CHURCH GOVERNMENT
K. Doug Allen
Christianity 101 • Sermon • Submitted
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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
There are 2 distinctive offices that are identified in the New Testament Church
Elders and Deacons
Elders and Deacons
We are given in the scriptures two ways of coming to understand what these offices are and how they function.
The first is illustrated in the biblical narrative and in church history.
The first is illustrated in the biblical narrative and in church history.
The second is the specific text that gives qualifications for, and instructions to, these offices.
The second is the specific text that gives qualifications for, and instructions to, these offices.
It’s important that we take our understanding from the harmony of these two examples. The why in the story and how in the instructions.
Roughly speaking:
ELDER: THE WHAT & WHERE
DEACON: THE WHO & HOW
UNDERSTANDING THE TERMINOLOGY
Elder - not age but maturity. Not present maturity only, but also trajectory. There is an evidence of a person yielding to the calling and grace of God on their lives.
28 And we no longer see each other in our former state—Jew or non-Jew, rich or poor, male or female—because we’re all one through our union with Jesus Christ with no distinction between us.
12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
Why was this term employed? This term was familiar to Jewish culture and believers borrowed it as it related to government and the cultural respect of the synagogue.
The second term we see for elder is bishop or overseer.
1 Timothy 3:1–2 (NKJV)
1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;
25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Bishop/ guardian
2176 ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos), ου (ou), ὁ (ho): n.masc.; ≡ DBLHebr 7212, 7213, 7224; Str 1985; TDNT 2.608—1. LN 35.43 guardian, supervisor, keeper (1Pe 2:25+); 2. LN 53.71 church leader, overseer (Ac 20:28; Php 1:1; 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:7+)
Every Elder in the NT is 5-Fold person.
The test of your gifting and calling are not defined by your profession. I functioned as an elder in several capacities in which I was not paid nor was I given any title other than elder, or given no title at all.
1 Timothy 5:17 (NLT)
17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.
v. Bishop or overseer describe responsibility and authority (Guardian)
1356 διάκονος (diakonos), ου (ou), ὁ (ho) and ἡ (hē): n.masc. and fem.; ≡ Str 1249; TDNT 2.88—1. LN 35.20 servant, one who serves, without necessarily having the office of deacon (Mt 20:26; Ro 16:1; Eph 6:21; 1Th 3:2 v.r.), for another interp of Ro and Eph, see next; 2. LN 53.67 deacon, one entrusted to serve the needs of believers (Php 1:1; Ro 16:1; Eph 6:21; 1Ti 3:8, 12), for another interp of the Roman’s & Ephesian’s passage, see prior
Elder illustrates maturity.Bishop, Overseer, Guardian, Shepherd, and demonstrated gifting, etc. describe the office and authority.
20 Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’
Overseership, Bishoprick, Postition.
II John 1:1 - John calls himself an elder
I Peter 5:1- Peter calls himself an elder
b. We can conclude that elders are ministry gifts.
c. Apostles, pastors, teachers, prophets and evangelists tell us what kind of elders they are.
A critical conclusion is that any one claiming a ministry gift that operates beyond their local church must be recognized and endorsed at their local church.
My first question - Who sent you?
This would also apply to church planters and missionaries.
QUALIFICATIONS OF AND ELDER
QUALIFICATIONS OF AND ELDER
5 I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you.
6 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious.
7 A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.
8 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.
9 He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.
10 For there are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation.
Philippians 1:1 Overseers/deacons The distinction of the two offices.
1 This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons.
2176 ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos), ου (ou), ὁ (ho): n.masc.; ≡ DBLHebr 7212, 7213, 7224; Str 1985; TDNT 2.608—1. LN 35.43 guardian, supervisor, keeper (1Pe 2:25+); 2. LN 53.71 church leader, overseer (Ac 20:28; Php 1:1; 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:7+)
1249. διάκονος diakŏnŏs, dee-ak´-on-os; prob. from an obs. διάκω diakō (to run on errands; comp. 1377); an attendant, i.e. (gen.) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); spec. a Chr. teacher and pastor (techn. a deacon or deaconess):—deacon, minister, servant.
1 This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.”
2 So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.
3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.
4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.
5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
6 A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.
7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.
8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money.
9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.
10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.
Romans 16:1 (NLT)
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea.
That would be better be translated “Deaconess.”
