We have seen the simplicity of the organization of the local church. It is made up of elders, deacons, and saints (Philippians 1:1). The only exception to this is when a local church does not have men who qualify to be elders or deacons.
We must realize that there is a distinction between elders and deacons, especially in the area of authority. While, as we saw in our last blog, being in the role of a deacon is an honorable position, deacons are under the authority of the elders like everyone else in the local church. Just to be clear, let’s take a few minutes tonight to see the distinction between elders and deacons.
- Distinction in work
While elders are overseers, deacons are not. This verifies for us that all the work that deacons do is under the oversight of the elders. Yes, deacons have the job of ministering to the physical needs of the church but the elders must be aware of all that they are doing because they are ultimately responsible for how the Lord’s money is spent, and how things are being conducted. Furthermore, elders watch over the souls of the saints, deacons do not. The deacon’s work is limited to the physical well-being of the church, while the elder’s work extends to both the physical and spiritual.
- Distinction in authority
We have seen repeatedly that elders are in a position of authority. Deacons are under the authority of the elders. Elders have delegated authority from Christ to do their assigned work while deacons have delegated authority from elders to do their assigned work. Elders rule the flock while deacons are among those who are under that rule. The elders are over the flock. Remember, the word bishop comes from the word episkopos meaning, “to look over or watch.” The word over denotes being above in rank and authority. Deacons have a most important work to do and without scriptural deacons, a congregation is not complete; but deacons are not over anybody. Only elders are in that position.
So, there is a distinction between elders and deacons in their work and authority. This should help us understand the relationship that elders and deacons should have with each other. Deacons basically assist the elders with the physical aspect of the church’s work so that they can concentrate on overseeing the flock. The deacons are under the elders and must recognize their delegated authority. While deacons might and should handle things such as the finances of the church, they must ultimately answer to the elders. The elders have oversight over every act of the local church, whether it be large or small. That involves the work done by the deacons. At the same time, elders should have confidence in the deacons and allow them to do their work without checking over everything that they do. If the deacons are qualified, they are competent to take care of the physical aspects of the church, and the elders should let them do it.
Any local church that is fully organized scripturally with elders and deacons should feel richly blessed. All of these men do a great work for the Lord. I can tell you from personal experience that the difference between having and not having elders, at least from a preacher’s standpoint, is night and day. The Lord knew what He was doing when He organized the local church the way He did. Still, not every congregation has men who qualify for those roles. Those that do have such men, should appreciate it, or more accurately, should appreciate them. Let us all make sure that we do.
As you wind down for the night, think about these things.