There are but two offices in
the New Testament church, ELDERS and DEACONS. The word
"elders" refers to those who are the spiritual leaders and teachers
of the congregation. The pastor of a church is the presiding elder, or overseer
of the congregation. Where there is need for more than one elder in a large
assembly, those elders who serve with the pastor must serve in submission to
him, as his assistants in the ministry. While it is evident that in the New
Testament most of the churches, if not all of them, had more than one elder, it
is also evident that only one elder stood as the overseer and spiritual ruler
of the congregation. It is not possible for a church to have peace and harmony
under the government of a board of elders, or a board of deacons. There can
only be one captain on a ship. And there can only be one overseer in a
congregation. The spiritual overseer of the church is God's messenger in that
congregation, the pastor. He is not a dictator, lording over God's people. But A
FAITHFUL PASTOR MUST RULE THE
DEACONS ARE THOSE MEN WHOSE
RESPONSIBILITY IT IS TO TAKE CARE OF THE PHYSICAL, FINANCIAL AFFAIRS OF THE
CONGREGATION. They are to be spiritual men, willing to serve their pastor
and church for the glory of Christ. Deacons are to relieve their pastor of all
mundane affairs, so that he can give himself exclusively to the ministry of the
Word (Acts 6:2-4). The service of a deacon is most honorable and helpful.
Faithful deacons take care of the church property, visit the sick, care for the
needy, and see to it that the needs of the pastor and his family are met. By
relieving their pastor of all these cares, the deacons enable him to give his
time and attention to study, prayer, and the preaching of the gospel of Christ.
THERE ARE FEW MEN SO SPIRITUALLY MINDED THAT THEY ARE WILLING TO SERVE AS
FAITHFUL DEACONS FOR THE GOSPELS SAKE.