Read: 1 Timothy 3:1-15; 5:17-22; Titus 1:5-7; 1 Peter 5:1-5; Philippians 1:1; Acts 20:17-28
Leadership in the Church is Jesus-Shaped and Jesus-Centered.
The master metaphor for the church in 1 Timothy is the household.
Responsibilities not titles or offices
Elders
Overseers
Shepherds
Deacons
Ministers
Servants
Notice: We often transliterate the word deacon (from diakonos) in places such as 1 Timothy 3 rather than translating it to a meaning such as servant or minister. Can this translation decision lead to inherent confusion with how the average person understands the role?
Discussion Questions:
What terminology do you use in your church? What are the implications?
What model does your current church leadership structure reflect?
- American Political Model
- Corporate Boardroom Model
- Social Club Model
- Household Model
What are some current concerns you have about how elders and deacons function in your church? What aspects are healthy?
