The document discusses the roles and qualifications of ministers, deacons, and elders in the local church. Deacons are called to serve and assist spiritual leaders by meeting the natural needs of the church. Elders, also called bishops, oversee the flock as spiritual leaders and administrators. Both deacons and elders are necessary positions in every church according to the New Testament. Spiritual gifts like apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are also discussed, noting they are appointed by God for spiritual oversight of the body of Christ regardless of gender.

1. The Ministry of Deacons and Elders
Breath of Life International Church
Latreia Bible Study
18 January 2011

2. Leadership in the Local Church
• Minister
▫ diakonos – A servant or waiter
▫ A servant of Jesus Christ; a servant leader
▫ An all-inclusive reference
• Deacon
▫ diakonos - A servant, attendant or minister
▫ Assigned to assist spiritual leaders and tend to the
natural needs of the church
• Elder/Bishop
▫ presbuteros, episkopė – Bishop and Elder are
interchangeable terms, biblically
▫ Overseer or “superintendent” of the flock

3. Leadership in the Body of Christ
Spiritual Leadership Administrative Leadership
• Spiritual Identity • Spiritual Position
• Five-fold/Ascension Gifts ▫ Elders (Bishops)
▫ Apostle ▫ Deacons
▫ Prophet • Elected
▫ Evangelist • May be acquired or learned
▫ Pastor • To be desired
▫ Teacher • Appointed by God, through the
• Called and Anointed by God approval of men
• Unlimited jurisdiction • Jurisdiction within the local
• Assigned to spiritual needs church or assembly
• Assigned to natural needs

4. Important Considerations
• Both spiritual and administrative gifts are
NEEDED in the Body of Christ and in every local
church
• Gifts and appointments often overlap
▫ A deacon may also be gifted and called as a
teacher
▫ A pastor who oversees the order of the local
church also functions as an elder

5. Ministry of the Deacon
• Needed in every local church
• Should be appointed, as needed
• Recognized as a New Testament Church office
(Philippians 1:1)
• Qualifications (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
▫ Position always filled by men in the New
Testament church, though theologically debated
• Assigned to attend the natural and physical
needs of the flock, leaving spiritual needs to the
spiritual leaders (Acts 6:1-4)

6. Ministry of the Bishop or Elder
• Needed in every local church
• Recognized as a New Testament Church office
(Philippians 1:1)
• Qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)
▫ Position always filled by men in the New
Testament church, though theologically debated
• Assigned to ensure both spiritual and natural
needs of the congregation are met
• Not a “spiritual” position, but an administrative
one
• Serve as shepherds (pastors) and overseers of
the flock, or local church (1 Timothy 5:1-3)

7. Ministry of the Ascension Gifts
• Spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12, 14; Ephesians 4)
• Responsibilities (Ephesians 4:12)
▫ Perfecting of the saints
▫ Work of the ministry
▫ Edifying of the Body of Christ
• Neither male nor female in Christ (Galatians
3:28)
▫ Gifts appointed by Christ are not restricted to
males (no sound theological debate against
women filling these roles)

8. Apostles vs. Bishops
• Apostles
▫ Spiritual oversight for the Body of Christ
▫ Establishment of churches
▫ Foundation of the Gospel
▫ May oversee many assemblies
• Bishops
▫ Oversight of the local church or flock
▫ Jurisdiction is “within” the local assembly
▫ Maintenance of the local church
▫ Oversight of one assembly

9. Questions?

10. The Ministry of Deacons and Elders
Breath of Life International Church
Latreia Bible Study
18 January 2011