In the New Testament, elders and deacons are complementary leadership gifts that serve Christ’s church in distinct but connected ways.

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Elders (also called overseers/pastors – Acts 20:17,28; 1 Pet. 5:1–4)
- According to Scripture, elders are primarily responsible for the spiritual oversight of the church. Their work includes:

• Shepherding the flock – caring for people, guiding, protecting, and correcting in love (1 Pet. 5:2–3; Acts 20:28).

• Teaching and guarding sound doctrine – faithfully preaching and teaching the Word, refuting error, and helping believers grow to maturity (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9).

• Leading and overseeing – watching over the life, direction, and health of the church as examples, not domineering but serving (Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:2–3).

• Prayer and ministry of the Word – giving themselves especially to prayer and Scripture so the church stays anchored in Christ (Acts 6:4; though addressed to apostles, this pattern shapes elder ministry).

 

Deacons (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8–13)

- Deacons are set apart to lead in practical service so that the ministry of the Word and prayer can flourish and the church’s love is made visible. Their work includes:

• Serving practical and material needs – caring for the poor, organizing support, managing practical tasks, and stewarding resources (Acts 6:1–3 as a pattern).

• Protecting unity – handling sensitive needs fairly and wisely so that complaints, division, and neglect do not fracture the body (Acts 6:1–7).

• Supporting the elders’ ministry – freeing elders to focus on spiritual oversight while ensuring the practical life of the church is well cared for (Acts 6:2–4).

• Modeling godly character in service – deacons lead by example in integrity, dignity, and faith, showing what servant-hearted leadership looks like (1 Tim. 3:8–13).

 

Together, elders shepherd and govern, and deacons serve and support, so that Christ’s body is cared for in both spiritual and practical ways, “building itself up in love” (Eph. 4:16).