Elders and Deacons

This Sunday, January 24, NCPC will be ordaining and installing deacons and elders for the class of 2012. Some of these men are being ordained for the first time; others have been previously ordained and are being installed once again to the office, work, and calling of an elder or deacon.

Each time that I participate in such a service, I am reminded of the the high privilege and calling of serving as an officer in Christ's church. It was the apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, who said, "Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer [elder], he desires a noble task" (1 Timothy 3:1).

In the Presbyterian Church of America, elders serve as "overseers" of Christ's flock, having oversight of the life of the church with a focus on worship and sacraments, teaching, discipline, evangelism and missions, and pastoral care. As shepherds of the flock, they carry out the ministry of Christ's in His church and are to care for the church just as Christ does.

Deacons are also servants of Christ's church, having responsibility under the Session (elders) for areas such as mercy ministry, building and grounds, stewardship, and worship assistance. As servants of Christ's church, they also carry out the ministry of Christ, demonstrating that the gospel is a ministry of both Word and deed.

It has been said that "church government is not essential for the being of the church, but is essential for the well-being of the church."  Like a family or a household, a church - whether it be a local congregation or the larger church - must have sound leadership, oversight, nurture, and discipline. Both deacons and elders give that oversight and service to the church.

Now, I may be accused of being a bit biased - after all, I am a Presbyterian pastor - but I truly believe that the Presbyterian form of church government is the most biblical of all church governments. Not perfect in its practice, as the church on earth is made up of people who are fallible. But it is biblical, and I believe, the most biblical of church governments.

Elders of the Presbyterian Church in America - distinguished between "Teaching Elders" (pastors) and "Ruling Elders" (elected from and by the local congregation) - serve on an equal basis as they jointly have spiritual oversight and government of the church, both locally and denominationally. This, I believe, is one of the great strengths of Presbyterian church government and is something that honors the calling of the elder in the local church. It creates a unique relationship that requires constant care - a pastor, while serving in a very significant role, serves with other men who jointly have oversight of the life of the church. When carried out according to Christ's example and command, their ministry demonstrates and exercises Christ's own care and nurture of his church.

I am grateful for these men who serve our congregation and who do so out of love for Christ and His Church!