A Two Office Church
Introduction:
Phil 1:1- Paul includes greetings to both the overseers and deacons in the opening salutation. They are mentioned because they probably played a special part in organizing the church’s financial contribution to Paul. Paul acknowledges their special part. IN the NT, deacons are always associated with overseers of the church, yet they are subordinate and distinct from them. If we want to understand what the NT deacon is, and what he does, we must begin with an understanding of the overseers of the church.
I. The identity of overseers.
Overseers from episkopos. an official who worked as a superintendent, guardian, manager, or ruler.
No sacred, clerical, or hierarchal connotations with the term overseer.
Overseers were also called elders.
"Overseers" and "elders" are used interchangeably to refer to the same group of men. Acts 20:17, 28
Titus 1:5-7 - Elders and overseers refer to the same office.
Why would 2 terms refer to the same office?
a. "Elder" would reflect their dignity, honor, maturity, and wisdom.
b. "Overseer" would stress the nature of their work: "oversight"
II. The Role of Overseers.
Elders have the responsibility to protect the church.
Acts 20:17, 28-29 Act 15:6 - protect the church from false teachers.
Elders have the responsibility to teach the church.
1 Tim. 5:17-18; Titus 1:5, 9; 1 Tim. 3:2
Elders have the responsibility to lead the church.
Must lead, govern, and care for local church members.
1 Peter 5:1-2a; 1 Tim. 5:17a; 1 Thess. 5:12-13
They lead, oversee, shepherd, and care for the local church.
1. Let us respect them for their work.
2. No right to demean their office; not trust them, or usurp their duties.
III. Deacons.
Comes from a word meaning "servant" or "minister."
Deaconship involves work to perform.
Deacons exercise official responsibilities of public trust.
Diaconate is not a teaching office.
It is not a ruling or governing office.
The diakonate is plainly the subordinate of the 2 offices.
In NT times, deacons’ work was to oversee peoples practical, material needs.
IV. Deacons must not misunderstand their role.
They are NOT a 2nd group of overseers/elders.
Deacons cannot perform all the functions of shepherds.
Elders must clarify regularly what the deacons duties will be.
Conclusion:
Churches that are committed to going by NT pattern must commit to making the best elderships & deaconships possible.