The Church Must Cultivate Its Leaders
Churches may operate in various ways regarding their leaders, but the New Testament prescribes a particular model for today’s Christians. The introduction to Philippians gives a glimpse of this.
Paul, with Timothy as a co-writer, sets the baseline for what a church is.
Philippians 1:1-2.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
A healthy and thriving church will consist of saints and from within that body—elders and deacons. Bells and whistles beyond this are optional—these are the basics.
In this article, I want to argue for three points.
Number 1, Why does the church need elders and deacons?
Number 2, What are elders and deacons, really?
Number 3, Who is responsible for elders and deacons?
1. Why does the church need elders and deacons?
Let’s first answer the question in the negative.
A church doesn’t need elders and deacons, so those in office will do ministry on behalf of the congregation. The Bible doesn’t intend for leaders to function as cruise directors or hired contractors.
Ephesians 4:11-13 tells us plainly that church leaders are given by Jesus to “equip the saints for the work of the ministry.” Church is a team sport and every player has a role—and there’s no such thing as a sideline.
Why does the church need elders and deacons? Because the active and living church needs care and direction in a broken and hurting world.
Jesus is our head and ultimate shepherd, but he has given spiritual overseers and ministry mobilizers to help us along the journey—to help the saints for the work of ministry.
Jesus is also the model from which elders and deacons take their cue. Let’s look more at who Jesus intends elders and deacons to be.
2. What are elders and deacons, really?
In 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Paul instructs Timothy on the qualifications of elders and deacons.
1 Timothy 3:1-13.
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
In this passage, Paul does not give an intensely extraordinary list of qualifications. This is basic stuff. All Christians should aspire to these.
But Paul suggests that some set an example in the church according to these lists—these are the ones we should consider for office.
You’ll also note that, except for one “gift” in verse 2 (the ability to teach), both lists are matters of the heart.
Before we move on, let’s allow that to sink in: Character above everything.
What are elders and deacons, really?
Elders lead the flock as under-shepherds. Normally, elders will lead by handling the Word. And you can spot potential elders by observing how they care for others with the Word.
Deacons lead the flock as ministry mobilizers. Normally, deacons run to address problems and meet needs. And you can spot potential deacons by observing them helping and rallying others to help—their hands are the first to go up.
Like Jesus, both elders and deacons will have a heart to serve the body.
Elders and deacons are unextraordinary Christians who the Spirit calls to particular service.
Consider this diagram to understand how we can identify potential elders and deacons in the church.
First, the church will observe that some are gifted to teach.
In addition to these, some are gifted organizers or administrative leaders. This is the model when we look at the example of the first deacons in Acts 6. The original seven men couldn’t tackle every physical need with their fourteen hands—they were enlisted to organize and lead the effort of serving the needs.
Finally, some are growing in the character qualities that Paul lists in 1 Timothy 3.
Look what happens in the overlapping areas.
Those who are qualified in character and have the gift of teaching—are potential elders in a church.
Those who are qualified in character and have the gift of organizing—are potential deacons in a church.
Now, some in the church may be gifted teachers and organizers but aren’t growing in these character qualifications—or haven’t demonstrated them yet. These are Gifted Leaders. Hear me on this: the church needs these also, but these gifts alone aren’t qualifications for office. Remember, character is above everything.
This brings us to Number Three.
3. Who is Responsible for Elders and Deacons?
Answer: The church is.
Jesus ascended and commissioned his disciples to multiply Christians and multiply churches.
Biblically speaking, churches still submit to the ascended King and are now responsible for the Great Commission—taking the baton from the apostles.
Remember to whom Paul and Timothy wrote Philippians and how most other epistles begin: “to the saints.”
Every local church is responsible for its health, obedience, and faithfulness—according to God’s grace.
N.T. Scholar Ben Merkle puts it this way:
Elders have appointed authority (the congregation enlists them to shepherd and shape the congregation).
Deacons have delegated authority (the congregation and the elders enlist them to lead areas of ministry within the congregation);
The Congregation has ruling Authority (the congregation answers to Jesus (who has ultimate authority) by choosing, assessing, following, and removing, if necessary, pastors and deacons.
The church is responsible for appointing and cultivating its leaders—for the present and the future. In this way, the church is found faithful.
*This summer, to recommend a qualified church member to the office of elder, you can use this form.