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Elders and Deacons

Leadership and Service
in New Testament Congregations

The entire content of the Elders and Deacons web site is available as a PDF e-book (42 pages).

Elders (also known as bishops or pastors) and deacons are a subject that is both important and controversial. These two offices constitute the simple "organization" of congregations in the New Testament period, as reflected in Paul's address to the church in Philippi: "To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons" (Phil. 1:1). If we desire to be what Christians were in the first century, and do the Lord's work as they did, we will have to investigate what the Scriptures teach on this topic.

For your study, this web site contains thirteen lessons on elders and deacons in the New Testament, with applications and suggestions regarding our situation today.

• Lesson 1 - Elders in New Testament Congregations

• Lesson 2 - The Rule of the Eldership

• Lesson 3 - The Responsibilities of an Elder

• Lesson 4 - The Work of an Elder

• Lesson 5 - Scriptural Qualifications of Elders: General Principles

• Lesson 6 - Scriptural Qualifications of Elders: Four Basic Qualifications

• Lesson 7 - Scriptural Qualifications of Elders: Qualifications of Godly Integrity

• Lesson 8 - Scriptural Qualifications of Elders: Leadership Qualifications

• Lesson 9 - The Selection and Appointment of Elders

• Lesson 10 - Congregational Duties to Elders

• Lesson 11 - The Responsibilities of a Deacon

• Lesson 12 - Scriptural Qualifications and Appointment of Deacons

• Lesson 13 - Paul's Exhortation to the Ephesian Elders - Acts 20:17-38

In our age, there is a renewed interest in "primitive Christianity," the pattern of life and work and worship that characterized the earliest Christians from Pentecost in Acts 2 to the death of the last of the apostles toward the end of the first century. The study of elders and deacons is an important part of the study of early Christianity.

Great benefits would flow from a return to the simple, but powerful, form of church leadership and service that was followed in the earliest days, when the churches were directly under the influence of Christ's apostles. We encourage you to study this material carefully. As always, we invite your questions and suggestions. You may email us at the address below.