Leadership

Minister/Evangelist: The words minister, preacher, and evangelist are used in the bible to refer to describe what a person does rather than a title. The word preacher is used in Romans 10:14. Evangelist is used in Ephesians 4:11. The word minister is used in I Timothy 4:6.

He is simply a man. He is not a special holy man without problems, trials and needs. He should not be regarded as or referred to as Reverend. God alone should be given that title (Psalms 111:9). This means, above other things, that he is subject to weaknesses of the flesh. He faces the same challenges that other children of God face. He is one who proclaims of the word of God. He is under the command to preach the word (II Timothy 4:1-5). He is a leader in the church. He is to be responsible for setting certain things in order. (Titus 1:5) & (II Timothy 2:2) & (Ephesians 4:11-15). He is a student of the Bible (II Timothy 2:15). The word of God is his life-long major. He is to be an example for others to follow (I Timothy 4:12,15).

Elder: Titus 1: 6-9 (NIV) "An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it."

Deacon: 1 Timothy 3: 8-12 (NIV) "Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well."