The role of the Elders is quite clear in New Testament teaching. They are to commit themselves to prayer (Mark 1:35-39; James 5:14-16). They are also to be ministers of the Word, evangelism, and teaching of believers (Mark 3:14; Acts 10:42; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18; Titus 1:5, 9, 1 Timothy 3:2). As the word overseer indicates, church Elders are responsible for the overall supervision (Acts 20:17,28; 1 Peter 5:1-2), protection (Acts 20:17, 28, 29; Acts 15:6ff), management (1 Timothy 3:5, 4:14, 5:17; Acts 11:30; James 5:14; and Titus 1:7), and care of people within the local congregation.

New Testament elders are not temporary, church board members. They do not comprise the church finance committee, nor are they a body of trustees required for legal purposes. The Elders protect the church from false teachers, exhort the saints in sound doctrine, teach, pray, preach, pray for the sick, and judge doctrinal issues. Also, as separate from and not subordinate to Deacons, they are the only church overseers. Deacons are not called to do this.

Good coordination between Elders and Deacons is vital to a smooth working relationship. Elders and Deacons can implement many practical, organizational procedures to avoid conflict and misunderstanding. God expects them to use the creativity and intelligence He has given to conduct their lives effectively and orderly.


Deacons

In the New Testament, Deacons are always associated with Elders, yet are subordinate to and distinct from them. From New Testament study of the specialized use of diakonos as an official title for an office within the church, the qualifications listed for Deacons, and the Deacons close association with the overseers, we can conclude that new Testament Deacons are the local churchs official ministers to the needy and suffering members (Acts 11:29; Acts 6:1-6; Acts 12:25; 2 Corinthians 8:4; Romans 15:25-26).

Deacons should not misunderstand their role: Deacons are subordinate to overseers. They are not a second group of overseers and they are not to provide a check and balance for the Shepherds. As such, their role is more limited so they can be more focused on serving the Lords people. Shepherds and Deacons should implement many practical, organizational procedures to avoid conflict and misunderstanding.

Because they must meet specific qualifications, they hold an official position of trust within the church government. Unlike the shepherds, however, Deacons do not teach or govern as part of their position but they may lead. They are servant-officers who relieve shepherds of the multitude of practical duties that are required in caring for a congregation. Deacons must give their primary attention to caring for the peoples physical welfare. This physical welfare may include any activity assigned by the Shepherds. The Shepherds provide for the peoples spiritual welfare.

Within the Deacons narrow focus, they should not lose sight of their role. As such, not everyone who serves in or leads some aspect of the church needs to be a Deacon. For example, Deacons should not form the building maintenance committee; it reduces the special place that God has for Deacons to janitor status. It must be clear that it is a called position: one of honor and respect.

The Deacon Organization

While the Deacons are not a ruling body, they are a part of the greater organization and have a common bond to get support from their fellow servants.

1. The Deacons receive Elder leadership and oversight from the Elders. The Elders communicate general Elder decisions, directions, and vision when not otherwise communicated.

2. The Deacons meet periodically for prayer, support, and communication.

3. Deacons do not have authority over other Deacons. Specific direction and ministry questions will be handled by the Elders assigned to Deacon oversight. All Deacons are equally subordinate to the Elders but not subordinate to another Deacon.