God’s Design for Church Leadership #1 - Christ’s Rule Through Elders and Deacons

Whether we are planting, revitalizing, or leading an established church into greater maturity, we must always remember one foundational truth: the local church belongs to Jesus, just as the universal church does. He is the one who promised, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). He is the Head of the body (Colossians 1:18), the one who walks among His churches—rebuking, encouraging, strengthening, and pruning (Revelation 1–3). And He is the one who leads His people in mission (Matthew 28:18–20; Revelation 6:1–2).

While Christ is spiritually present with His church through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–18), He also governs and builds His church through ordinary, physical means. One of the most essential means He uses is the gift of qualified, servant-hearted leadership. The New Testament clearly shows us that Jesus rules His church through elders and deacons—offices designed for the church’s good, growth, and protection (Acts 14:23; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1–13).

Sadly, many throughout church history—and still today—have taken liberties to reshape Christ’s design for leadership. In the Roman Catholic Church, the pope sets himself in the place of Christ as the supreme head of the church—an office that functions antithetically to Christ's sole headship (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4; cf. Colossians 1:18). Underneath him is a hierarchical structure with cardinals, archbishops, and priests—roles that are nowhere prescribed in Scripture.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, modern evangelicalism often mimics corporate models. Churches are structured like businesses, with a “lead pastor” functioning as a CEO, surrounded by ministry directors and volunteers—language and frameworks drawn more from the marketplace than from the Bible. This pragmatism often undermines the church’s identity as the household of God (1 Timothy 3:15).

Reacting against these distortions, some have gone the other extreme—rejecting all structure and advocating for purely “organic” churches with no formal leadership. But Scripture never pits institution against vitality. The church is both a living body and a divinely ordered household (1 Corinthians 12:12–31; 1 Timothy 3:4–5; Titus 1:5). God has appointed a visible, accountable leadership structure—elders and deacons—under the headship of Christ, for the good of His people.

A Preview of Christ’s Servant-Leaders

We will explore these ordained offices in the next posts, but here’s a brief overview of how Jesus rules through them:

• Elders (also called pastors or overseers—see Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5–7; 1 Peter 5:1–2) are charged with teaching, leading, and shepherding the flock. Their primary tools are the ministry of the Word and prayer (Acts 6:4). They oversee the church, protect against false teaching (Titus 1:9), and equip the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12).

• Deacons serve the church by meeting practical and physical needs (Acts 6:1–6; 1 Timothy 3:8–13). They support and complement the elders’ work, preserving unity and enabling the Word to flourish. Their service is not inferior—it is vital and God-glorifying.

  
  

In this way, we might say that elders manifest Christ’s ruling leadership through the Word, and deacons manifest His servant rule through tangible acts of care. Both roles reflect the character of our King: the Shepherd and Servant (John 10:11; Mark 10:45).

And God not only gives us their job descriptions—He also gives us the character qualifications for those who hold these offices (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9). These are not corporate executives or charismatic personalities, but men marked by integrity, humility, doctrinal soundness, and proven faithfulness.

Why Biblical Leadership Matters

Why is it important that we follow Christ’s instructions for church leadership—no more and no less than what He has commanded? Because Christ is the Head of the church, not us. He alone has the authority to appoint how His church is to be structured and led. To add to His design is presumption; to subtract from it is disobedience. The church is not a human project—it is the temple of the living God (Ephesians 2:19–22), and He has shown us how it ought to be ordered.

Some might say, “No church structure is perfect.” That’s true. But that is no excuse for abandoning Christ’s design. That would be like saying, “No one is without sin, so we shouldn’t even try to be holy.” Our imperfections should drive us toward biblical faithfulness, not away from it. We must strive to submit every part of church life—including leadership—to the wisdom of God revealed in Scripture.

So may the Lord help us plant, revitalize, and shepherd churches that reflect His glory and care. Churches where elders lead with the Word, where deacons serve with joy, and where every member grows in maturity, unity, and love (Ephesians 4:13–16).

Nino Marques