Thank you for participating in the Leadership Identification process. As a reminder, here are the descriptions of Elders and Deacons to help you as you complete the form below:
Elders
At Redemption Fellowship, elders are biblically qualified men (1 Tim. 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9) entrusted with the spiritual leadership and oversight of the congregation. Scripture consistently presents elders (also called overseers or pastors) as shepherds who:
All elders share the same authority and calling. Some may labor especially in preaching and teaching (1 Tim. 5:17), but this is an emphasis, not a separate office. Essentially, elders shepherd the church through spiritual oversight, teaching, prayer, and pastoral care.
Deacons
Deacons are biblically qualified men (1 Tim. 3:8–13) set apart to serve the church through practical, tangible, and unity-preserving ministry. Their role emerges from the pattern seen in Acts 6:1–7, where godly men were appointed to address a pressing physical need so the ministry of the Word could remain the church’s priority by:
Deacons are not tasked with governing, teaching with authority, or overseeing doctrine. However, as Stephen beautifully demonstrates, the Spirit may still use deacons powerfully in evangelism, exhortation, and witness. A deacon may teach; but teaching is not the governing responsibility of the office. Essentially, deacons serve the church by meeting practical needs, promoting unity, and supporting the ministry of the Word.
Understanding these biblical roles will help guide your prayer and reflection as you consider who the Lord may be raising up in our body.
Elders
At Redemption Fellowship, elders are biblically qualified men (1 Tim. 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9) entrusted with the spiritual leadership and oversight of the congregation. Scripture consistently presents elders (also called overseers or pastors) as shepherds who:
- Shepherd the flock with care, humility, and courage (1 Pet. 5:1–4)
- Teach and guard doctrine, refuting error and nourishing the church with the Word (Titus 1:9)
- Provide oversight, leading the church with wisdom and godly character (Acts 20:28)
- Pray for the congregation and model a life worthy of imitation (James 5:14; Heb. 13:7)
All elders share the same authority and calling. Some may labor especially in preaching and teaching (1 Tim. 5:17), but this is an emphasis, not a separate office. Essentially, elders shepherd the church through spiritual oversight, teaching, prayer, and pastoral care.
Deacons
Deacons are biblically qualified men (1 Tim. 3:8–13) set apart to serve the church through practical, tangible, and unity-preserving ministry. Their role emerges from the pattern seen in Acts 6:1–7, where godly men were appointed to address a pressing physical need so the ministry of the Word could remain the church’s priority by:
- Meeting practical needs that could otherwise distract from the ministry of the Word and prayer
- Protecting unity by resolving tensions and serving in ways that heal, not divide (Acts 6:1)
- Supporting the work of the elders and strengthen the church’s overall ministry
- Modeling Christlike service and humility in all they do
Deacons are not tasked with governing, teaching with authority, or overseeing doctrine. However, as Stephen beautifully demonstrates, the Spirit may still use deacons powerfully in evangelism, exhortation, and witness. A deacon may teach; but teaching is not the governing responsibility of the office. Essentially, deacons serve the church by meeting practical needs, promoting unity, and supporting the ministry of the Word.
Understanding these biblical roles will help guide your prayer and reflection as you consider who the Lord may be raising up in our body.