Lighthouse Baptist Leadership

The New Testament provides for two church leadership positions: Elders to oversee and shepherd (or pastor) the flock, and Deacons (literally “servant”) to serve the needs of the body.

Elders

Elders are called to shepherd all the flock over which God has made them overseers (Acts 20:28). Under the authority of Jesus, the Head of the Church (1 Pet 5:2), elders provide spiritual oversight and care of the church by leading, teaching, and providing pastoral care to the church (1 Tim 5:17). Elders are responsible to protect the doctrinal integrity of the church (Titus 1:9), promote the purity of the church, and provide guidance to the church as it endeavors to evangelize the lost and edify and equip the members.  

Deacons

Deacons, likewise, provide spiritual leadership to the church, serving the practical and physical needs of the church body. Deacons are appointed by the elders (Acts 6:6), subject to scriptural requirements (1 Tim 3:8-13), to be ministers of mercy serving the physical needs of the church body (Acts 6:1-4).

Other staff

Other staff positions may be needed for the everyday functioning of the church, but are kept separate here to distinguish the unique biblical roles of elders and deacons.