6. Pastors / Elders / Deacons

1. Why do we have Pastors?
2. Why do we have Elders?
3. Why do we have Deacons?


Pastors / Elders / Deacons
"God can send a nation of people no greater blessing than to give them faithful, sincere, upright ministers…" (George Whitefield)


Read Ephesians 4:11-13. Who is the one who gives pastors? What is the reason he gives pastors?

1. Why do we have Pastors?

· Pastor is another word for shepherd. The role of a pastor is to shepherd people in ministry. This is done by feeding us from the Scriptures, caring for our souls, and providing leadership and direction.

· The Bible calls us to a unique respect towards those entrusted with the pastoral care of the church. Love your pastors! (Hebrews 13:17)

· Pastors are not super-Christians, or ‘priests,’ or prophets. All Christians are sinners saved by the grace of God in Christ. Pastors are men gifted and called by God to lead a church under the authority of Christ.

· Churches typically have one or more pastors. These men are chosen and supported by the congregation upon the recommendation of a search committee. Sometimes pastors are given specific areas of ministry to focus on (Senior, associate, family, children’s, youth, etc.)


Read Titus 1:5-9. What are some of the qualifications for being an elder? What is the ‘trustworthy message’ that he must hold firmly to?

2. Why do we have Elders?

· The Elders of a church are men (not necessarily old men as it sounds!) called to lead a church by providing spiritual oversight to the members.

· Elders should be men of Godly character, who know and believe the Scriptures and have the ability to teach. Like pastors, the Bible calls us to have a unique respect for those called to be elders, while recognizing their fallibility! (1 Tim 5:17-20)

· Among other things, Elders will usually teach Sunday School classes, help lead Sunday morning worship, make decisions about vision and the ministry of the church, and provide counsel to members.

· Churches typically have a plurality of elders. These men are recommended by the pastors and are voted on by the whole congregation.


Read 1 Timothy 3:8-13. What are the qualifications for being a deacon? Is this different from the qualifications for being an elder? How about the responsibility of every Christian?

3. Why do we have Deacons?

· Deacon is another word for servant. Deacons are called to serve the church in an official capacity. They are people called to care for the needs of the church body as they arise.

· Deacons, like elders, are to be people of Godly character, but not necessarily having the ability or the responsibility of teaching.

· Deacons will oftentimes be those serving behind the scenes, providing phone calls and visits to the sick, helping make preparations for worship or meetings, and dealing with the all around practical and physical needs of a congregation.

· Deacons when recognized as gifted and competent in this area are chosen by the nominating committee to serve, and are voted on by the congregation.