Elders, Deacons, Preachers, Saints
Introduction to Church Leadership Roles
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is to introduce the various biblical leadership roles in the Church.
Of special note in this lesson is how effective leadership facilitates church growth.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand the various biblical leadership roles and their relationship to one another.
- Feel: Recognize the necessity for effective leadership in the Church.
- Do: Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective leader in the Church.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
Leadership is influencing someone to accomplish a task or to develop or change attitudes knowledge and actions.
It follows the plan put forth in scripture for how the Church is organized and led. Furthermore, it ensures the mission of the Church is accomplished in the most effective way. When we follow the plan put forth in God's word then we continue to bring glory to Him.
There are many excellent examples of leadership in scripture but ultimately the best example is Jesus. During His ministry on earth Jesus identified His role, formulated and implemented His plan and provided abilities to His disciples to continue in that plan.
We are to be like Jesus as we work with our fellow members. We don't compete with one another, rather we support one another to accomplish the mission our Lord commands of us. Our leaders must begin their role by becoming aware of Jesus' instructions to them and then follow His example and directives.
Jesus died for the Church. It is His body (Colossians 1:18). All of us should strive to be like Him in our lives, especially those who want to lead His church.
They have the primary role of bringing others to Christ and help them remain faithful. We are gifted by Jesus with various roles and spiritual gifts to accomplish our tasks.
Congregational leaders do not seek after individual power. Rather, they express the power of God in their lives. In doing this they ensure that all glory is given to God and not ourselves. This is the ultimate purpose – to honor and glorify God as His faithful servants.
- Apostles – These men were those sent by Jesus as witnesses of His resurrection. They were to testify to the resurrection of Jesus and confirm their witness with signs and miracles (Acts 3:14-15). This specific role is no longer used in the church. We continue to learn from the Apostles as we study their teachings in scripture.
- Prophets – A prophet is someone who spoke what God instructed. In biblical times prophets were usually given a message from God to speak regarding various issues. Sometimes these issues were current situations or future events. Today, we can say that our teachers and preachers serve as prophets as they convey to us God's will. The difference, however, is that they speak from the knowledge of God's written word and not from direct divine inspiration.
- Preacher or Evangelists are responsible for ministering the word to the church; organizing the local congregation to function according to the instructions for church organization and growth found in the New Testament; this includes the raising up and appointment of elders of congregations that don't have any; they are also used to plant new congregations.
- Pastors and Teachers – These are men who teach and guide us to faithfulness. Pastors and shepherds refer to the specific work of guiding us. Other similar descriptions of these men include bishop and overseer. These terms refer to the responsibilities to guard and direct the congregation. These roles remain today and these men perform the same function as in biblical times.
- Deacons – The role of a deacon is to serve in a specific responsibility to ensure that the day-to-day activities of the church are carried out effectively. This important role provides continued success of a ministry area and allows other leaders in the congregation to focus on their area of ministry.
- Responsibility – The different appointed roles do not represent power but rather responsibility.
- Aptitude – We differ in gifts from God. Our responsibility is to recognize our gifts, dedicate them to God's service and grow in our abilities to do so.
- Appointment – The various roles are appointed according to their tasks. These are based on biblical qualifications, not by election or popularity. Leaders are chosen from among the members of a congregation for specific roles because they have demonstrated certain abilities and qualifications.
A congregation cannot grow to its full potential if it does not follow the commands and principles in God's word. This includes appointing leaders and leaders fulfilling their roles. Although someone may not currently possess knowledge and skill in an area, he can learn. Also, many influence others for good and serve without being appointed to a specific role. These faithful servants are known to God and will receive their reward for faithful service.