Pastors and Deacons...

The Bible says the pastor, minister, overseer, or what other name you choose to call them, is the spiritual leaders of the church.  But God does not say they are the leader of everything in the church.  As a matter of fact, God set up positions in the church to help lighten the load of pastors.  In Acts 6:1-7, Luke describes the choosing of the seven.  The disciples realized they could not do it all so they wisely chose to share the burden by choosing seven men to handle the administrative work.  They shared the burden.  Each group had their responsibility and they concentrated on their responsibility.

The choosing of the seven was quite possibly the beginning of deacons.  Deacon means “one who serves.”  The description of deacons is given I Timothy 6:8-13.  Deacons were leaders.  They were the ones who were doing the administrative work in the church.  They were the ones taking care of the physical needs of the church and the congregation.  Deacons have many of the same qualifications as the pastors or overseers (I Timothy 6:1-6).

So why do pastors today feel that they have to work alone?  Why do they feel they have to do or be in charge of everything?  Why do they not utilize the helpers God has sent to lighten their load?  Is it pride?  Lack of humility?

Peter tells us

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older.  All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because
God opposes the proud
But gives grace to the humble. (I Peter 5:5)

 Peter is telling us, no matter our age, maturity or position, to be submissive to those above AND below us.  Listen to those we serve so we know how to better serve them.  Paul also says “…To submit to each of these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it” (I Corinthians 16:16).  Paul does not distinguish who is to submit other than to say everyone who joins.  Everyone is a powerful word.  It does not leave anyone out.  One last thought… “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21).