The Organization of the Church
Jesus Christ
He is the Head of the Church as a whole (Ephesians 1:22-23).
Every local church/congregation submits to the authority of Jesus first and foremost!
Elders
(1 Peter 5:1-4, Titus 1:5-9, Acts 20:17-30)
They oversee their individual local church, but are subject to Christ and do not add to nor take away from His Word.
Those who serve in this position can be called elders, shepherds, pastors, or bishops according to the Bible.
Deacons, ministers, and all other members are in subjection to the elders in matters of opinion
He is the Head of the Church as a whole (Ephesians 1:22-23).
Every local church/congregation submits to the authority of Jesus first and foremost!
Elders
(1 Peter 5:1-4, Titus 1:5-9, Acts 20:17-30)
They oversee their individual local church, but are subject to Christ and do not add to nor take away from His Word.
Those who serve in this position can be called elders, shepherds, pastors, or bishops according to the Bible.
Deacons, ministers, and all other members are in subjection to the elders in matters of opinion
Deacons
Deacons are servant leaders. The Greek word found in the Bible "διάκονος" literally translates to "servant". There are special spiritual qualities outlined in the Bible that these servant leaders are expected to possess and exemplify to the rest of the members (1 Timothy 3:8-13, Acts 6:1-6 Philippians 1:1). |
Ministers/Evangelists
A minister, preacher, or evangelist is one who preaches the Word of God to the other members of the congregation when they assemble together on Sundays as part of our worship to God (2 Timothy 2:2, 4:1-4, Ephesians 4:11-16, Jude 3). |
Members
All members, even elders, deacons, and ministers are subject firs to God and His Word and second to the Eldership who leads their local church (1 Peter 3:22, 5:5, Ephesians 5:24). Older men and women are to be examples to the younger men and women in all that they do. Younger men and women are instructed to respect and honor the older men and women (1 Timothy 5:1). Every member is necessary to the cause of Christ! (1 Corinthians 12:18-22). |
This graphic shows the organization of the Church as described in the Bible.