How Should the Church be Structured?

“I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.” – I Tim. 3:14-15

Elders (I Tim. 3:1-7)

The Conspicuous Nature of an Elder

1. They are men.

2. They are a plurality of men.

3. They have a three-fold responsibility.

• Presbuteros – Elder refers to maturity and wisdom.
• Episcopos – Bishop or Overseer refers to protecting the body.
• Poimen – Shepherd or Pastor refers to how they minister.

Acts 20:17,28; I Peter 5:1-2

An elder is a qualified man who oversees the work of the church with other qualified men, by means of shepherding.

The Calling of an Elder

1. A compelling calling – if anyone aspires… desires

2. A responsible calling – to the office of overseer

3. A worthy calling – he desires a noble…

4. A demanding calling – he desires a noble task.

The Character of an Elder

Must be a man of:

1. integrity – I Tim. 3:2a
2. fidelity – I Tim. 3:2b.
3. sobriety – I Tim. 3:2c.
4. hospitality – I Tim. 3:2c.
5. biblical ability – I Tim. 3:2d.
6. harmony – I Tim. 3:3a.
7. honesty – I Tim. 3:b.
8. dignity – I Tim. 3:4.
9. humility – I Tim. 3:6.
10. respectability –I Tim. 3:7, 3

Deacons (I Timothy 3:8-13)

The Connection Between Elders and Deacons

Elders are

Deacons are who assist the elders in caring for the body.

The Character of Deacons

1. Serious – must be dignified.
2. Sincere – not double-tongued.
3. Self-controlled – not addicted to much wine.
4. Satisfied – not greedy for dishonest gain.
5. Spiritually minded – They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

6. Servant’s heart – And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

7. Settled – Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.

How do we understand the issue of gender with respect to deacons?

“Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. ” – I Timothy 3:11

Scholars agree that there is no grammatical point that is decisive in determining the identity of these women. If a church understands the role of deacons as assistants to elders in helping to care for the body, then allowing women to serve in such an office is perfectly permissible.

Your Elders’ Position on Deacons:

1. We agree that the role of deacons is to assist the elders in caring for the body of Christ at Scotts Hill through service.

4. We agree that deacons should reflect the character qualities stated.
5. We agree that we are to pursue the ideal when it comes to marriage, that deacons must not have been divorced.
6. We agree that since the office of deacon is not one of spiritual authority over the body, that both qualified men and women may serve as deacons.

We are a plurality of elder-led, congregational church.

Members are to:

1. to the godly leadership of the local church.
2. for the godly leadership of the local church.
3. Remember that is always the of the church.

“He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” – I Timothy 3:16