Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
1 Timothy 5:17 (ESV)
Different traditions within the Christian community today have a variety of ways in which they are organized. They range from having very little organization to being highly structured. But what about the churches of the New Testament era? How were they organized?
It is hard to answer this question with any certainty. The New Testament refers to those who lead and serve within local churches in several places, but it does not give us many details. The offices within a local church are identified as elders (Acts 11:30, 14:23, 15:2-16:4, 20:17, 21:18, 1 Tim. 4:14, 5:17, Tit. 1:5, Jam. 5:14, 1 Pet. 5:1), overseers (Acts 20:28, Phil. 1:1, 1 Tim. 3:1-2, Tit. 1:7), and deacons (Phil. 1:1, 1 Tim. 3:8-13).
Elders and overseers (or bishops) are often mentioned as if they were the same office. It appears that they provided the primary leadership within local churches. The passage above refers to the elders who rule well. This passage also indicates that elders could be divided into two groups. Some whose work was in preaching and teaching. And others who seemed to have had more of an administrative function.
Today’s Elders
Most churches today are more highly organized than the churches of the New Testament. But regardless of how we organize, what the New Testament has to say about our elders, those who lead us, still applies. They are to be above reproach (1 Tim. 3:2, Tit. 1:7), and it is our responsibility to honor those who serve well. This would include our respect, submission to their leadership (Heb. 13:17), and financial support (1 Tim. 5:18, 1 Cor. 9:3-11).
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)
