developed into two church offices. These two offices of the church were the office of the elders/pastors/bishop illustrated by the twelve and the office of the deacon illustrated by the seven.
Some reason why the work of two officers in two offices should be highly esteemed by the congregation of believers:
1.) The work of Pastor and deacons is to be greatly valued by the saints (I Thess.5:13; I Tim.3:13)
I Thessalonians 5:13 “And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”
I Timothy 3:13 “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
2.) The work of Pastor and deacons render for the Body is in reality first and foremost a work for Christ (Col.3:22-24).
Colossians 3:22-24 “ervants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
3.) The work of the Pastor in shepherding the flock are a channel of love and care from Great Shepherd Jesus (Heb.13:20)
Hebrews 13:20 “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,”
4.) The service of Deacons to the Body are a reflection of Christ who took the form of a servant (Phil 2:7; John 13:1-17)
Philippians 2:7 “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”
5.) The concept of servanthood is uplifted in Scriptures (Matt. 20:27-28). Jesus came to do the work of a servant (diakonshsai)
6.) The function of Pastor portrays Christ as the Chief Shepherd, and the function of a deacon portrays the ministry of Christ as Servant.
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