An amazing amount of biblical material focuses on how the church is to function. For me, this has always been surprising, and not at all what I should expect. You would think that the Bible would talk a lot about how we are saved and what we are to do once we are saved—and, no surprise here, it does! But, in the midst of such weighty material, there is a lot of discussion of how the Church of God is to view itself, how it is to function properly, and how it is to promote the truths of the faith. Simply recognizing that most all the letters in the New Testament are addressed to churches, not necessarily to individuals, helps point the way.
Gathering together that scriptural material, the governing document of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) in chapter 9 spells out the character and role of the leadership in a congregation:
- The Lord of the Church, Jesus Christ, has given three offices to the Church. These are: Teaching Elders [Pastors], Ruling Elders, and Deacons… These offices are not indications of special pre-eminence by those who hold them but rather indicate a call to service, to ministry, to special discipleship, and the evidencing of the fruit of the Spirit in every part of life.
- According to Scripture, those who bear office in the Church should exhibit certain characteristics of life. This includes being above reproach, sound in the faith, wise in the things of God, and discreet in all things. Persons who fill this office should exhibit a lifestyle that is an example to all, both in and outside the Church… As the law of love places certain duties upon each Christian, Church Officers are especially bound by their calling to fulfill them and to be an example to all.
- The office of Elder was established for the oversight of the Church. Those who fill this office today for governing the Church are called Ruling Elders. Chosen by the people of a local church, these Ruling Elders are to watch over the spiritual welfare of that congregation… According to Scripture, those who bear the office of Ruling Elder should be mature believers, led by the Holy Spirit, who exhibit a manner of life that conforms to the biblical description of an officer in Christ’s Church… Ruling Elders should be attentive to themselves and church members, guarding against dangers to the faith and to dangers to the moral life of believers. They are also responsible to warn, admonish, and reclaim those who stray.
- The office of Deacon, as set forth in Scripture, is one of compassion, concern for needs, and of serving others. Therefore, the first duty of the Deacon is sympathy and service. Historically, this office has been given the duty of being the Church’s instrument for the ministry of compassion. According to Scripture, those who bear the office of Deacon should be mature believers, led by the Holy Spirit, who exhibit a manner of life that conforms to the biblical description of an officer in Christ’s Church.
It is my hope and prayer that you see this biblical model followed faithfully at Hebron Church, which provokes a plea: Pray for us!
For this Sunday, read about the first “deacons” in Acts 6:1-7.
- How does the opening phrase in verse 1 shape the following discussion? How does the increase in number of people in the Church contribute to the problems that develop?
- “The Hellenists” and “the Hebrews” function as two different ethnic groups; while both groups were made up mostly of Jews, the first adapted to the prevailing Greek culture, while the second retained a Hebrew-culture. Why could this lead to problems? What contemporary situations are similar?
- Verse 3 details the requirements for serving in this particular job of helping the daily distribution. What is remarkable about each trait? Why would each be necessary for the faithful completion of their duties?
- It has often been pointed out that all seven men appointed to carry out the daily distribution have Greek names, hence were themselves part of the Hellenist population. Why was this a strategic decision?
- How does verse 7 naturally flow from the previous verses? What is the connection between the troubles of the church in verses 1-2, the solution in verses 3-5, and the outcome in verse 7?
By Henry Knapp