What does the Bible actually say about how a church should be led? In this episode, Craig sits down with Justin to dig into one of the most foundational topics for any healthy church: biblical leadership through elders and deacons.

Justin and Craig both grew up in staff-heavy churches where these roles were either missing or misunderstood. Now, as leaders at Stone Oak Bible Church, they've seen firsthand why getting this right matters so much. They walk through what Scripture says about these two offices, why the language can get confusing, and how Stone Oak tries to live this out in a practical way.

They tackle the big questions: What is the difference between an elder, an overseer, a bishop, and a pastor? Are they the same thing? What separates a staff elder from a lay elder? Why does plurality of elders matter, and what is the difference between unity and uniformity around the elder table? And who is ultimately in charge of the church anyway?

From there, they turn to deacons, starting all the way back in Acts 6, where the first deacons were identified to make sure people were not being overlooked and neglected. That need, they argue, is just as real today, and they get honest about the fact that Stone Oak currently needs more deacons as the church continues to grow.

They also get practical: what does benevolence look like? How do people communicate needs to the church? And how can everyday church members actually serve and support their elders and deacons?

This one is for anyone who has ever wondered why church structure matters, or who wants to understand the church they call home a little better.

Topics covered:

• Why church leadership conversations shape church health and mission
• The biblical terms for elder and why they all point to the same office
• Staff elders vs. lay elders and how Stone Oak structures this
• Why Jesus, not the elders, is the ultimate head of the church
• The case for plurality of elders and why it protects the church
• Where deacons first appear in Scripture and what problem they solved
• How deacons and elders work side by side without overlapping
• Practical needs deacons meet: benevolence, facilities, congregational care
• Why people in our community rarely self-report needs and what to do about it
• How the congregation can pray for and support their leaders

Stone Oak Bible Church is located in San Antonio, Texas. Find us at stoneoakbible.com