Two Offices: Pastor and Deacon

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Rolf Hensley
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1 Two Offices: Pastor and Deacon Baptist people through the ages have held to the belief that the local assembly of believers (that is the local church) shall have two offices or positions by title. Those titles are Pastor, and Deacon. Besides these two, there should be no others. Furthermore, we shall prove from the Bible and show from history, that the terms of elder and bishop, both used in the Bible, are terms for the same office, that being the office that we commonly call pastor today. Purely the invention of man is the idea that elders rule the local church while a bishop rules the elders and bishops are perhaps ruled by some other Of course within these two offices, there can be, according to scripture, more than one pastor and more than one deacon serving within the same local church. The term Pastor is only found one time in the New Testament (Ephesians 4:11). Ephesians 4: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 1 P a g e

2 Things to note concerning this passage of scripture: 1. There are NOT multiple faiths, baptisms, Spirits (note the capital S ), bodies, Gods, Fathers, or Lords. 2. A list of offices or positions for the local church is given that is complete: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers. 3. The offices in #2 above, are for: a. Perfecting the Saints b. The Work of the Ministry c. Edifying the body of Christ manifest in the Local Church 4. The goals to be achieved in #3 above are: a. Unity of the Faith b. Knowledge of the Son of God c. Becoming Perfect (Complete lacking nothing - a lifelong process) d. Stablished in right Doctrine, and in that unmovable e. Always speaking Truth in Love f. Grow up in Christ don t remain a baby g. That the body (again manifest in the Local Church) works effectively every joint, every part, which builds up the local church (edifying) by love 5. This passage clearly is describing an entity that is complete and the offices listed are given by Christ. To conclude that because we don t see the term elder or bishop here that this list is NOT complete or that there is something sorely lacking in the very leadership of the church, would throw this passage on its head and destroy the message of this passage, that being of the nature of a healthy, growing, effective, completely equipped for the ministry local church. The Term Bishop The encyclopedia Britannica, states that the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and other churches have maintained the view that bishops are the successors of the Apostles and that an unbroken line of succession connects the Apostles to all legitimate bishops, a doctrine known as apostolic succession. In the catholic institution, the Pope, cardinals, archbishops, patriarchs, and metropolitans are different gradations (levels) of bishops. The encyclopedia goes on to say ( : From the Roman Empire s recognition of Christianity in the 4th century AD until the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, the bishop was the chief pa stor, priest, administrator, and ruler of his diocesan Christian community. He was the chief liturgical minister; he baptized, celebrated the Eucharist, ordained, absolved, controlled church finances, and settled matters of dispute. 2 P a g e

3 As far as after the reformation period and the establishment of the protestant institutions, the encyclopedia declares that some Lutheran churches (in the U.S., Scandinavia, and Germany) have bishops, but, except those in Sweden, they have not maintained the doctrine of apostolic succession. Regarding United Methodists, they have a council of bishops which function as superintendents of several congregations and have the power to ordain ministers. United Methodist Bishops are claimed to provide spiritual leadership to 12 million persons ( These bishops come from the pool of clergy existing. All bishops in the United Methodist movement get paid exactly the same amount of money, which for 2014 was $141,400 (in the United States) and an episcopal residence. There are currently 15 women bishops serving. The Episcopal Church has a House of Bishops currently containing nearly 300 active members, but this body makes up only half of the ruling body of this institution. The other body is called the House of Deputies. Both bodies must concur to adopt legislation. On a side note, this institution openly states ( In 1976, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church declared that homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church". Since then, faithful Episcopalians have been working toward a greater understanding and radical inclusion of all of God s children. Along the way, The Episcopal Church has garnered a lot of attention, but with the help of organizations such as Integrity USA, the church has c ontinued its work toward full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Episcopalians. In 2003, the first openly gay bishop was consecrated; in 2009, General Convention resolved that God s call is open to all; and in 2012, a provisional r ite of blessing for same-gender relationships was authorized, and discrimination against transgender persons in the ordination process was officially prohibited. To our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender brothers and sisters: The Episcopal Church welcomes you! Not all protestant denominations have bishops, but some, like those described above, do have bishops, and in all cases, they are involved in ruling over their denomination as a whole. Notice there is no autonomy of the local church! The Term Elder The term elder is a biblical term that has also been misused by many. Some churches like the Presbyterian and some Bible churches, will have a layer of ruling or ministerial helping elders. For example, in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Constitution, elders are instructed to engage members in the mission of the church and to provide opportunities for evangelism, pastoral care, worship, education and stewardship (Book of Order, G ). Also, we find in this 3 P a g e

4 institution that Elders are called to exercise leadership, government and discipline (Book of Order, G-60302). Some well-known radio and T.V. preachers with world-wide ministries promote the idea that there is to be an additional layer of office in the local church and they call that the office of the elder. In these churches you will find deacons, pastors and elders. One such well known person is John MacArthur and his well-known Grace to You ministry. Unfortunately, there are many Baptists in our day who are chasing this idea of having elders as well as deacons and pastors in their churches. The next time you talk to a Baptist that says they have elders or going to have elders, ask them if they have or are going to have bishops as well! In my experience they will stand there and blink at you not having a clue what you are talking about. The simple fact is that if elder is a term for an office separate from the pastor, then we would have to conclude by the same reasoning that the term bishop is also separate from the pastor and also separate from the elder. So, if these churches are claiming to be more closely following the Bible by having elders, why would they not go all the way and have bishops also? I have NO idea! The Truth What the Bible Teaches The plain teaching of the Bible is that the terms pastor, elder, and bishop describe the SAME office in the local church. These different terms refer to different aspects of the same position. 1. Pastor leader and shepherd of the local flock teacher, nurturer, and protector 2. Elder refers to the office s need for maturity, responsibility, and example 3. Bishop emphasizes the office and its authority and oversight of all matters (overseer) The proof is not in the pudding, but in the Bible. First, we can see that the terms elder and bishop (overseer) are used interchangeably in the Bible. Acts 20: And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall 4 P a g e

5 befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 27 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. The word in verse 27 translated in your King James Bible, is the same Greek word (episkopos) which is also translated as bishop six times in the New Testament. We can also see that elders were to have the oversight (episkopeo). 1 Peter 5:1-4 1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Notice that the Apostle Paul says that he is an elder. He also states in Titus 1:1 that he is an apostle of Jesus Christ. So, we see that elder and apostle where not in this case separate offices, but he was both at the same time. Apostles ceased when those who were sent by Jesus Christ personally (in person) to tell the world the good news of Jesus Christ and to plant and build the church upon the rock of Jesus Christ (chief cornerstone). Interestingly enough, this oversight term in Hebrews 12:15 is translated Looking Diligently. So we see then that an elder is to have oversight of the flock of God (local church) and the implication by meaning is that he is to do so diligently, not for gain, but for the Lord and His glory and honor. If that were not enough, we also see that the Apostle Paul uses the term elder and bishop interchangeably in the book of Titus. Titus 1:4-9 4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. 5 P a g e

6 5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. We should note that: 1. Elders were needed in the churches in every city 2. Titus was also an elder 3. Requirements of the office were clear spanning morality, control of self, benevolence and doctrine. 4. There is no instruction to setup a ruling structure that spans beyond the local church and no instruction that one office (pastor, bishop, or elder) is above another. Why? Because they all refer to the same office. Some also believe that historically, the early Jewish churches tended to use the term elder, but that the gentiles were not used to or comfortable with this word as a title for a person that had oversight and authority. The gentiles had a word they used, even for a person of oversight and authority in a secular setting, that being the term bishop. The superintendents of finance, of workmen, the inspectors of bread and produce, and the overseers of public affairs generally, were designated by this term. In fact, all persons who had oversight of affairs, either public or private, were known as bishops. For this reason the same class of men who were known as elders in the Jewish-Christian Churches, were called bishops, or overseers, in the Gentile Churches (Armitage, History of the Baptist, page 126) Funny though it may seem, Jerome, no bastion of Biblical Truth (translated the Catholic Bible Latin Vulgate using the corrupted manuscripts of Origen) even states: The elder is identical with the bishop, and before parties had so multiplied under diabolicalinfluence, the Churches were governed (meaning each Church) by a council of elders. (Armitage, History of the Baptist, page 128) Furthermore, Armitage goes on to state on page 128: 6 P a g e

7 the elders in one Church were all rulers, for the liberty, edification, and usefulness of the body, and that no class or distinction existed amongst them. Had there been two classes, their qualifications had differed with their duties, and so they would have been designated by different names. No elders are spoken of who do not rule, who are not pastors, but all pastors are known as elders. We read of all the elders at Jerusalem, of elders in each Church (not an elder, singular); as at Derby, Lystra, Antioch, and other places. There is no Apostolic Succession It is important to understand that when the Apostles all died, they appointed none to fill their places. Their offices were unique, and even peculiar being connected with the foundation of building the church of Jesus Christ by establishing local churches and equipping them for ministry and to govern their own affairs. Their office and mission was confirmed by special sign gifts of the Holy Spirit in a time of witness to the Jews (who required a sign) and the authentication of the Gospel of the death, burial and resurrection of the Saviour. The office of bishop (or any other office of name by an institution) can have no claim of being originally given and passed down through time by one of the apostles. Pastor Butterfield, pastor of (Fountain Street Baptist Church) from ( ) which came out of the Indian mission in Grand Rapids, MI, founded by Isaac McCoy, missionary to the American Indians, wrote in his What is a Baptist Church : In a Baptist church, the pastor holds the highest office in the church. He must be called of God not to rule the church, but to serve it. But when unregenerate men had found their way into the church they sought to enter the ministry as men enter other professions, supposing that they could learn to preach as men learn to practice law or medicine. When in the ministry then, these men began to claim for themselves authority. The best positions were sought and a minister was to have authority in accordance to the size and wealth of the church he served. And thus gradually, there grew up grades in the ministry. Then, the pastor became the priest and a hierarchy was fostered and legislative authority was claimed. Christ was legislated out and the civil in. The church and state were joined in unholy wedlock. The Baptist church has no use for men for her ministry, however massive their brain, however sparkling their genius, however profound their learning, however burning their eloquence, whose wills have not bowed to the will of Christ, whose spiritual gravitation is not towards His cross, who have not felt in their heart of hearts woe is me if I preach not the gospel and who rather than be denied the privilege would rather fair as their Master did while on earth 7 P a g e

8 The office of Deacon We will not cover the office of deacon as thoroughly (Pastor has started to teach concerning the office of deacon), but be assured that unlike the terms of pastor, bishop, and elder, it is easy to show that the office of deacon was established apart from the pastor (bishop, or elder). The need for the office of deacon is introduced in Acts 6. Philippians chapter one shows us all of the types of people that constituted that local church: Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: There are then, in a local church, three groups of people: 1. SAINTS 2. BISHOPS 3. DEACONS Notice that in this case all three are plural, not singular. Not that it would be wrong to have just one pastor (bishop) such as we do currently. This shows that elder is not an additional office. The qualifications for a deacon are given: 1 Timothy 3: Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 8 P a g e

Walking in the Spirit

Lesson 5 Understanding the Five Fold Ministry Scripture tells us about a spiritual battle raging and this battle can be seen through the truth of God s word and by walking in the spirit.. Example: 2 Kings