Big Ideas

1. Pastors need to be focused on the right priorities.

Today, it seems as if there are always a million different things vying for the attention of pastors. In reality, not much has changed. People need the Word, and people also need practical help with necessities like food and shelter. Both matter. However, God has appointed different roles within the Church to see that both needs are adequately met. Pastors are to focus on teaching the Word, leading, and prayer while deacons focus on the numerous other needs of the body (1 Timothy 5:17).

2. Deacons are essential to the health of the Church.

The word deacon simply means server. In a sense, all Christians are to lovingly serve one another and their neighbors. However, deacons do this in an official capacity, caring for and meeting many practical needs in the Church body. In fact, in this text, it is through the deacons and their service to the Church, that the unity of the Church is protected and nourished. Deacons play a vital role in the health of any local church.

3. Unity is not uniformity.

Elders are not deacons, and deacons are not elders. Each office performs a unique and vitally important role within the body of Christ. No church can be healthy without both elders and deacons. This principle of unity in Christ and diversity in gifting and role is true for the entire Church body. Each member has a gift to give and a role to play. It is only when we embrace God’s unique calling for our lives that the Church is able to be all that God has called it to be.

Study Questions

1. What are some common expectations that people have of pastors? How are these expectations similar or different from their biblical roles?

2. How is a deacon different from a pastor or elder? How/why is this difference an important blessing?

3. Not everyone is called to formal leadership within the Church, but everyone has a role to play and a gift to give. How has God uniquely created you to be a blessing to your Church family?