Duties

Question 1: What is the work of deacons in the church?

ANSWER: The English word deacon comes from a Greek word that means "servant." Deacons do not rule, nor have authority! They are to primarily serve the physical needs of the congregation under the oversight of the elders. This is not to say that they do not have any spiritual responsibilities, but such would be at the same level as any other member of the congregation. The same principle would be true inversely as relates to elders. Their primary responsibilities focus on the spiritual, but such does not relieve them of all physical work!

Question 2: What are the specific roles of an elder, a preacher, and a deacon, and a teacher in the church?

ANSWER: Those men who are qualified (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-11) and appointed as elders have the responsibility of shepherding their own congregation by seeing to it that all in that congregation teach and practice the truth as contained in the Word of God. As well, they are to protect the congregation from those who would preach and teach false doctrine (Titus 1:9). They do not have the right to change the scriptures in any way! In matters of opinion (such as how the money is to be spent, when the church will meet, where the church will meet, etc.), elders have the final say, after having considered the will of the people. All within the congregation are under the rule and oversight of the elders (not one elder, but all of the elders). A single elder is as responsible to the eldership as all others in the congregation. The preacher, too, is under the elders!

The work of a preacher/evangelist is the same no matter where he may work, either within the congregation or on the mission field. To learn about the work of an evangelist, it is recommended that I & II Timothy and Titus be studied diligently. However, generally their work is summed up in II Timothy 4:2, "Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season (this means to preach the Word when it's convenient and when it's not) reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." They must not shun to declare the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:26-27), holding fast the pattern of sound words (I Timothy 1:13). As noted above the preacher is to work under the oversight of the elders. He does not “run” the congregation. Elders will often suggest certain topics for the preacher to discuss, as they see the need, and will always assure that the truth is taught!

The English word “deacon” comes from a Greek word that means "servant." Deacons do not rule, nor have authority! They are to serve the congregation under the oversight of the elders. Qualifications for this very important office are found in I Timothy 3:8-13.

Teachers are those individuals who are knowledgeable in the Word of God and appointed by the elders to specific teaching situations; such as in the various Bible classes. However, it should be understood that all members of the Church of Christ have the responsibility to teach as opportunities arise (Mark 16:15).

Question 3: During Sunday worship, whose duty is it to minister to the congregation? Is it the elders, the preacher, or the deacons?

ANSWER: This is a matter that is under the oversight of the elders! If a congregation does not have men who are qualified to be elders, then the men of the congregation are responsible for an orderly, scriptural approach to worship. Generally, the elders organize the worship service, giving particular assignments to the faithful men (never a woman) of the congregation to lead in the various items of worship, such as, leading the singing, taking up the offering, officiating at the Lord’s table, distributing the unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, and leading in prayer. Most often, the elders (or someone they appoint) will open and close a worship period with some appropriate remarks. Usually, the preacher delivers the sermon from God’s Word. It may be the case that the elders occasionally find it necessary that one of them delivers the sermon. All of these decisions remain in the hands of the elders! There should never be argument over such matters!

[Return to Index]