Christ cares for his sheep through the ministry of elders and deacons in local churches. The articles below outline how Christ Fellowship understands and applies the New Testament teaching regarding the offices of elder and deacon.
Elder Qualifications and Duties
Qualifications of an Elder The following is a list of the biblical qualifications that an elder must possess. No elder will be a perfect man, but if he is clearly and persistently lacking in any of these qualities, he cannot serve in the church as an elder. An elder must be: above reproach (lit. “blameless”) 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7.This qualification is…
Member’s Review of a Potential Elder
Member’s Review of a Potential Elder The purpose of this letter is to inform you that (elder candidate) desires the position of elder with Christ Fellowship of Kansas City. Elder appointment is not a popularity contest, nor is the position something that a man earns due to his level of education, his social status, his wealth, or his seniority. Elders must be…
Appointment of Elders
1. Initiation of the Appointment Process As the needs arise, the elders of Christ Fellowship will initiate the process of identifying and examining a potential elder. A man will be considered for appointment if: he appears to be biblically qualified he appears to be doctrinally and philosophically compatible with the elder team it appears to be God’s will to…
Removal of an Elder
Removal of an Elder Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 5:19 (“Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses.”) should not be construed to mean that elders are to be protected from proper disciplinary action when such becomes necessary. Paul knew that elders, being in a position of authority, could easily become the objects of…
Deacons in the New Testament: Questions & Answers
The office of deacon has been subject to a wide variety of practices and interpretations, even among biblically minded Christians. Much of this variance stems from the fact that few New Testament passages mention the office, let alone explain its function. Yet the biblical information we do have…
Appointment and Removal of Deacons
Appointment of Deacons[1] 1. Initiation of the Appointment Process When the need for a deacon becomes evident to the church,[2] a man will be considered for appointment to that office if: he desires to be considered for the office and consents to being evaluated by the church, he appears to be biblically qualified in accordance with 1 Tim. 3:8-12, he is well-known…