1 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV) - I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.

Ephesians 5:22–25 (ESV) - Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 25Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

1 Timothy 2:13–15 (ESV) - For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

1 Timothy 3:1, 8 (ESV) - The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task…8Deacons likewise must be…

These two roles are spoken of specifically in the New Testament.
Philippians 1:1 (ESV) - Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

The distinct responsibilities of these two roles began in Acts 6:1-7.
Acts 6:2–5 (ESV) - And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5And what they said pleased the whole gathering….

What is an Elder/Overseer?
Three terms describe these spiritual leaders in the church (Acts 20:17-38)

Episkopos = sometimes translated “bishop” or usually “overseer”. Indicates responsibility and authority.

Presbuteros = elder or presbyter. Indicates maturity in life (not necessarily age related…Timothy was himself considered a young man).

Poimne/Poimnion = flock as needing a shepherd or pastor. Indicates care and leadership.

A memorable summary of these responsibilities is…
Guide (mission, vision, strategy)
Govern (culture, leadership)
Guard (sound doctrine)
– adapted from Anthony Hilder

Who can fill this role?
1 Timothy 3:2–7 (ESV) - Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Crossroads Constitution “Purpose and Responsibilities” of Elders
The Elder Team is responsible for assisting the pastoral staff in the spiritual duties of the church, primarily in matters such as spiritual advice, leadership accountability, church discipline, making disciples, shepherding the flock, setting the vision and direction of the church, and overseeing church doctrine.

The Elder Team is to oversee the spiritual life of the church. This means they are to regularly oversee and give counsel to all current and future ministries of this church and to oversee its administrative affairs and the welfare of its pastors and their families.

Crossroads Constitution “Qualifications” of Elders
An Elder shall be a male Member of this church who has attended regularly for a minimum of three (3) years in good standing and must be a person full of the Spirit and wisdom and able to lead in the operations of the church.

What is a Deacon?

Diakonos = servant

Who can fill this role?
1 Timothy 3:8–15 (ESV) - Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 14I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.

Discussion Questions

1. Look up the qualities for elders listed in Titus 1:5-9. What do these add to those given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7?

2. Read 1 Peter 5:1-7. According to Peter, what is to be the heart of an elder and what blessing (v4) awaits those who serve as elders? How are others to respond to elders (see also Hebrews 13:17)?

3. Read Acts 20:28-32. What of this conversation between Paul and the elders at Ephesus reminds you of what was examined in questions 1 and 2? Does anything here add to the role or heart of an elder?

4. Based on the definition of diakonos (servant) what is the role of a deacon in the local church and how do they complement the role of elder?

5. Many of the qualifications for elders and deacons are the same, as found in 1 Timothy 3:1-13. However, there are two key differences. Elders oversee (have authority) and they are expected to teach. How does this fit with 1 Timothy 2:11-12 and lead us to the conclusion that the role of elder/pastor should be filled by godly men?