Biblically we believe there are two leadership offices in the local church which are Elders and Deacons (Philippians 1:1, Acts 6:1-7 ). These together with the saints function together as one team to fulfill the vision that God has given the local Church. Elders are responsible to govern the local church.(Acts 20:28, I Timothy 5:17)
• We believe elders are the highest human governing authority in the local church.
• They have the responsibility to guide, guard and govern (shepherd) God’s people in the local church.
Deacons work together with the eldership team to administer the affairs of the church. And any other Biblical ministry to God or to man can be carried out by the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9). Each and every one of us has a calling in life let’s move to perfection of what God has for us. If it’s singing sing, if it’s preaching preach, if it’s helping
others help, its encouraging encourage. (Romans 12:5-8)
FUNCTION
We differ in terms of function as illustrated in Philippians 1:1. Here we see Paul and Timothy working as a team in trans-local capacity writing to overseers or elders, deacons and saints at Philippi. Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31, Ephesians 4:4-8,
Ephesians 4:11-16
LEADERSHIP IS BY EXAMPLE
• We live in the future and we lead our people into that future. 1 Corinthians 11:1, 1Peter 5:1-4, 1 Timothy 4:12
Leaders Called & Appointed by God Leaders are recognised through the delegated authority of man. Elders by
apostles, deacons by elders, apostles by elders and other apostles.
(Acts 14:21-23, Titus1:5-6, Acts 6:1-7, Acts 13:1-4, Acts 1:20-26)
Leaders lead from the front (John 10:1-21), they fear and serve God by serving the people. On the other hand people fear and serve God by serving their leaders. They don’t fear or worship each other. (Mathew 20:26-28). The motivation is the call and purpose of God for the church. The leader imparts this through covenantal relationships and frees people to be what God has called them to. The biggest leadership qualifications are character, lifestyle and the call of God. Through it all, God’s Word is our final authority for all life, faith & conduct.
