A Church Without Elders Questions: Can we be a church without elders? How will we operate? Can we have deacons without elders? What is future? Who will shepherd? Who will make decisions?

Elders in the New Testament Pattern after the synagogue Acts 20:17 presbuteroi older/mature 20:28 episkopoi overseer/guardian Poimainoo shepherd/pastor Titus 1:5-6 presbuteroi and episkopoi Used of same people Elder –overseer - shepherd

The work of an elder Teach and preach I Tim. 3:2; 5:17 Direct the affairs of the church 3:5; 5:17 Shepherd the flock Acts 20:28 Keep the church from apostasy Acts 20:29-31

Acts 6:1-6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution (diakonia) of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait (diakonein) on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry (diakonia) of the word." 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them

Deacon’s work Acts 6:1-6 The problem – a needed area of ministry The 12 lead The whole church was involved. The use of diakonos Distribution/ministration Wait on tables Ministry of the word

Use of Diakonos Ministry Service Contribution Help Support Mission Deacon Servant

HoW will this church operate? We will work out the kinks Many churches operate without elders Not ideal but doable Each member must step up and take responsibility