CHURCH OFFICERS AND THEIR QUALIFICATIONS

INDUCTIVE BIBLE TOPIC STUDY

CHURCH OFFICERS AND THEIR QUALIFICATIONS

By Dennis Schmidt 1/2007

RETURN TO THE: BIBLE PAPERS HOME PAGE

This paper discusses the church officers and their functions. The Bible gives detail qualifications for two officers: Elders & Deacons. All scriptures are from the King James' version Bible.

INDUCTIVE COMMENTS:

THEME:

The task before the Christian Church is to uses the officers God ordained correctly to bring the flock of God to a mature and perfected state. The Church is to teach the deeper work of God, not just John 3:16 and to watch, teach, and guide the flock.

Ephesians 4:11-14 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; {12} For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: {13} Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: {14} That we <henceforth> be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, <and> cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"

PURPOSE: The Church is to minister the deeper work of God, not just salvation and to guide the flock of God to a mature and perfected state.

KEY VERSE:

1 Corinthians 12:27-30 "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. {28} And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. {29} <Are> all apostles? <are> all prophets? <are> all teachers? <are> all workers of miracles? {30} Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?"

WHO: God written mostly by Bible authors Luke and Paul

TO WHOM: Elected men and women Christians

WHAT: God has placed ministries in the church as he wills to guide the church towards perfection.

WHY: The elders are to provide the church with good doctrine, be witnesses of Christ, and examples for the flock of God to follow.

1 Timothy 5:17 "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."

Titus 1:5-9 "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: {6} If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. {7} For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; {8} But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; {9} Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."

1 Peter 5:1-5 "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: {2} Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight <thereof>, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; {3} Neither as being lords over <God's> heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. {4} And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. {5} Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all <of you> be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."

WAY: God provides the church with His ministries as He wills for the perfection of the saints.

Romans 12:4-8 "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: {5} So we, <being> many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. {6} Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, <let us prophesy> according to the proportion of faith; {7} Or ministry, <let us wait> on <our> ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; {8} Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, <let him do it> with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness."

Also Romans 12:3-8 1 and Corinthians 12:5-11 for spiritual gifts.

WHEREAS: The Christian is to desire to serve God in any way that God calls him to perform.

1 Timothy 3:1-13 "This <is> a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. {2} A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; {3} Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; {4} One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; {5} (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) {6} Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. {7} Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. {8} Likewise <must> the deacons <be> grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; {9} Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. {10} And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being <found> blameless. {11} Even so <must their> wives <be> grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. {12} Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. {13} For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus."

WHERE: Earth

WHEN: God has a time and way for the ministries to perform their tasks to the church.

1 Corinthians 14:29-32 "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. {30} If <any thing> be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. {31} For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. {32} And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets."

WHILE: God provides His power to the ministries to achieve His goals.

Acts 14:23 "And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed."

2 Corinthians 12:12 "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds."

PAPER OUTLINE:

I) CHURCH OFFICES OF THE CHURCH:

A) FIVE FOLD MINISTRIES OFFICES:

B) THREE OFFICES SHOWN + MEMBERS MINISTRIES:

II) SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN THE CHURCH (BODY) ARE NOT THE CHURCH OFFICERS:

III) ONLY SIX OFFICERS & TASKS PERFORMED BY MINISTRY CHURCH OFFICERS:

IV) APOSTLES:

V) PROPHETS:

VI) EVANGELISTS:

VII) TEACHERS:

VIII) PASTORS:

IX) DEACONS:

X) DETAIL SCRIPTURES FOR ELDERS/DEACONS QUALIFICATIONS:

A) PASTORS:

B) DEACONS:

XI) SUMMERY OF REQUIREMENTS: ELDER/OVERSEER/BISHOP/PASTOR/SHEPHERD:

A) CALLING:

B) LIFE:

C) TEMPERAMENT:

D) FAMILY RELATIONS:

E) EXPERIENCE:

F) DUTIES AND ADMINISTRATE:

G) AUTHORITY:

H) DOUBLE HONOR:

XII) SUMMERY OF REQUIREMENTS: DEACON

A) CALLING:

B) LIFE:

C) FAMILY RELATIONS:

D) EXPERIENCE:

E) DUTIES:

XIII) CONCLUSION:

I) CHURCH OFFICES OF THE CHURCH

A) FIVE FOLD MINISTRIES OFFICES:

Ephesians 4:11-13 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; {12} For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: {13} Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"

B) THREE OFFICES SHOWN + MEMBERS MINISTRIES:

Ephesians 2:20 "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner <stone>;" (In 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, Paul laid a foundation which others built on it.)

Deacons Acts 6:1-4 and 1 Timothy 3:1-13 (see scriptures below)

II) SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN THE CHURCH (BODY) ARE NOT THE CHURCH OFFICERS:

Also Romans 12:3-8 1 and Corinthians 12:5-11 for spiritual gifts.

III) ONLY SIX OFFICERS & TASKS PERFORMED BY MINISTRY CHURCH OFFICERS:

IV) APOSTLES: Establish Churches & appoint people to church offices. The Apostle is a delegate and ambassador, one set apart and sent forth, with full power of authority to act in the place of the Lord. He has been selected, by God, has witnessed the Lord's work and teaches or presents a message with healings, signs, and wonders following his ministry. (Duties & Powers are found in: Matthew 28:19-20, Mark. 3:14-15, Mark 16:15-20, & Acts 1:4-8).

See my paper: "Apostles" for more information on this subject.

Acts 14:23 "And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed."

2 Corinthians 12:12 "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds."

V) PROPHETS: Receive both direct revelation and inspiration, from God, on behalf of the body. They were preachers of righteousness that foretell the future, edified, encourage, and strengthen.

See my paper: "Jesus as Prophet, Priest, & King" for more information on this subject.

Acts 15:32 "And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed <them>."

VI) EVANGELISTS: Add to the body & extend the church into new fields.

As Philip's example shows, in Acts 8:5-40, what the Evangelists' requires. The charismatic gifts and power of Holy Spirit are needed to confirm the word, heal the sick, cast out demons, and perform great miracles. Ex. Philip Acts 21:8; Timothy 2 Tim 4:2-5

See my paper: "Holy Spirit Baptism" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "True Gospel for Salvation by the Imputed Righteousness of Jesus" for more information on this subject.

VII) TEACHERS: Train & prepare the body for the work of its ministry.

Anointed by God to teach deeper things given by Spirit, not mere letter of the word, doctrine, or exposition of scriptures. He would teach prophetically, sometimes for long periods: 1-2 years.

Acts 18:11 "And he continued <there> a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them."

Acts 28:31 "Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."

VIII) PASTORS: Shepherd's & teacher's the flock for perfecting saints.

IX) DEACONS: Servant and ministry of reliable and spiritual men who serve the body of Christ in many ways where the needs arise.

X) DETAIL SCRIPTURES FOR ELDERS/DEACONS QUALIFICATIONS:

1 Timothy 5:17 "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."

A) PASTORS: Shepherd's & teacher's the flock for perfecting of saints.

The Church officers of Elder, Overseer, Presbyter, Bishop, Pastor and Shepherd are all similar positions. One may study Bible more.

Acts 20:17 "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church." Paul refers to them in 20:28 as overseers.

Acts 20:28 "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." (1 Peter 5:2: feed - shepherd and oversight - overseer)

Overseer is the same Greek word Bishop used in Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:7 and 1 Peter 2:25. Also called Elder in

Acts 14:23 which is the same position as Bishop and Presbyters as found in 1 Timothy 4:14 and 1 Timothy 5:17. "To feed" is the same Greek word as shepherd. Pastor is found in Ephesians 4:11 and is the Greek word for shepherd. The shepherd is the one into whose care the sheep (flock) have been committed for feeding, caring, and protection for growth to maturity. The purpose of the different words are as follows: Elder indicates a mature spiritual experienced person in a position of authority. Bishop indicates the character of the work undertaken as overseer or guardian. Shepherd or Pastor indicates the function or responsibility of watching, teaching, and guiding the flock.

B) DEACONS: Reliable & spiritual men who serve the body of Christ in many ways as the needs arise.

The work of the Deacon is not explained in the Bible. It has been assumed that Acts 6:1-4 is that work. The definition of the word deacon is servant. The deacon is not ruler in church but a helper. Although, seven Deacons are found in Acts 6:3, this number was needed for the Jerusalem church of 5000 plus. The average church probably could use a maximum of one deacon.

Acts 6:1-4 "And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. {2} Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples <unto them>, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. {3} Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. {4} But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

The Bible gives examples of two of the seven, Stephen and Philip. Stephen became the first martyr as described in Acts 6:5 to 8:2.

Philip, is an Evangelist as described in Acts 21:8. He has a ministry among the Samaritans as described in Acts 8:1 to 8:40. Nothing is stated about either of their Deacon ministries.

XI) SUMMERY OF REQUIREMENTS: ELDER/OVERSEER/BISHOP/PASTOR/SHEPHERD:

A) CALLING:

APPOINTMENT & ORDAINED: TITUS 1:5, ACTS 20:28

B) LIFE: (MANNER OF LIVING)

BLAMELESS - NO REPROACH: 1 TIMOTHY 3:2, TITUS 1:6,7

GOOD BEHAVIOR: 1 TIMOTHY 3:2

HOSPITALITY: 1 TIMOTHY 3:2, TITUS 1:8

SOBER: 1 TIMOTHY 3:2, TITUS 1:8

NOT GIVEN TO WINE: 1 TIMOTHY 3:3, TITUS 1:7

NOT GREEDY OF MONEY: 1 TIMOTHY 3:3, TITUS 1:7

GOOD REPORT OF THEM WITHOUT: 1 TIMOTHY 3:7

STEWARD OF GOD: TITUS 1:7

LOVES PEOPLE: TITUS 1:8

JUST - RIGHTEOUS: TITUS 1:8

HOLY: TITUS 1:8

HOLD FAST TO THE WORD: TITUS 1:9

LOVES SERVICE TO OTHERS: 1 PETER 5:2

NOT COVETOUS: 1 PETER 5:2

C) TEMPERAMENT: (FRAME OF MIND)

NO STRIKER: 1 TIMOTHY 3:3, TITUS 1:7

NO BRAWLER: 1 TIMOTHY 3:3

NOT SELF WILLED: TITUS 1:7

NOT SOON ANGRY: TITUS 1:7

TEMPERATE: TITUS 1:8

D) FAMILY RELATIONS:

HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE: 1 TIMOTHY 3:2, TITUS 1:6

CHILDREN IN SUBJECTION & ALL GRAVITY OR DIGNITY: 1 TIMOTHY 3:4

RULES OWN HOUSE: 1 TIMOTHY 3:4

FAITHFUL CHILDREN NOT ACCUSED OF RIOT OR UNRULY: TITUS 1:6

E) EXPERIENCE:

NOT A NOVICE: 1 TIMOTHY 3:6

F) DUTIES AND ADMINISTRATE:

WORD & PRAYER: ACTS 6:4

VIGILANT OR TEMPERATE: 1 TIMOTHY 3:2, TITUS 1:8

APT TO TEACH: 1 TIMOTHY 3:2

EXHORT: TITUS 1:9

OVERSEER: ACTS 20:28 1 PETER 5:2

RULER AS SHEPHERD/PASTOR: 1 PETER 5:2,5; HEBREWS 13:7

FEED: 1 PETER 5:2

EXAMPLE: 1 PETER 5:3

G) AUTHORITY:

FROM GOD: ACTS 20:28

SPIRITUAL OVER LOCAL: 2 TIMOTHY 4:1-4

CHURCH: TITUS 2:1,15

H) DOUBLE HONOR: RULES WELL AND LABORS

IN WORD & DOCTRINE: 1 TIMOTHY 5:17

XII) SUMMERY OF REQUIREMENTS: DEACON

A) CALLING:

APPOINTMENT & ORDAINED: ACTS 6:3

LAID HANDS ON THEM: ACTS 6:6

B) LIFE: (MANNER OF LIVING)

NOT DOUBLE TONGUED: 1 TIMOTHY 3:8

NOT GREEDY OF MONEY: 1 TIMOTHY 3:8

NOT GIVEN TO WINES: 1 TIMOTHY 3:8

GRAVE - SERIOUS: 1 TIMOTHY 3:8

HOLDS FAITH IN A PURE CONSCIENCE: 1 TIMOTHY 3:9

BLAMELESS: 1 TIMOTHY 3:10

SOBER: 1 TIMOTHY 3:11

HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM: ACTS 6:3

HONEST REPORT: ACTS 6:3

WISDOM: ACTS 6:3

C) FAMILY RELATIONS:

WIVES BE GRAVE NOT: 1 TIMOTHY 3:6

SLANDERERS, SOBER AND FAITHFUL:

HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE: 1 TIMOTHY 3:12

RULING CHILDREN WELL: 1 TIMOTHY 3:12

RULES HOUSEHOLD WELL: 1 TIMOTHY 3:12

D) EXPERIENCE:

FIRST BE PROVED: 1 TIMOTHY 3:10

E) DUTIES:

SERVES TABLES AND DAILY MINISTRATION: ACTS 6:1-3

XIII) CONCLUSION:

Ezekiel 34 admonishes the Shepherds to feed the flock and be sensitive to how they rule over the flock. The Shepherd is to protect, watch over, and guide the flock. The flock also is to grow and mature. The Lord Jesus is the chief Shepherd in 34:23.

RETURN TO THE: BIBLE PAPERS HOME PAGE

This page is maintained by Dennis Schmidt. Please send your questions or comments to (dennisschmidt@att.net).