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When Judaizers came to Antioch, trying to impose their ways, it was determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and ELDERS, about this question (Acts 15:2). Paul makes this point, or implies it, on several occasions (1 Timothy 5:19). While elders are ultimately subject to Christs authority, they are also under the authority of the congregation (see 1 Timothy 5:1920). Given these observations, we should be cautious about drawing hard-and-fast distinctions between pastors and elders in our leadership structures. 1:8) and to remember the authentic Jesus of his gospel, who died before he rose again and who endured suffering before he would reign (2Tim. Their combined counsel and wisdom helps assure that decisions are not self-willed or self-serving to a single individual (cf. Is the office of pastor taught in the Bible? Deacon Definition. Like many ancient societies, ancient Israel honored the role of mature, older men within the nation and looked to these elders for leadership. Qualified brothers within the local assembly are proposed for vetting. Elders are pastors. He gives three reasons. In the New Testament church portrayed in the book of Acts, people in leadership were known as elders, whether or not they were called out into full-time ministry. They help settle differences amongst the saints. But the word is often used in a more general sense to mean simply servant or minister. Even in Romans 16:1, when Paul commends Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, who was a patron of man and of [Paul] as well, its debated whether she was an official deacon of that church or simply a faithful servant of the church. 10 Things You Should Know about Church Elders - Crossway In the gospel narratives, the Jewish elders are visible as a group (often opposing Jesus). Your email address will not be published. 3:6; cf. In Pauls first epistle to Timothy, the apostle referred to the elders who rule well at the church at Ephesus (1 Tim. First, in Acts 20:28, elders are encouraged in the pastoral duties of overseeing and shepherding. 4:14); rule, teach, and preach (1 Tim. Third, elders shepherd (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-5). Paul sets out two (largely parallel) lists of qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, and those responsible for identifying new elders need to ensure that candidates meet the qualifications set out there. The elder may have the duties of a pastor and teacher. Elders in the Seventh-day Adventist Church work as spiritual mentors, act as advisors on church committees and projects, and are involved in decision-making in the church and ministry. 10. In these passages, the Greek worddiakonosrefers to an office.