CHURCH OFFICERS AND THEIR QUALIFICATIONS

OVERVIEW OF CHURCH OFFICERS AND THEIR QUALIFICATIONS

By Dennis Schmidt 8/2011

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This paper discusses the church officers and their functions. The Bible gives detail qualifications for two officers: Elders & Deacons. All scriptures are from the King James' version Bible.

INDUCTIVE COMMENTS:

THEME:

The task before the Christian Church is to uses the officers God ordained correctly to bring the flock of God to a mature and perfected state. The Church is to teach the deeper work of God, not just John 3:16 and to watch, teach, and guide the flock.

Ephesians 4:11-14

PURPOSE: The Church is to minister the deeper work of God, not just salvation and to guide the flock of God to a mature and perfected state.

Ephesians 4:11-14

KEY VERSE:

1 Corinthians 12:27-30

WHO: God written mostly by Bible authors Luke and Paul

TO WHOM: Elected men and women Christians

WHAT: God has placed ministries in the church as he wills to guide the church towards perfection.

1 Corinthians 12:27-30

WHY: The elders are to provide the church with good doctrine, be witnesses of Christ, and examples for the flock of God to follow.

1 Timothy 5:17

Titus 1:5-9

1 Peter 5:1-5

WAY: God provides the church with His ministries as He wills for the perfection of the saints.

Romans 12:4-8

Also Romans 12:3-8 1 and Corinthians 12:5-11 for spiritual gifts.

WHEREAS: The Christian is to desire to serve God in any way that God calls him to perform.

1 Timothy 3:1-13

WHERE: Earth

WHEN: God has a time and way for the ministries to perform their tasks to the church.

1 Corinthians 14:29-32

WHILE: God provides His power to the ministries to achieve His goals.

Acts 14:23

2 Corinthians 12:12

PAPER OUTLINE:

I) CHURCH OFFICES OF THE CHURCH:

A) FIVE FOLD MINISTRIES OFFICES:

B) THREE OFFICES SHOWN + MEMBERS MINISTRIES:

II) SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN THE CHURCH (BODY) ARE NOT THE CHURCH OFFICERS:

III) ONLY SIX OFFICERS & TASKS PERFORMED BY MINISTRY CHURCH OFFICERS:

IV) APOSTLES:

V) PROPHETS:

VI) EVANGELISTS:

VII) TEACHERS:

VIII) PASTORS:

IX) DEACONS:

X) DETAIL SCRIPTURES FOR ELDERS/DEACONS QUALIFICATIONS:

A) PASTORS:

B) DEACONS:

XI) SUMMERY OF REQUIREMENTS: ELDER/OVERSEER/BISHOP/PASTOR/SHEPHERD:

A) CALLING:

B) LIFE:

C) TEMPERAMENT:

D) FAMILY RELATIONS:

E) EXPERIENCE:

F) DUTIES AND ADMINISTRATE:

G) AUTHORITY:

H) DOUBLE HONOR:

XII) SUMMERY OF REQUIREMENTS: DEACON

A) CALLING:

B) LIFE:

C) FAMILY RELATIONS:

D) EXPERIENCE:

E) DUTIES:

XIII) CONCLUSION:

I) CHURCH OFFICES OF THE CHURCH

A) FIVE FOLD MINISTRIES OFFICES:

Ephesians 4:11-13

B) THREE OFFICES SHOWN + MEMBERS MINISTRIES:

1 Corinthians 12:27-30

Ephesians 2:20

Deacons Acts 6:1-4 and 1 Timothy 3:1-13 (see scriptures below)

II) SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN THE CHURCH (BODY) ARE NOT THE CHURCH OFFICERS:

Romans 12:4-8 Also Romans 12:3-8 1 and Corinthians 12:5-11 for spiritual gifts.

III) ONLY SIX OFFICERS & TASKS PERFORMED BY MINISTRY CHURCH OFFICERS:

IV) APOSTLES: Establish Churches & appoint people to church offices. The Apostle is a delegate and ambassador, one set apart and sent forth, with full power of authority to act in the place of the Lord. He has been selected, by God, has witnessed the Lord's work and teaches or presents a message with healings, signs, and wonders following his ministry. (Duties & Powers are found in: Matthew 28:19-20, Mark. 3:14-15, Mark 16:15-20, & Acts 1:4-8).

Acts 14:23

2 Corinthians 12:12

V) PROPHETS: Receive both direct revelation and inspiration, from God, on behalf of the body. They were preachers of righteousness that foretell the future, edified, encourage, and strengthen.

Acts 15:32

1 Corinthians 14:29-32

VI) EVANGELISTS: Add to the body & extend the church into new fields.

As Philip's example shows, in Acts 8:5-40, what the Evangelists' requires. The charismatic gifts and power of Holy Spirit are needed to confirm the word, heal the sick, cast out demons, and perform great miracles. Ex. Philip Acts 21:8; Timothy 2 Tim 4:2-5

VII) TEACHERS: Train & prepare the body for the work of its ministry.

Anointed by God to teach deeper things given by Spirit, not mere letter of the word, doctrine, or exposition of scriptures. He would teach prophetically, sometimes for long periods: 1-2 years.

Acts 18:11

Acts 28:31

VIII) PASTORS: Shepherd's & teacher's the flock for perfecting saints.

IX) DEACONS: Servant and ministry of reliable and spiritual men who serve the body of Christ in many ways where the needs arise.

X) DETAIL SCRIPTURES FOR ELDERS/DEACONS QUALIFICATIONS:

1 Timothy 3:1-13

1 Timothy 5:17

Titus 1:5-9

1 Peter 5:1-5

A) PASTORS: Shepherd's & teacher's the flock for perfecting of saints.

The Church officers of Elder, Overseer, Presbyter, Bishop, Pastor and Shepherd are all similar positions. One may study the Bible more.

Acts 20:17.

Acts 20:28 (1 Peter 5:2: feed - shepherd and oversight - overseer)

Overseer is the same Greek word Bishop used in Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:7 and 1 Peter 2:25. Also called Elder in

Acts 14:23 which is the same position as Bishop and Presbyters as found in 1 Timothy 4:14 and 1 Timothy 5:17. "To feed" is the same Greek word as shepherd. Pastor is found in Ephesians 4:11 and is the Greek word for shepherd. The shepherd is the one into whose care the sheep (flock) have been committed for feeding, caring, and protection for growth to maturity. The purpose of the different words are as follows: Elder indicates a mature spiritual experienced person in a position of authority. Bishop indicates the character of the work undertaken as overseer or guardian. Shepherd or Pastor indicates the function or responsibility of watching, teaching, and guiding the flock.

B) DEACONS: Reliable & spiritual men who serve the body of Christ in many ways as the needs arise.

The work of the Deacon is not explained in the Bible. It has been assumed that Acts 6:1-4 is that work. The definition of the word deacon is servant. The deacon is not ruler in church but a helper. Although, seven Deacons are found in Acts 6:3, this number was needed for the Jerusalem church of 5000 plus. The average church probably could use a maximum of one deacon.

Acts 6:1-4 The Bible gives examples of two of the seven, Stephen and Philip. Stephen became the first martyr as described in Acts 6:5 to 8:2. Philip, is an Evangelist as described in Acts 21:8. He has a ministry among the Samaritans as described in Acts 8:1 to 8:40. Nothing is stated about either of their Deacon ministries.

XI) SUMMERY OF REQUIREMENTS: ELDER/OVERSEER/BISHOP/PASTOR/SHEPHERD:

A) CALLING:

APPOINTMENT & ORDAINED: TITUS 1:5, ACTS 20:28

B) LIFE: (MANNER OF LIVING)

BLAMELESS - NO REPROACH: 1 TIMOTHY 3:2, TITUS 1:6,7

GOOD BEHAVIOR: 1 TIMOTHY 3:2

HOSPITALITY: 1 TIMOTHY 3:2, TITUS 1:8

SOBER: 1 TIMOTHY 3:2, TITUS 1:8

NOT GIVEN TO WINE: 1 TIMOTHY 3:3, TITUS 1:7

NOT GREEDY OF MONEY: 1 TIMOTHY 3:3, TITUS 1:7

GOOD REPORT OF THEM WITHOUT: 1 TIMOTHY 3:7

STEWARD OF GOD: TITUS 1:7

LOVES PEOPLE: TITUS 1:8

JUST - RIGHTEOUS: TITUS 1:8

HOLY: TITUS 1:8

HOLD FAST TO THE WORD: TITUS 1:9

LOVES SERVICE TO OTHERS: 1 PETER 5:2

NOT COVETOUS: 1 PETER 5:2

C) TEMPERAMENT: (FRAME OF MIND)

NO STRIKER: 1 TIMOTHY 3:3, TITUS 1:7

NO BRAWLER: 1 TIMOTHY 3:3

NOT SELF WILLED: TITUS 1:7

NOT SOON ANGRY: TITUS 1:7

TEMPERATE: TITUS 1:8

D) FAMILY RELATIONS:

HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE: 1 TIMOTHY 3:2, TITUS 1:6

CHILDREN IN SUBJECTION & ALL GRAVITY OR DIGNITY: 1 TIMOTHY 3:4

RULES OWN HOUSE: 1 TIMOTHY 3:4

FAITHFUL CHILDREN NOT ACCUSED OF RIOT OR UNRULY: TITUS 1:6

E) EXPERIENCE:

NOT A NOVICE: 1 TIMOTHY 3:6

F) DUTIES AND ADMINISTRATE:

WORD & PRAYER: ACTS 6:4

VIGILANT OR TEMPERATE: 1 TIMOTHY 3:2, TITUS 1:8

APT TO TEACH: 1 TIMOTHY 3:2

EXHORT: TITUS 1:9

OVERSEER: ACTS 20:28 1 PETER 5:2

RULER AS SHEPHERD/PASTOR: 1 PETER 5:2,5; HEBREWS 13:7

FEED: 1 PETER 5:2

EXAMPLE: 1 PETER 5:3

G) AUTHORITY:

FROM GOD: ACTS 20:28

SPIRITUAL OVER LOCAL: 2 TIMOTHY 4:1-4

CHURCH: TITUS 2:1,15

H) DOUBLE HONOR: RULES WELL AND LABORS

IN WORD & DOCTRINE: 1 TIMOTHY 5:17

XII) SUMMERY OF REQUIREMENTS: DEACON

A) CALLING:

APPOINTMENT & ORDAINED: ACTS 6:3

LAID HANDS ON THEM: ACTS 6:6

B) LIFE: (MANNER OF LIVING)

NOT DOUBLE TONGUED: 1 TIMOTHY 3:8

NOT GREEDY OF MONEY: 1 TIMOTHY 3:8

NOT GIVEN TO WINES: 1 TIMOTHY 3:8

GRAVE - SERIOUS: 1 TIMOTHY 3:8

HOLDS FAITH IN A PURE CONSCIENCE: 1 TIMOTHY 3:9

BLAMELESS: 1 TIMOTHY 3:10

SOBER: 1 TIMOTHY 3:11

HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM: ACTS 6:3

HONEST REPORT: ACTS 6:3

WISDOM: ACTS 6:3

C) FAMILY RELATIONS:

WIVES BE GRAVE NOT: 1 TIMOTHY 3:6

SLANDERERS, SOBER AND FAITHFUL:

HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE: 1 TIMOTHY 3:12

RULING CHILDREN WELL: 1 TIMOTHY 3:12

RULES HOUSEHOLD WELL: 1 TIMOTHY 3:12

D) EXPERIENCE:

FIRST BE PROVED: 1 TIMOTHY 3:10

E) DUTIES:

SERVES TABLES AND DAILY MINISTRATION: ACTS 6:1-3

XIII) CONCLUSION:

Ephesians 4:11-14

Ezekiel 34 admonishes the Shepherds to feed the flock and be sensitive to how they rule over the flock. The Shepherd is to protect, watch over, and guide the flock. The flock also is to grow and mature. The Lord Jesus is the chief Shepherd in 34:23.

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This page is maintained by Dennis Schmidt. Please send your questions or comments to (dennisaschmidt1@gmail.com).