The Church of Jesus – Offices, Duties and Organization

Regarding the duties of the elders, we can read the following in the Book of Acts:

¹⁶ For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus… ¹⁷ Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. ¹⁸ And when they came to him, he said to them: … ²⁸ Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Acts 20:16‑28 ESV; evidence concerning the duties of the elders are highlighted in dark blue)

Paul sent for the elders (verse 17); here, the Greek word “presbýteros” stands for the elders. In verse 28, he called them overseers (Greek “epískopos”). Also, in Paul’s letter to Titus, the terms “elders” and “overseers” are used synonymously: “elders” in verse 5 and “overseers” in verse 7 of the first chapter. The two words have exactly the same meaning. The term “elder” comes from Jewish and the official title “overseer” from Greek civil life.

The term “overseer” occurs only a few times in the Bible. In one of these scriptures, Jesus is referred to as shepherd and overseer (1Pet 2:25). One duty of the elders is to shepherd (Greek “poimaínō”) the congregation; this Greek verb is translated with “to care” in verse 28. To shepherd also means to pay careful attention, to provide, to protect and to lead.

The Greek word “ekklēsía” is usually translated as “church,” “assembly” or “congregation.” It is composed of two words: “ek” means “out from” and “kaléō” means “to call.” It thus refers to the people who have been called out of the world to God. It denotes the body of Christ of all believers.

The elders are placed in the church and not over it (Acts 20:28). The Greek preposition “en” translated here as “in” also means “inside” and “within” and describes a state in which something operates from the inside. The same word has been translated as “among” in the following two verses:

¹ So I exhort the elders among you…: ² shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; ³ not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (1Pet 5:1‑3 ESV; light blue are notes how elders should be or how they should behave)

We have already explained above what it means to shepherd the flock. In this Bible passage, it is also mentioned that the elders exercise oversight, Greek “episkopéō.” This Greek word is the verb to the noun “overseer” (Greek “epískopos”), which has the same meaning as “elder” as we have already explained above. Thus, it generally refers to the function of the elders.

The elders shall not domineer (Greek “katakyrieúō”). The same verb is found in the following verse, translated as “to lord it over:”

²⁵ But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. ²⁶ It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, ²⁸ even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mt 20:25‑28 ESV; see also Mk 10:42‑45; Mk 9:35; Lk 22:25‑26)

What it means to lord it over was explained by the centurion of Capernaum:

For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, “Go,” and he goes; and that one, “Come,” and he comes. I say to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it. (Mt 8:9; see also Lk 7:8)

To domineer or to lord it over means to exercise control. Restricting someone’s decision-making is already a means of control. Instead, we should serve others. Naturally, a servant does not have authority over the ones he serves, he also does not tell them what to do. Furthermore, a servant also grants others the freedom not to use his service.

Instead of domineering, elders should lead by example. In Greek, there is the conjunction “allá” before “being examples” (1Pet 5:3); this typically constitutes a strong adversative conjunction that can also be translated with “but instead” or “on the contrary.” Hence, elders shall shepherd by being examples instead of domineering.

Paul wrote:

¹⁷ The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’ (1Tim 5:17‑18; green are indications how all should behave)

The Greek verb “proístēmi,” translated as “to direct,” is composed of “pró” (English “before”) and “hístēmi” (English “to stand”). According to the dictionary, it means “pre-standing,” referring to a pre-set (well-established) character which provides the needed model to direct others, i.e. to positively impact them by example. Thus, Elders should lead by example.

These elders are worthy of double honor (Greek “timḗ”). This is about honor in the sense of respect and support for the servants of God. More detailed elaborations on this subject can be found in the section discussing the support of God’s servants in my article “What Commandments should Christians keep?”

The Greek verb “kopiáō,” translated with “work,” stands for to labor until worn-out, depleted (exhausted). The Greek “lógos” (English “word”) was translated with “preaching.” So others translate the end of verse 17 with “who labor in the word and doctrine.” (KJV) Thus, in summary this is about teaching.

Paul also wrote:

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. (1Thess 5:12)

Above, we already explained the meaning of the Greek verbs “kopiáō,” translated as “work hard,” and “proístēmi” which is translated with “to care” in this verse, but was translated above with “to direct.” Admonish (Greek “nouthetéō”) is derived from “noús” (“mind”) and “títhēmi” (“to place”); literally translated: “to place someone’s mind,” i.e. reasoning with someone by warning (admonishing) them.

Those who admonish, care (or lead) and work hard should be acknowledged (Greek “eídō”). This verb can also mean to see with the physical eyes, as it naturally bridges to the metaphorical sense: perceiving (“mentally seeing”). This is akin to the expressions: “I see what you mean” and “I see what you are saying.” So the point here is to heed the advice of the elders.

Furthermore, Paul wrote that elders should be able to…

…encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (Tit 1:9)

The verb “to encourage” (Greek “parakaléō”) is derived from “pará” meaning “from close-beside” and “kaléō” meaning “to call,” properly, “make a call” from being “close-up and personal.” It involves giving personal advice or encouraging someone close. To refute (Greek “elégxō”) means according to the Greek dictionary to convince with solid, compelling evidence, especially to expose (prove wrong).

James wrote:

Is anyone among you ill? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. (Jam 5:14)

So elders are to pray for the sick and anoint them with oil.

At the Council at Jerusalem, the apostles and the elders met to discuss how to deal with the controversial question of whether gentile believers must be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses (Acts 15:6). Thus, the duties of the elders include counseling on fundamental matters of faith and teaching accordingly.

We have already seen that elders are to be honored (1Tim 5:17) and acknowledged (1Thess 5:12). The Epistle to the Hebrews says:

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. (Hebr 13:7)

In the Epistle to the Hebrews, we do not find the terms “elders” or “overseers,” but exceptionally the word “leaders.” The terms “elders” or “overseers” are not used at all in this epistle, but instead the verb “hégeomai.” We can therefore literally translate: “Remember those who lead you.” The meaning is the same, so the words “elders,” “overseers” and “leaders” are synonyms.

The verse we have just read is encouraging us to be inspired by the positive example of the elders. Paul wrote about this:

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. (Phil 3:17; see also 1Cor 4:16)

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1Cor 11:1; see also 1Thess 1:6)

The elders should set an example for the others in achieving the following:

Follow God’s example… (Eph 5:1)

… Christ … leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1Pet 2:21)

Let us continue reading in the Epistle to the Hebrews:

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Hebr 13:17 ESV)

The Greek verb “peíthō” translated as “obey” is the root of the noun “pístis” which means “faith;” according to the dictionary, this verb means “to persuade, to have confidence.” It was translated in this sense almost throughout the entire New Testament (e.g. Mk 10:24; Lk 18:9; Acts 26:26; Acts 28:24; Rom 8:38; Rom 15:14; Phil 1:6+25; 2Tim 1:5+12). Others translate the beginning of this verse much better with “Have confidence” (NIV) or “Trust in your leaders” (NIRV). So one is to be persuaded to have faith or trust in the elders. One submits by trusting them.

That the elders watch (Greek “agrypnéō,” meaning “no sleep”) emphasizes their hard work while shepherding, as also expressed in other verses quoted above.

When leaders will have to give an account, they do not give an account of others, but of their own service. This follows from the Greek text. The following translation is more accurate:

… They know they are accountable to God for everything they do… (Hebr 13:17 NIRV)

The elders have no responsibility for others, but are responsible for what they do or do not do, in the same sense as God explained it to Ezekiel:

²⁰ ‘Again, when a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling-block before them, they will die. Since you did not warn them, they will die for their sin. The righteous things that person did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. ²¹ But if you do warn the righteous person not to sin and they do not sin, they will surely live because they took warning, and you will have saved yourself.’ (Ez 3:20‑21; see also Ez 3:17‑19; Ez 33:2‑9)

Thus, no one is accountable for anyone else, nor is one accountable to anyone but God alone (see also Gal 6:4‑5).

Peter wrote:

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ (1Pet 5:5)

One should submit to the elders (Greek “hypotássō”), that is, one should honor them, respect them, and respect their teaching as well as their counsel. This refers to matters of faith and has nothing to do with personal matters or private decisions. The same Greek verb “hypotássō” is also found in the following verses:

…submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. (1Cor 16:16)

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Eph 5:21)

Submitting to one another also includes the elders submitting to the others. This mutual subordination is described elsewhere as follows:

…in humility value others above yourselves, (Phil 2:3)

In Greek, we find here again the verb “hégeomai,” which also means “to lead;” in this case, it was translated as “to value.” Therefore, valuing others can also mean allowing yourself to be led by them.

Blind obedience to the elders is not required. All teachings may certainly be tested, indeed they should be tested. This is what the Berean Jews did after Paul and Silas taught them:

¹¹ Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. ¹² As a result, many of them believed… (Acts 17:11‑12)

When you test a teaching, you study it in depth. It does not just go in one ear and out the other. After you have tested something and therefore found it to be correct, you have stronger faith in it than before. And that is why many in Berea believed.

Jesus said to his disciples, the apostles:

⁸ ‘But you are not to be called “Rabbi”, for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. ⁹ And do not call anyone on earth “father”, for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. ¹⁰ Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah.
¹¹ The greatest among you will be your servant. ¹² For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Mt 23:8‑12)

“Rabbi” was an honoring title for Jewish teachers of the Scriptures. You should not be called “Rabbi,” “instructor” or “teacher,” because Jesus is the Teacher. The Greek word here is “didáskalos,” which means “teacher” or “instructor.” Nor should anyone be called “father,” because this title belongs to our heavenly Father. Jesus exhorted not to be addressed with honorary titles that are due to him or our Father in heaven, i.e. God.

Jesus mentioned titles of honor that were common at the time. If the following titles had been common in those days, Jesus would probably have mentioned them:

• Apostle (Greek “apóstolos” for “messenger”): Jesus is an apostle (Hebr 3:1). He was sent by our Father in heaven (Jn 17:3+8+18+21+23+25; Jn 20:21; Acts 3:20; 1Jn 4:9‑10+14).
• Prophet (Greek “prophétés”): Jesus is a prophet (Mt 21:11+46; Lk 24:19; Jn 4:19; Jn 6:14; Jn 7:40; Jn 9:17; Acts 3:20‑26).
• Evangelist (Greek “euaggelízō:” one who proclaims the good news of the Gospel): Jesus is an evangelist (Mt 11:5; Lk 4:18+43; Lk 7:22; Lk 8:1; Lk 20:1; Acts 10:36; Eph 2:17).
• Pastor (Latin for “shepherd”): Jesus is our shepherd (Jn 10:11+14; 1Pet 2:25; 1Pet 5:4).
• Teacher (Greek “didáskalos,” sometimes translated as “master” or “instructor”): Jesus is our teacher (Mt 8:19; Mt 9:11; Mt 12:38; Mt 17:24; Mt 19:16; Mt 22:16+24+36; Mt 23:8+10; Mt 26:18; Mk 4:38; Mk 5:35; Mk 9:17+38; Mk 10:17+20+35; Mk 12:14+19+32; Mk 13:1; Mk 14:14; Lk 7:40; Lk 8:49; Lk 9:38; Lk 10:25; Lk 11:45; Lk 12:13; Lk 18:18; Lk 19:39; Lk 20:21+28+39; Lk 21:7; Lk 22:11; Jn 1:38; Jn 3:2; Jn 8:4; Jn 11:28; Jn 13:13‑14; Jn 20:16).
• Doctor (from Latin for “teacher”): see above.
• Minister (Greek “diákonos” for servant): Jesus was a minister (Mt 20:28; Mk 10:45; Jn 13:5; Rom 15:8; Hebr 8:2).
• Reverend: God is reverend (Ps 89:7; Ps 111:9; Eph 5:21; Hebr 12:28).
• Priest: Jesus is our priest (Hebr 5:10; Hebr 6:20).
• Bishop (derived from the Greek “epískopos” for “overseer”): Jesus is our overseer (1Pet 2:25).
• Eminence (from Latin for “to stand out,” i.e. “holy,” salutation for cardinals): God is holy (Ex 15:11; 1Sam 2:2; Ps 97:12; Ps 99:5; Isa 6:3; Isa 43:15; Rev 15:4).
• Pope (from the ancient Greek for “father”): God is our father (Mt 6:9; Mt 23:9; Lk 11:2).

For example, if we perform a pastoral ministry, we should not be addressed as “pastor.” All believers are priests (Rev 1:6; Rev 5:10; 1Pet 2:9). It makes sense to identify who is a pastor, evangelist, prophet, teacher, etc. This helps others to know who they can turn to for help. But we should not allow ourselves to be called honorably with such a title. It is important that we do not exalt ourselves (Mt 23:12; Lk 14:11). Jesus also said:

⁴¹ I do not accept glory from human beings… ⁴⁴ How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? (Jn 5:41+44)

The glory (Greek “dóksa”) which Jesus spoke of here is a divine glory due to God (Gal 1:5; Rev 5:13; Rev 7:12). It is written:

I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. (Isa 42:8)

God does not share his glory with us human beings. Consequently, in particular, we should not allow anyone to honor us with a title that belongs to God.

As we have already noted, an elder should be a good example (Hebr 13:7; 1Pet 5:3) and serve others (Mt 20:27; Mk 10:42‑45; Mk 9:35; Lk 22:25‑26). Paul wrote:

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

⁶ if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. ⁷ For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, ⁸ but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. (Tit 1:6‑8 ESV)

All this can be summarized in one sentence: An elder must be a good example. Almost casually it was mentioned that he must be able to teach (1Tim 3:2). Every Christian should have or at least strive for each of the above characteristics. Elders must have produced good fruit so that they have a good reputation (cf. Mt 7:15‑23).

Paul wrote that an elder should be “the husband of one wife” (1Tim 3:2; Tit 1:6). Does that mean you cannot be an elder if you are not married? Paul also wrote:

⁷ I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. ⁸ Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: it is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. ⁹ But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. (1Cor 7:7‑9)

In this passage, Paul emphasized and highlighted it as worthy of imitation that he himself was not married. He as an apostle was of course also an elder and he even encouraged to imitate him (Phil 3:17). It can thus not be correct that an elder must have a wife. Probably, Paul meant that one must not have more than one wife.

Can you only be an elder if your children are also good examples? King David was a man after God’s own heart (1Sam 13:14), but two of his sons, Amnon and Absalom (2Sam 13:1), were really bad examples: Amnon raped his sister Tamar (2Sam 13:14) and Absalom committed treason, appointed himself as king (2Sam 15:10) and committed adultery in public with his father’s wives (2Sam 16:22). Samuel was judge over Israel all the days of his life (1Sam 7:15), but his sons took bribes and perverted justice during his lifetime (1Sam 8:1‑3). And the sons of Eli the priest were worthless men, they had no regard for the Lord (1Sam 2:12) and they committed fornication (1Sam 2:22).

Did Paul perhaps mean only young children? That is questionable. After all, one is not likely to bring a charge of debauchery (Tit 1:6) against young children; debauchery (Greek “asōtía”) is to be understood, for example, as drunkenness (Eph 5:18). Additionally, the word “children” (Greek “téknon”) does not only stand for young children, but, as in English, it is also commonly used for adult offspring (e.g. Mt 21:28; Mt 27:25; Lk 15:31; Jn 8:39; Gal 4:28+31; 1Tim 5:4; 1Pet 3:6).

The characteristics in Paul’s epistles to Timothy and Titus can be a guide, but should not be considered as the one any only binding benchmark. For example, we have already read above that one should imitate the faith of the elders (Hebr 13:7); so elders should also have faith worthy of imitation, but Paul did not mention this.

That a recent convert cannot be an elder is self-evident (1Tim 3:6), like many other things. Being an elder is not primarily about age, but about having become a mature exemplary Christian over the course of time.

Paul wrote about elders always in the masculine gender. Can women therefore not be elders? Addressing readers exclusively in the masculine gender is standard practice in the biblical epistles. When sisters were mentioned, usually specific individuals were meant. Sisters are not addressed in any epistle, but brothers only. That is the case if you read the ancient Greek texts. However, meanwhile modern translations interpret the word “brothers” (Greek “adelphos”) as “brothers and sisters” (e.g. Rom 1:13 NIV, NIRV).

Jesus had multiplied five loaves and two fish, and many people were filled. The Gospel of Mark says that 5000 men ate, without even mentioning women or children (Mk 6:44), although they were present (Mt 14:21).

Explicitly mentioning women was unusual at the time, although they were naturally included. Therefore, due to the wording in the masculine gender, we cannot conclude that only men can be elders. The question whether women can also be elders will be answered later.

Paul and Barnabas had been in Antioch (Acts 13:1). They had successfully evangelized in Iconium and Lystra and suddenly departed from there because their lives were threatened (Acts 13:50 to Acts 14:20). Later they returned to these three cities and…

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. (Acts 14:23)

The Greek word “xeirotonéō,” translated here as “to appoint,” literally means to stretch out one’s hand expressing agreement. That Paul and Barnabas left suddenly was certainly not the only reason why the elders were appointed later. These churches had not existed for long. The new believers had to act like elders for a certain period of time before they were publicly appointed or honored as such.

Paul wrote to Titus:

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. (Tit 1:5)

Paul entrusted Titus to appoint elders, because this had not yet been done. So there must have been churches without elders in these towns. Certainly, also these elders had to prove their maturity over the course of time before they were appointed.

Have their duties or responsibilities changed after their appointment? Certainly not, because they still served their brothers and sisters. The appointment of elders is primarily an announcement to the others, namely that they are exemplary and trustworthy.

Let us see how Paul was called and began his ministry. Jesus appeared to Paul (Acts 9:1‑7). After he could see again, he was baptized, filled with the Holy Spirit, and immediately began to preach the gospel (Acts 9:20). Paul had a divine revelation (Gal 1:12; see also Eph 3:3; 1Cor 11:23). He himself wrote about this:

¹⁵ But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased ¹⁶ to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. ¹⁷ I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. ¹⁸ Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. ¹⁹ I saw none of the other apostles – only James, the Lord’s brother. (Gal 1:15‑19)

Paul began his evangelistic ministry without being appointed or confirmed by apostles or elders. He had not even consulted with them. He wrote about himself:

Paul, an apostle – sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead (Gal 1:1)

⁴… Jesus Christ our Lord. ⁵ Through him we received grace and apostleship… (Rom 1:4‑5)

He understood that he had been called by Jesus to be an apostle. To the Corinthians he wrote:

Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you… (1Cor 9:2)

So apparently some doubted that Paul was an apostle, which may be an indication of not having been appointed as such by the other apostles.

Also, about the elders in Ephesus, there is nothing in the Bible about them being appointed by others, but that…

…the Holy Spirit has made… [them] overseers… (Acts 20:28)

John the Baptist was also called directly by God (Lk 3:2; cf. Jn 1:6), as was Moses (Ex 3:1‑10), Jeremiah (Jer 1:4‑5) and others.

It is good to be confirmed by elders or other brothers and sisters, but it is not absolutely necessary. One becomes an elder by serving as an elder in an exemplary way.

How one acts, how one is, and what one does are indications of whether one is an elder. Note that there are also false brethren and false elders, that is, people who pretend to be brethren, elders, apostles, prophets or teachers when they are not (Mt 24:5+11+24; Mk 13:6+22; 2Cor 11:13+26; 2Pet 2:1; 1Jn 4:1; Rev 2:2; see also Rom 16:17‑18; 1Tim 1:3).

Jesus warned:

¹⁵ Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. ¹⁶ By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. ²¹ Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” ²³ Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Mt 7:15‑23)

And in the epistles we read:

¹ Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ² This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³ but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. (1Jn 4:1‑3)

And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage. (Gal 2:4 KJV)

And in their greed they will exploit you with false words… (2Pet 2:3 ESV)

We are all urged to pay attention, not only the elders, because these words are for all brothers and sisters. So we should look at the fruits of the people (Mt 7:15‑23) and their confession (1Jn 4:1‑3). True elders also do not bring anyone into bondage (Gal 2:4). They do not put others down or belittle them, but deliberately foster their spiritual growth. They also do not exploit anyone (2Pet 2:3), neither financially nor in terms of their labor.

We read about the first appointment of deacons in the Book of Acts:

¹ In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. ² So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. ³ Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them ⁴ and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.’ ⁵ This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. ⁶ They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. (Acts 6:1‑6; duties of the deacons are also highlighted in dark blue and light blue are again indications of how they should behave or how they should be)

The duties of deacons are hands-on activities. The Greek word “diákonos” literally means someone who thoroughly raises up dust by moving in a hurry. Therefore, a deacon serves eagerly and diligently. The word “diákonos” is often translated as “servant,” for example:

… Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.’ (Mk 9:35; see also Mt 20:26; Mt 23:11; Mk 10:43)

Paul referred to himself several times as a servant (Greek “diákonos:” 1Cor 3:5; Eph 3:7; Col 1:25). Everyone should be a servant. Just as everyone should aspire to have the characteristics of elders, everyone should also have an attitude of being a servant, and this explicitly includes elders.

Similar to what Paul wrote about the desired characteristics of elders, he wrote the following about deacons:

⁸ Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. ⁹ They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. ¹¹ Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. ¹² Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. (1Tim 3:8‑12 ESV)

To summarize briefly, a deacon should be a good example. This list is similar to the list already discussed above regarding elders and my comments on it are equally relevant here.

In the first report on deacons, we read earlier that they were chosen by the “whole group.” Then the apostles prayed and laid their hands on them. (Acts 6:1‑6)

Paul instructed that deacons should be tested first (1Tim 3:10). This makes sense, because the duties of deacons are of practical service and not everyone possesses the required capabilities.

Thus, when one is appointed as a deacon, he assumes the corresponding service.

In the epistles we can read:

… All of them will take care of one another. (1Cor 12:25 NIRV)

None of you should look out just for your own good. Each of you should also look out for the good of others. (Phil 2:4 NIRV)

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, (Hebr 10:24 ESV)

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1Thess 5:11)

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. (Gal 6:1)

If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life… (1Jn 5:16)

God wants us to take care of each other and be supportive. We should look after others, encourage another, build each other up and pray for one another. All this is part of shepherding what also elders should do.

Already in the old Mosaic covenant there was the following commandment:

…love your neighbor as yourself… (Lev 19:18)

Loving your neighbor is not a new commandment from Jesus. God has always wanted people to help each other and support the poor (Deut 15:7‑11).

In the epistles it is written:

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Col 3:16)

In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! (Hebr 5:12)

Older women… are to teach what is good, (Tit 2:3 ESV)

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. (2Tim 2:24)

So teaching is not something which should be done by the elders only, instead, all believers should teach more and more as time goes on.

Long before, Moses said in the authority of God:

⁶ And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. (Deut 6:6‑7 ESV; see also Deut 11:19)

So one should talk about God’s words, that is, teach about them, and also when walking “by the way,” that is, in public.

In the previous section on teaching, we have already read that believers should also admonish one another (Col 3:16; Greek “nouthetéō”), which is also one of the duties of the elders (1Thess 5:12).

Paul wrote to the entire church:

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1Thess 5:14)

¹⁴ If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter…¹⁵… warn him as a brother. (2Thess 3:14‑15 ESV)

In these two verses, the Greek verb “nouthetéō” was used again. This time, it is not translated with “to admonish,” but with “to warn.” Admonishing and warning are therefore also duties for all believers.

In the days of Moses, God was already commanding the people of Israel:

… Rebuke your neighbor frankly so that you will not share in their guilt… (Lev 19:17)

To admonish or rebuke one’s neighbors is therefore nothing new either.

The epistles also state:

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1Thess 5:11)

²⁴ And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ²⁵ not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebr 10:24‑25 ESV)

To encourage (Greek “parakaléō”) is also a duty of the elders (Tit 1:9).

Paul wrote:

²⁴ And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, ²⁵ correcting his opponents with gentleness… (2Tim 2:24‑25 ESV)

The apostles sometimes humbly referred to themselves as servants of the Lord Jesus (Greek “doúlos;” Rom 1:1; 2Cor 4:5; Gal 1:10; Phil 1:1; Tit 1:1; Jam 1:1; 2Pet 1:1; Jude 1:1), and in other passages they used the same word for other believers (1Cor 7:22; Eph 6:6; 1Pet 2:16; Rev 1:1; Rev 22:6).

All believers are servants of God and should correct their opponents. This is very similar to what elders should do, which is “to refute those who oppose” (Tit 1:9).

James encouraged:

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (Jam 5:16)

Praying for the sick is thus not just the duty of the elders (Jam 5:14). Jesus said that the believers…

…will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover. (Mk 16:18 ESV)

The Lord’s Supper has its origin in the Passover meal, which was celebrated in the family, that is, without a priest. It can be celebrated by all believers without the presence of elders. For more details, see my article on the Lord’s Supper.

In the Book of Acts there are reports of several baptisms, including the following:

• Ananias was a disciple (Acts 9:10) and he baptized Saul (Acts 9:18), who is also known to us as Paul (Acts 13:9).
• Peter ordered that the new believers were baptized (Acts 10:48) by Jewish believers who had come with him (Acts 10:45). And these were brothers from Joppa (Acts 10:23).
• Because of Paul’s evangelism, Crispus and many other Corinthians believed and were baptized (Acts 18:8). In his First Epistle to the Corinthians, Paul stated that he did not baptize any Corinthians except Crispus and Gaius and the household of Stephanas (1Cor 1:14‑16). Therefore, many other believers in Corinth were most probably not baptized by elders, as the following observation also shows:
• It was consistently the case that believers were baptized immediately after their conversion, not only in the above examples, but in principle (Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12; Acts 8:35‑38; Acts 16:14‑15; Acts 16:33; Acts 19:5; Acts 22:16). As we have seen above, there were also churches in which no elders were appointed. So we can conclude that the new converts were baptized by others.

Likewise, Jesus did not baptize himself, but his disciples (Jn 4:2). – So you do not have to be an elder to baptize.

On a side note, I suggest to baptize the new converts according to the biblical model immediately after their conversion. The person who led the new convert to Christ can also baptize. If there is no suitable lake nearby, someone can be baptized in a swimming pool or bathtub, for example. There is no biblical example to keep someone waiting for weeks or to prepare someone in several meetings before the baptism.

Jesus said:

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. (Jn 14:12)

¹⁷ And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; ¹⁸ they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on people who are ill, and they will get well. (Mk 16:17‑18)

Stephen was a deacon (Acts 6:5) and he “performed great wonders and signs” (Acts 6:8). So miracles are not reserved for the elders, but it is sufficient to believe.

The apostles regularly taught and evangelized in the temple (Acts 2:42 in conjunction with Acts 2:46; Acts 5:42), in the synagogues (Acts 13:5+14+42; Acts 14:1; Acts 17:1‑2+10+17; Acts 18:4+19+26; Acts 19:8) and houses (Acts 5:42; Acts 20:8) as well as in other places, for example, by the river in Philippi (Acts 16:13) and in the marketplace in Athens (Acts 17:17).

Church services are also called meetings. On the one hand, there were meetings focusing on the teaching of an apostle, for example, when someone fell sound asleep and toppled out the window while Paul was speaking (Acts 20:9). On the other hand, there were meetings where everyone was expected to contribute:

What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. (1Cor 14:26)

After this verse, Paul gave the Corinthians some further instructions for their meetings (1Cor 14:27‑40).

Now what is a Church service? Jesus said:

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. (Mt 18:20 ESV)

When we meet with someone else to pray, praise God or share about matters of faith, that is already a church service. It does not matter where it takes place. The presence of an elder is not required. The first 3000 Christians met daily in their homes, without apostles and elders. At that time, there could not have been enough anyway to attend every single meeting (Acts 2:46). Please remember that there were also churches without any elders at all.

It is remarkable that Paul addressed all instructions regarding the meetings to the whole congregation, he did not even mention elders at all. In particular, Paul did not give them any responsibility related to the arrangement of a church service. Prophecies were to be judged by the entire congregation (1Cor 14:29). He also addressed to the whole church his exhortation “Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1Cor 14:40 KJV).

It is written about the first Christians:

⁴⁴ And all that believed were together, and had all things common; ⁴⁵ And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. ⁴⁶ And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, ⁴⁷ Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:44‑47 KJV)

The believers did not only meet for church services, but they lived closely together and supported each other. All believers are part of the church of Jesus, that is the body of Christ, the “ekklēsía,” because God is the one who adds to the church as soon as one is saved (verse 47). Christians should have fellowship with other believers and should also participate in church services (Hebr 10:25).

If you participate in a church service, then by doing so you are part of this meeting, you thus belong to that part of the church of Jesus that meets at that place at that time. Let us assume that you participate in a service of church X; then you are part of this meeting, you then belong to this church gathering and it does not matter whether church X is considering you as its member or not, i.e. whether you belong to its organization in a special way or not. You belong to a (church) meeting by being there.

Many churches offer the option of becoming a member. When one applies for membership, that person must usually confirm the faith in Jesus and sometimes commitments are required like supporting the church; and then it is decided whether one will be accepted as a member or not. There is no biblical example for this kind of process or church membership. What is the point of determining and documenting whether or not someone is a member of church X?

Paul appealed:

¹⁰ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. ¹¹ For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. ¹² Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. ¹³ Is Christ divided? … (1Cor 1:10‑13 KJV)

Why should someone say: “I am Catholic.” or “I am Protestant.” or “I am Pentecostal.” or “I am Baptist.” or “I am a member of church X.” or …? Is Christ divided?

Jesus asked our heavenly Father:

²⁰ ‘My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – ²³ I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (Jn 17:20‑23)

Jesus obviously cares very much that all of us are one, and not just all within a denomination or all of a particular church, but truly all believers are to be one in complete unity!

How can dividing ourselves into denominations or other church organizations help us with “complete unity” as Jesus asked (Jn 17:23)? Obviously, it is practically impossible, for example, for all Christians of New York City, that is, the New York City church of Jesus, to meet in one gathering. This is not necessary at all. Also in New Testament times, Christians met in small groups in their homes (Acts 2:46).

All Christians should have fellowship and serve one another, and in particular, elders should serve other believers, all believers. If one is an elder, then one is an elder within the church of Jesus, that is, within the body of Jesus, that is, within all of Christianity. Elders should be willing to serve not only “their” congregation or “their” denomination. Naturally, one serves those more with whom one has a closer relationship. This happens by seeing each other more often, for example in church meetings. So it is quite normal that there are elders who primarily serve a certain group and that they may be perceived as elders by them only. Nevertheless, they are elders in the body of Jesus and as such, should be ready to serve all Christians.

Why should believers be recorded in membership lists and divided into denominations or otherwise? Memberships can also be very hindering if they restrict or bind Christians. Let us read from a Gospel:

³⁵ The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. ³⁶ When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ ³⁷ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. (Jn 1:35‑37)

From one moment to the next the two disciples changed from disciples of John to disciples of Jesus. We should not bind anyone by membership, commitments or anything else. Everyone should feel completely free to follow Jesus, without any need to declare leaving or anything else to anyone. Each one is responsible to God only and not to an elder. This also answers the question of how loyal we need to be to elders: Just as little as the two disciples were loyal to John.

Does that mean that you can just drop everything and run away at any time? Yes, if God directs you in this way. But remember that we should all serve one another. We should not just quit out of selfishness. After all, Jesus said:

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Mt 7:12 ESV)

I know of some churches that have a charter which outlines, for example, what they believe, what their goals are, who is an elder and how to become an elder or a member of the church.

It is definitely beneficial to think about what you believe and what your goals are. Having this documented can also be helpful in teaching, for example when dealing with interested people or new believers.

It can also be helpful to write down which duties the elders have; I have also done that in this article. However, such a document is not a charter, but related to teaching only.

Why should one try to regulate spiritual matters in an authoritative charter? Is the Bible not sufficient? In the Bible, there is no mention of any church having a charter or special church rules. We live in the New Covenant today and God writes his instructions in our hearts (Hebr 8:10; Hebr 10:16; Jer 31:33). Paul wrote:

He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2Cor 3:6)

God has set us free from the obligation to keep the Mosaic Law. Why should we now impose a charter on ourselves? Doing so would contradict the principles of the New Covenant. For a deeper insight into this matter, you may wish to turn to my article “What Commandments should Christians keep?”

Many churches have established a nongovernmental organization (NGO) or another legal entity in order to undertake business affairs such as renting facilities. A charter of an NGO is a legal document and, as such, very different from a spiritual church charter which we discussed in the previous section.

For such legal entities, there is also no biblical example, but they can certainly be helpful to the body of Jesus.

In some churches it is taught that you should support the church with your tithes, even though tithing is part of the Mosaic Law. We do not have to tithe, but we should honor God with our possessions and the firstfruits of our income. We should also support the poor and God’s servants. For more details, see the section on financial obligations in my article “What Commandments should Christians keep?”

The body of Jesus today, that is, His church, is structured to a large extent as illustrated in the following diagram. The elders are shown in blue and the other believers in black:

It is normal that there are elders of different maturity, that is, that some elders are “elder” or more senior than others, and that one elder is a role model to another elder. For example, Paul was an example to Timothy and an elder for him, whereas Timothy in turn was an elder for others. This is why the elders are shown in different shades of blue in the diagram.

Many churches have a hierarchical structure. The elders supervise others and are sometimes even authorized to give them orders. Moreover, they sometimes have the possibility to take disciplinary action against the elders who report to them. This is a form of control and ruling that Jesus explicitly does not want (see above).

Elders shall direct others, but they shall not be above them. They were placed in the congregation and not above it. And this is what the following diagram should illustrate:

Jesus, as explained above, does not want anyone to exercise authority over anyone else (Mt 20:25). Every congregation must consequently be completely independent, no matter how small it is; this includes small groups within a larger congregation, such as house groups and similar. There must not be any overarching structure where someone would have the authority to interfere with or restrict their matters. For example, if a congregation has to inquire elsewhere about whom to hire as pastor or whether a certain guest speaker may be invited, then such control is already a form of ruling.

Being independent and autonomous does not mean being on your own. God is pleased when we have fellowship and serve one another and also when one church serves another church. Paul traveled to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter (Gal 1:18); according to the dictionary, getting acquainted (Greek “historéō”) means to learn by inquiring (doing a personal examination) and to gain knowledge by “visiting” which conducts “a full interview.” The churches in Galatia and in Corinth supported the church in Jerusalem (1Cor 16:1‑3; see also 2Cor 8:1‑15; Acts 11:29‑30; Rom 15:26). The emphasis is again on helping and serving, without control.

As an elder, serve and shepherd all believers by being a good example to them. You are not to be called pastor, priest, apostle or the like. Do not domineer and do not exercise authority over anyone. You are not responsible to anyone else, but only to God for how you serve others.

I would like to compare your service with the service of a chambermaid in a hotel: Unless there is a “Do not disturb!” sign on the door, a chambermaid is expected to knock on the door and ask if she may clean. But if no service is desired from her, then, depending on the situation, she may briefly inform about the possibilities of getting the room cleaned later; but then she leaves. She is not responsible for cleaning the room if it is not wanted. She also does not hold a grudge against anyone when leaving the hotel.

If someone thinks differently than you and does not want to listen to your advice, then you can pray for him as God lays it on your heart. You are not responsible for what others do or what they believe, but only for serving them as a role model, if they are willing. Paul wrote:

… Maybe you think differently about something. But God will make it clear to you. (Phil 3:15 NIRV)

You can trust God to guide and direct all believers.

Pay attention to what the elders say, test it and be inspired by it. But also note that there are false elders. You are not accountable to any elder, but only to God. You are also under no obligation of false loyalty to any elder or congregation. Let God guide you in everything you do. Whether male or female, follow your calling and do not let (male) elders keep you down.

You are a priest (Rev 1:6; Rev 5:10; 1Pet 2:9) and there is no action that is reserved for the elders. So you may also baptize, administer the Lord’s Supper and everything else that elders are allowed to do.

I would like to close with the following scripture:

³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Phil 2:3‑4)