REVIEW OF LESSON 2
Last week we observed that God implemented leadership in the church from the beginning that was different than what He intended to endure for all times. The apostles were a vital part of that leadership, and they imparted miraculous abilities to other Christians that assisted the early church until God’s Word was fully revealed and confirmed. Then, as well as now, Jesus serves as head of His church (see Eph. 5:23). Today we will take a brief look at God’s plan for church leadership which is intended to continue until the Lord’s second coming. (We will not discuss any further at this time the role of Christ being the head of the church.)
PHILIPPIANS 1:1 – “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.”
This passage provides us with the very basic structural plan for the local church. The fully developed church consists of saints (or, Christians), elders and deacons.
OVERSEERS
God’s plan for the church is that it be led by overseers. (Overseers, elders and shepherds [pastors] all refer to the same leadership role – see Titus 1:5, 7; Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Pt. 5:1-2).
- Only men can serve in this capacity (see 1 Tim. 3:2).
- A man must meet several qualifications in order to serve as an elder (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Many of these have to do with his character.
- Elders are only leaders of the local church that they are a part of (1 Pt. 5:1).
- There is to be a plurality of men who serve as elders (see Titus 1:5; Acts 14:23).
- Elders have the oversight of the church, caring for, or shepherding, the flock (see Acts 20:28; 1 Pt. 5:2-3). A part of this responsibility is protecting the church from false teachers and false teaching (see Acts 20:28-31; Titus 1:9-16).
- Elders rule the church (1 Tim. 5:17), but are not to be domineering (1 Pt. 5:3).
- Elders serve as examples to the church (1 Pt. 5:3).
- Serving as an elder is not merely about making decisions.
DEACONS
- Deacons are servants of the church under the elders who provide another level of leadership.
- Acts 6 illustrates well the work of deacons as men were selected to serve in an area of neglect that was causing tension in the church. The appointment of these men remedied the situation and permitted the apostles to give themselves to prayer and ministry of the Word, which led to the further growth of the church (see vv. 1-7). Deacons alleviate a burden from the elders and also help involve others in the work of the church.
- 1 Timothy 3:8-13 sets forth the qualifications for these men.
This basic framework is by God’s design to fulfill His eternal purposes in the church. They are perfectly suited for preparing souls for eternal life in heaven. God knows what He is doing. We cannot improve upon His plan and should never try!
I hope you will continue this study and better hone in on your place in the church.
Daren Schroeder
