Note sull'episodio
The Church's Leaders
1 Timothy 3:1-7
As pointed out in the concept note at Colossians 2:18, 19 ("What the Church Acts Like"), the church has only one Head, Jesus Christ. He is the Great Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep (Heb. 13:20).
But He has established earthly leaders to serve as under-shepherds for congregations at the local level.
While different denominations use different forms of church government, two basic offices are common in most churches.
The first is the position of elder, which is commonly known as pastor. Elders are also known as overseer
(1 Pet. 5:2) and bishops (1 Tim. 3:1).
These individuals are called by God to serve the church through administration and teaching sound doctrine. In return, churches are to meet the needs of those who serve faithfully (1 Tim. 5:17).
Elders are expected to display strong faith and impeccable character in every area (1 Tim. 3:1-7).
The second position is that of deacon.
While elders deal with leadership, teach-ing, and administration, deacons focus on meeting physical needs (Acts 6:1-4).
Like elders, they also are called to be individuals of exceptional character (1 Tim. 3:8-13). The church in Jerusalem selected the first seven deacons to meet the needs of widows in the congregation.
Servant leadership continues to be a hallmark of genuine deacon activity.
In addition to their work of administration and service, church leaders are also instructed in Scripture to facilitate church discipline and the ordinances of the church, specifically baptism and the Lord's Supper.
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