WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT PASTORS AND DEACONS?

What does the Bible say about a call to ministry?” A call to ministry is important to discern.  All Christians are called to the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18) and to be equipped for such work through their local church (Ephesians 4:12).  Here are some biblical truths to consider in evaluating God’s call for you to serve within His kingdom: www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-a-call-to-ministry 

What are the biblical offices within a church?  While all Christians are spiritually gifted by God for ministry work (Romans 12:6–8, Ephesians 4:11, and 1 Corinthians 12:7–11, 28) “for the common good”, pastors and deacons are the two offices within the church.  The term pastor is used synonymously with overseer, elder, and bishop across the Bible to describe the same role (example: Acts 14:23, Acts 20:17, 28).  Their qualifications and purposes are listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.  The qualifications and calling of deacons are listed in Acts 6:1-6 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13.  The office of pastor is distinguished from the office of deacon in function by the call for pastors to be the teachers and authoritative leaders over a local church.

Is it ok to call a woman in ministry “pastor” as long as she doesn’t teach men or exercise leadership authority over men? (i.e. Children’s Pastor, Women’s Pastor, etc.?). It is confusing and unhelpful to use a title that does not correspond most accurately with the functions which which it is biblically connected (teaching and authoritative leadership over the church).

Isn’t it chauvinistic and misogynistic to not allow women to serve equally in the church?  Christians cannot be true believers and have hatred towards women.  There is no place for chauvinism in the church, even if the culture surrounding it condones such practice.  In many cultures and seasons of history women have (and continue to be) mistreated and disrespected.  It is a wicked lie to believe, teach, or treat women as inferior to men.

We need to treat women with respect, created in the image of God with equal value and worth as men.  We need women and need them to use their God-given gifts within the church.  The bible gives countercultural prominence to the value, worth, & purposes of women and so should we.

What does the Bible say about a woman serving as a pastor/overseer/elder/bishop or deacon? What does the Bible say about a woman serving as ____________?

The Bible is clear that the office of pastor is reserved for men and rooted in God’s order for creation.  It only describes men as serving as deacons and holds that only men should teach and lead over other men.  See www.trustworthyword.com/women-pastors to see a more thorough response..

What does the Bible say about divorced men serving as pastors and deacons?

The qualifications for pastors and deacons describe who someone is currently, not merely what they had done in their past.  See www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-divorced-men-serving-as-deacons.

Top Bible Passages to Consider

A simple reading of the below passages will be the most helpful answer to understanding the qualifications, role, and functions of pastors and deacons:

1 Timothy 2:8-15 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; [9 ] likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, [10 ] but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. [11 ] Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. [12 ] I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. [13 ] For Adam was formed first, then Eve; [14 ] and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. [15 ] Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. (1 Timothy 2:8-15 ESV)

1 Timothy 3:1–7 “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. [2] Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, [3] not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. [4] He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, [5] for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? [6] He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. [7] Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” (ESV)

1 Timothy 3:8–13 “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. [9] They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. [10] And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. [11] Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. [12] Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. [13] For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

1 Corinthians 14:33-35 “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.  As in all the churches of the saints, [34 ] the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. [35 ] If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.”

Acts 14:23 “And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”

Acts 15:6 “The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.”

Acts 20:28 “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”

Philippians 1:1 “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons”

1 Timothy 4:14 “Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.”
1 Timothy 5:17 “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”

Titus 1:5–9 “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—[6] if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. [7] For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, [8] but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. [9] He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

1 Peter 5:1–5 “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: [2] shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; [3] not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. [4] And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. [5] Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

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