Church
What does the Bible say about church leadership?A Scripture-grounded answer about church leadership in the bible
Published Reviewed
Published Reviewed
The New Testament describes two primary leadership roles: elders (also called overseers/pastors) and deacons. Elders are responsible for teaching, shepherding, and governing the church (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9). Deacons serve the practical and administrative needs of the congregation (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Paul and Peter both emphasize that leaders must be people of character — not domineering but serving as examples (1 Peter 5:2-3). The qualifications focus more on character and maturity than on education or skills.
Why this answer? It starts with 1 Timothy 3:1-2, then cross-checks Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Peter 5:2-3 so the summary stays anchored in Scripture.
The New Testament uses three terms interchangeably for the primary leadership role: elder (presbyteros), overseer/bishop (episkopos), and pastor/shepherd (poimen). Acts 20:17-28 uses all three for the same group of people. Their qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 focus overwhelmingly on character: above reproach, faithful spouse, temperate, self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach, not violent or greedy, managing household well. Deacons (diakonos, 'servant') emerged in Acts 6 to handle practical ministry so the apostles could focus on prayer and teaching. Three major governance models developed from these texts: episcopal (authority in bishops over multiple churches — Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican), presbyterian (authority in a council of elders — Reformed, Presbyterian), and congregational (authority in the gathered church body — Baptist, Congregationalist). Each claims biblical support. 1 Peter 5:2-3 provides the governing principle for all models: lead not by compulsion or for gain but willingly and eagerly, not domineering but being examples to the flock.
“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”
- 1 Timothy 3:1-2
The church is the community of all believers in Jesus Christ—His body on earth. It's not primarily a building but people called out by God to worship Him, grow together, and serve the world. The local church gathers for worship, teaching, fellowship, and mission.
In the New Testament, 'church' (ekklesia) refers to the universal body of all believers (Ephesians 1:22-23) and to local congregations (1 Corinthians 1:2). A denomination is a distinct organizational body within Christianity that shares common beliefs, governance, and practices — such as Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, or Catholic. Denominations emerged over centuries through disagreements about doctrine, worship style, church governance, and cultural context. While Christians debate whether denominations are healthy diversity or sinful division, Jesus' prayer in John 17:21 ('that they may all be one') remains the aspiration.
The Great Commission is Jesus' command to His disciples (and all believers) to 'go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... teaching them to observe all that I have commanded' (Matthew 28:19-20). It's the church's primary mission—spreading the Gospel to every people group until Christ returns.
Baptism in the Bible is an outward sign of an inward reality — a public declaration of faith in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus commanded it in the Great Commission, and the early church practiced it immediately after conversion. Christians disagree on whether baptism is necessary for salvation or is an act of obedience following salvation. Most agree it symbolizes dying to sin, being buried with Christ, and rising to new life. The New Testament records both believer's baptism (Acts 2:41) and household baptisms (Acts 16:33).
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Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.