What’s Next with Elders and deacons

As we’ve seen over the past few weeks, the offices of the church are unlike anything else in our secular world. They are neither mere volunteer positions nor mere jobs. They are callings with biblical qualifications and are necessary to the health of the church.

We have asked you, church, to recognize and recommend godly men to these offices. Now, the board will review your recommendations and determine candidates to pursue for training.

As a reminder, just because someone was recommended does not mean that they will be asked to be an elder or a deacon and those who are asked may not be willing. But please pray that God would provide, faithful, eager, available, and teachable men to serve in these roles!

But some of you may be thinking, “Why don’t we just make them officers already? Why not call a business meeting and appoint them?”

It is a natural question and some churches do just that. But I am convinced that to do so would be to view these offices as nothing special, just positions that need to be filled like any other. But that is not how the New Testament treats these offices.

In the first place, remember that Paul calls the office of elder a “noble task” (1 Tim. 3:1). Similarly, James warns that not all should be teachers (James 3:1), one of the duties of elders. This isn’t something that the New Testament treats lightly or flippantly.

Similarly, when discussing the qualifications for deacons I left out a discussion of verse 10:

And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

Paul doesn’t want Timothy to just slap some men in the office and call it a day. He actually commands Timothy to test them first. This involves, at a minimum, instruction on the nature and function of the office of deacon and examination as to whether they meet the biblical qualifications. It probably also involves a period in which they are put forward to the church as candidates and allowed to show themselves qualified.

Finally, in the context of dealing with accusations of sin against and actual sin of elders, Paul instructs Timothy,

Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands (1 Tim. 5:22).

The reason for this is that just as those in leadership positions have the potential to do much good, so they have the potential to do much harm. Whether through intentional sin or simple immaturity and foolishness, the wrong men in the office will prove harmful to the church. Personally speaking, I know of two churches in our area that had significant funds embezzled by ungodly leaders.

So, Paul warns Timothy, “Don’t be hasty! Don’t ordain unqualified men to these offices just because there is a need!”

What, then, does this mean for our church?

In August, the board will be carefully considering the recommendations and identifying candidates to pursue. If those candidates are willing to serve, we will start a period of training and examination, followed by a period in which they are put forward as candidates to the church, and finally, ordained into office.

This isn’t a quick process, but it is a necessary one that I believe is both for the good of the church and of the candidate.

Would you please pray for this process? Pray for wisdom for the elders and deacons as we consider the recommendations and pray for willingness and eagerness upon the part of those God is calling to this service.