Statement of Faith Series
Part 1 Elders and Deacons
Elders
Elders in Scripture
• Elder’s existed in the churches that were planted by Paul. Acts 14:23
• Elders existed in the church at Jerusalem. Acts15:2
• Elders existed in churches throughout Asia minor. 1 Peter 1:1, 5:1
• Elders existed in the church at Ephesus. Acts 20:17
Elders in Baptist Traditions
A Declaration of Faith of English People Remaining at Amsterdam, 1611 Article 20
“That the Officers of every Church or congregation are either Elders, who by their office do especially feed the flock concerning their souls, or Deacons, Men and Women, who by their office relieve the necessities of the poor and impotent brethren concerning their bodies."
Statement of Faith of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1925 and 1963 Article 6
This church is an autonomous body, operating through democratic processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In such a congregation members are equally responsible. Its Scriptural officers are pastors and deacons.
What are Elders?
The term Elder, Pastor, shepherd, and overseer are all used interchangeably in the New Testament.
- Elders lead and shepherd. 1 Timothy 5:17, 1 Timothy 3:4-5, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:2
- Elders teach and equip. Ephesians 4:11-12, Titus 1:9, 1 Timothy 5:17
What are the qualifications of elders?
1 Timothy 3:1-7
“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.“
“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach,”
“the husband of one wife, “
“sober-minded and self-controlled”
“respectable,”
“hospitable,”
“able to teach, “
“not a drunkard,”
“not violent but gentle,”
“not quarrelsome,”
“not a lover of money.”
"He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? “
“He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. “
“Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.”
Deacons
Servant Leaders
- The apostles were overwhelmed with the practical needs of the congregation, so they appointed deacons to serve the table. (Acts 6:1-6)
- The second office of deacons was established and normative early in the history of the church. (Philippians 1:1)
- Interestingly, Scripture records much fewer details for deacons than for elders.
- The responsibility of deacons is perhaps less well defined, but we know the core of it is ministering to practical needs and protecting the unity of the church.
What are the qualifications of deacons?
1 Timothy 3:8-13
“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued,”
“Not addicted to much wine,”
“Not greedy for dishonest gain.”
“They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.”
“And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.”
“Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober- minded, faithful all things.”
“Let deacons each be the husband of one wife,”
“Managing their children and their own households well.”
“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.”
