+ The Office of Elder

Different but interchangeable terms are used for the same pastoral office in the NT—overseers (ἐπίσκοπος), pastors (ποιμήν), elders (πρεσβύτερος).[1] For example, in Titus 1, Paul transitions from his exhortation to “appoint elders in every town” (v. 5) to qualifications an “overseer” (v. 7) should possess. Furthermore, in Acts 20, Paul calls together the “elders” (v. 17) of the Ephesian church whom the Holy Spirit has established as “overseers” (v. 28) to “shepherd” the church. Likewise, in 1 Peter 5, Peter exhorts the “elders” to “shepherd” the church by “exercising oversight.”

The unanimous NT presentation on leadership in the church is a plurality of elders in every local church. In fact, “there is no example in the New Testament of one elder or pastor leading a congregation as the sole or primary leader.”[2]In Acts 11:30, Luke records that the church at Antioch sent Barnabas and Paul to the elders at Jerusalem to pass along the family relief funds. James assumes that there will be elders to pray for the sick in each church (Ja 5:14). The book of Acts indicates that Paul's regular practice was to appoint elders to lead the churches he planted (Acts 14:23). Further, Paul summoned the Ephesus elders for his farewell exhortation (Acts 20:17-18), Paul commanded Titus to "appoint elders in every city" (Titus 1:5). When Paul writes to the church at Philippi, he greets the “overseers and deacons” (Phil 1:1).

A plurality of elders are seen in the churches in Jerusalem (Acts 11:30), Antioch of Pisidia, Lystra, Iconium, and Derbe (Acts 14:23), Ephesus (20:17; 1 Tim 5:17); Philippi (Phil 1:1), the cities of Crete (Titus 1:5), the churches in the dispersion (James 5:14), the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1 Pt 1:1), and perhaps the church(es) to whom Hebrews was written (Heb 13:7, 17,24). The overwhelming NT evidence is that every church (cf. Acts 14:23) in every city (Titus 1:5) had a plurality of elders.[3] The shared task of shepherding is biblical and helpful. Plurality establishes more than one shepherd, affords each pastor to be shepherded, distributes the work of pastoral ministry, and complements the gifts of the pastors.[4]

Scripture stipulates that the church should be led by a plurality of qualified men. Like in the home, men are ordained to lead the church for the overall flourishing of God’s people.[5] Although women have innumerable gifts that serve the body of Christ,[6] and while all church members--male and female alike--will take on shepherding-like functions in the church, the office of shepherding is reserved for men. Pastoring is not only a gift (Eph 4:11) it is an authoritative office in the church. God has not permitted a woman to teach or preach in the corporate gathering or to have authority in a pastoral capacity as is taught in 1 Timothy 2:9–15.[7] Since pastors must be able to teach (1 Tim 3:2) and women are not permitted to teach or have authority over men, it follows scripturally that women cannot be elders.[8]Elders must be the “husband of one wife” (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:6).

A survey of texts on eldership reveals the primacy and necessity of character for the pastoral office (Acts 20:18–35; 2 Tim 2:22–26), most especially 1 Timothy 3:1–7, Titus 1:5–9, and 1 Peter 5:1–5.[9] Pastors should widely and consistently possess Christian qualities: sexually/maritally faithful, a good manager of household, humble, gentle, peaceable, reasonable, sober-minded, financially responsible, spiritually mature, hospitable, self-controlled, upright in character, respectable.[10] The elder must desire the office (1 Tim 3:1), be “above reproach” (1 Tim 3:2) and be an example to the flock (1 Pet 5:2; cf. 1 Tm 4:12; 1 Thess 5:12), not only when he enters the office but throughout his ministry. Men should not pursue the ministry because of outside pressures (1 Pt 5:2) and should be sobered by the fact that those “who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1). Elders must “pay close attention” (1 Tm 4:16) to their lives and doctrine.

Christ is the chief shepherd (1 Pt 5:4; cf. Mt 16:18) of the church even as he has appointed elders as undershepherds to care for his flock (v. 2). Pastors work in God’s power (1 Cor 15:10; Col 1:28–29; 1 Pt 4:11) with “great patience and careful instruction” (2 Tim 4:2). The pastors seek to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15) so that God’s people are edified by that word (Heb 4:12). Elders who direct the affairs of the church well by preaching and teaching God’s Word should be compensated (1 Tim 5:17; cf. Gal 6:6). A charge must not be admitted “against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses” (1 Tim 5:19).

Pastors shepherd members toward eternity by proclaiming Christ and the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:28) so that everyone may be mature in the Lord (Col 1:28; cf. 1 Pt 5:5). Elders, mirroring the apostles, give themselves to the work of ministering God’s word and prayer (Acts 6:4). All elders have the same function: leading (Hb 13:17; 1 Thess 5:12) and teaching (1 Tim 4:13; 5:17). Elders must be able to teach (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1) because they are tasked with proclaiming sound doctrine, protecting the church from false doctrine (Titus 1:9), equipping the congregation for ministry (Eph 4:13), and raising up new leaders for the church (2 Tim 2:2). While the whole congregation has the final earthly responsibility over the doctrine (Gal 1:8), membership (1 Cor 5:9–13; 2 Cor 2:6–7), and leadership in the church (Acts 6:5; 1 Tim 3:1–7), God also instructs the church to be subject to the elders (1 Pt 5:5) and obey them (Hb 13:17) when the elders are fulfilling their God-given responsibilities so that they can fulfill their calling with joy (v. 17).

[1] For a definitive study arguing that elders and overseers refer to the same pastoral office, see Benjamin L. Merkle, The Elder and Overseer: One Office in the Early Church (New York: Peter Lang, 2003).

[2] Benjamin L. Merke, Why Elders? A Biblical and Practical Guide for Church Members (Grand Rapids: Kregel Academic, 2009), 31.

[3] Ibid., 31.

[4] See Mark Dever and Paul Alexander, The Deliberate Church: Building Your Ministry on the Gospel (Wheaton: Crossway, 2005), 133–135.

[5] For an accessible analysis of complementarianism in life and ministry, see Kevin DeYoung, Men and Women in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction (Wheaton: Crossway, 2021). See also Andreas J. Köstenberger and Margaret E. Köstenberger, God’s Design for Man and Woman: A Biblical-Theological Survey (Wheaton: Crossway, 2014).

[6] See John Piper, What’s the Difference: Manhood and Womanhood Defined According to the Bible (Wheaton: Crossway, 1990).

[7] See Andreas J. Köstenberger and Thomas R. Schreiner, Women in the Church: An Interpretation and Application of 1 Timothy 2:9–15, 3rd ed. (Wheaton: Crossway, 2016).

[8] Bruce Ware, “Putting It All Together: A Theology of Church Leadership,” in Shepherding God’s Flock: Biblical Leadership in the New Testament and Beyond, eds. Benjamin L. Merkle and Thomas R. Schreiner (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2014), 296.

[9] See Pastor Brandon’s article, “10 Reflections on the Elder’s Character,” https://www.9marks.org/article/10-brief-reflections-on-an-elders-character.

[10] For questions related to qualifications, see John Piper, Biblical Eldership (Minneapolis: Desiring God Ministries, 1999).

+ The Office of Deacon

Qualifications for the office of deacon are set forth in 1 Timothy 3:8–13, most of which align with the qualifications for elders. An important distinguishment between elders and deacons, however, is that deacons do not have to be able to teach. Yet, deacons still must have sound theology, holding “to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience (1 Tm 3:9). The two references to deacons in Philippians 1:1 and 1 Timothy 3:8–13 demonstrate that the office of deacon is a separate office from the office of elder. The seven chosen in Acts 6 — likely the prototypes of the New Testament deacon — establish the office of deacon as one of importance and support. Furthermore, by addressing church officers in his opening to the letter to the Philippians, Paul indicates that there is a distinction between church members and church leaders.

Deacons minister to the church by “assisting the elders, protecting church unity, organizing practical service, and meeting tangible needs.”[11] No ruling authority is given to deacons in the NT. However, Acts 6 illustrates the importance of deacons since the seven men preserved the unity in the Jerusalem church by their service. Acts 6 demonstrates how deacons assist the elders so that the pastors can devote themselves to preaching, prayer (Acts 6:4), leading, shepherding, and equipping. The ordering of deacons after elders in 1 Timothy 3 and Philippians 1 also suggests that the deacons support the elders.

[11] Matt Smethurst, Deacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church (Wheaton: Crossway, 2021), 74–94.

+ Bylaws Article III, Section 2 – Church Lay Leadership - Deacons

1. In accordance with our understanding of the meaning of the word and the practice of the New Testament, Deacons are to serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the Church, under the leadership of the Pastor. They enable the Pastor to focus on the priorities of the gospel ministry and prayer. (Acts 6:2,4)
2. The objective of the Church is to provide Deacons in such numbers as are required for effectively carrying out the responsibilities assigned to Deacons by the Church. Deacons shall be elected by a simple majority at a business meeting by secret ballot.
3. To be eligible for consideration for election as a Deacon, an individual shall be a resident member of the Church and conform to the requirements listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
4. Deacons are elected for three-year (3-year) terms.
5. The Church shall have no obligation to nominate, to consider for election, or to place in active service as Deacons any persons who shall become resident members of the Church from other churches where they may have served as Deacons.
6. In the event of the death of a Deacon, or in the event of resignation, removal or incapacity to serve, the Church may elect a Deacon to active service for the completion of the unexpired term.

+ Bylaws Article V – Pastors

SECTION 1 – General

The terms Pastor and Elder are used synonymously throughout the New Testament to refer to the same leadership office (Acts 20:17-28; Titus 1:5-7; 1 Pet. 5:1-3). The terms may be used interchangeably in this document as well as in regular church life. While no specific number is mentioned, the consistent pattern of Scripture is that a plurality of Pastors leads and guides the local church in accordance with God’s Word.

The Pastors will be comprised of not less than three men who satisfy the scriptural qualifications of an elder. Pastors will be comprised of both Staff Pastor(s) and Lay Pastor(s). Staff Pastors are men who are both affirmed and employed by the Church (see Article II, Section 2 and 3). Lay Pastors are men who are affirmed by the Church, but are not employed by the Church. At least one Pastor must be a Lay Pastor, provided that there is at least one candidate who meets the biblical qualifications and is capable of carrying out the biblical responsibilities.

There is no required ratio of Staff Pastors to Lay Pastors, but, as a general rule, it would be advisable that the number of Lay Pastors should be equal to or greater than the number of Staff Pastors.

SECTION 2 – Biblical Qualifications

The Pastors will be selected from the adult male membership of the Church as led by the Holy Spirit and affirmed by the Church Membership. Each Pastor must meet the qualifications for this office set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. Each must also be a faithful and serving member of the Church.

SECTION 3 – Biblical Responsibilities

In accordance with our understanding of the meaning of the word and the practice of the New Testament, the Church will affirm a plurality of Pastors, who are responsible for the preaching, spiritual care, equipping, and oversight of the Church.

The Pastors shall take particular responsibility to examine and instruct prospective members, conduct worship services, equip the membership for the work of the ministry, encourage sound doctrine and practice, humbly admonish and graciously correct error, oversee the process of church discipline, coordinate and promote the ministries of the church, provide pastoral care and counsel, and mobilize the church for personal evangelism and world missions. The Pastors are further to ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation, including outside speakers, share our fundamental convictions.

The Pastors shall meet on a monthly basis at the very least or more often if deemed reasonable or necessary by the standing Pastors. Members may attend Pastors’ meetings with prior approval or invitation. The Pastors shall prayerfully seek unanimous agreement in all matters believing the Holy Spirit guides with oneness of mind (Acts 15.1-29; Phil. 2.1-2).

SECTION 4 – Nominating and Appointing Pastors

Should the need for additional Lay Pastors arise, there will be a search initiated by the current Pastor(s) for men who meet the biblical qualifications.

1. The Pastor(s) will inform the church that there is a need for additional Lay Pastors.
2. A candidate should express his desire and willingness to serve as a Lay Pastor(s).

A church member may also recommend a candidate to the Pastor(s).

3. The candidate will be carefully examined and thoroughly interviewed by the Pastor(s) to ensure that he meets the qualifications and competencies of this scriptural office.
4. In order to give the Church membership sufficient time to also examine a candidate, at least twenty-eight (28) days must pass between the Pastor(s)’ recommendation of a candidate and the Church’s vote on said candidate. During the twenty-eight day period an open forum shall be called to offer the opportunity to the membership to examine the candidate prior to the Church vote.
5. If the candidate is affirmed by a 3/4 majority vote in a business meeting, then the candidate will be affirmed, ordained (if not already), and installed by the Church as a Lay Pastor.

SECTION 5 – Length of Service

Every Lay Pastor is elected for a three-year term and may serve two consecutive terms. After serving for one term, he must be reaffirmed by the Church with a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote. After serving two consecutive terms, he must take a one-year sabbatical. After this sabbatical, he may be considered for another three-year term. No Pastor shall hold the office of Deacon during his tenure.

SECTION 6 – Removing Pastors

If, at any time, a Lay Pastor is not fulfilling his responsibilities, fails to meet the biblical qualifications, or no longer desires to serve, he may be removed from office. Any two church members with reason to believe that a Lay Pastor should be dismissed should express such concern to the other Pastors and, if need be, to the congregation. Any such action shall be done in accordance with the Scriptural instructions in 1 Timothy 5:17-21 and Matthew 18:15-17 (see Article I, Section 8 on Church Discipline). After investigation and consideration of the grievance, and a determination that the grievance is true and substantial, the Lay Pastor may be removed from office by a recommendation of the other Pastors and affirmation of the Church Membership by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members at a business meeting of the church. For removing Staff Pastors see Article II, Section 2 – Ministry Staff, 2.