Episode #13 -Which Comes First In A Replant? Elders Or Deacons?
Nathan Pittman, Pastor, Mountain Bible Church, Livingston MT
Q: Is there a correct order regarding Elder or Deacons? Which should you have first in a Replant?
“Delders” leaders in a local church who are actually Deacons but lead like Elders. (h/t Mike Hubbard, Pastor, Genesis Church)
Baptist Faith and Message side by side comparison 1925, 1963, 2000 (search the terms Elders, Deacons, Pastor)
Which came first in the emerging church? A case can be made for Deacons from Acts chapter 6.
In most cases, even in dying or declining churches, you likely have men who are serving as Deacons. If they are serving well, meet the qualifications of Elders and desire the office this group can become a primary source from which to develop potential Elders.
One of the keys in preparing your church for Elders is to teach about them from the scriptures.
In some instances a campus church or mission church can lean on the processes of their sponsoring/sending church to vet, train and install deacons and elders.
You may want to begin your potential selection of Deacons and Elders by inviting them into an informal before formal process.
Be patient and wise, take your time, don’t get in a rush choosing Deacons and Elders.
Make note, Elders need to desire to the office. Pressuring, pursuing and encouraging a man who doesn’t aspire to the office will not go well.
Finding Elders and Deacons, Thabiti Anyabwile
Paul’s Vision for the Deacons, Alexander Strauch
On Being a Deacon, Mark Hallock
EP7: How NOT to build a lasting Elder team
Fun Links
Calling the Hogs “Razorback” style
Calling the hogs, farm style