In Eph 4:11-12, Jesus Christ gave four groups of men to the church for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.  These men were apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.  This study will show the transition from the...

What Are Deacons? What are deacons?  Deacons are an interesting subject in the Bible because there are a variety of interpretations concerning who they are and what they do.  The Biblical teaching about deacons is different than the traditional understanding.  Traditionally, deacons are men who are chosen by a congregation...

Deacons 1 Tim. 3: 8-13 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO After Paul wrote about the qualities of pastors, he gave Timothy a list of qualities for deacons.  Since deacons are an extension of the pastor’s ministry [Acts 6:1-7], it follows that their qualities should be very similar to that of pastors.  That’s...

1 Tim 3:1-7 Office of a Bishop CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO There are only two offices in the church: bishop and deacon [Phil 1:1].  Paul qualifies a bishop in 1 Tim 3:1-7 and a deacon in 1 Tim 3:8-13. A bishop is a pastor, Titus 1:7.  They are men.  Pastors are...

Deacons Acts 6:1-7 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO Deacons were added as an office in the church because of the temporal needs of the congregation that needed attention.  The charge to the deacons is found in Acts 6:1-7. The office is a spiritual office in a practical ministry – in other words...

Bishops and Deacons Philippians 1:1-2 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO The only two scriptural offices in the church are the bishops and deacons.  The bishop is the overseer. Acts 1:20 Phil 1:1 I Tim 3:1,2, qualified Titus 1:7, qualified I Pet 2:25, comes from Jesus There is not an ecclesiastical hierarchy.   The bishop is also...