Description of Roles of Elders, and Deacons

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12: 4 – 8 ESV

RULING ELDERS: The first duty of the Ruling Elder is to “represent the mind of Christ” according to the Word of God (1 Cor. 2:16). Ruling Elders are responsible for the oversight of the church (Acts 20:28). They are to watch over the spiritual welfare of the congregation (1 Pt 5:2). Ruling Elders should study and grow in the Word and become equipped to teach the Word (2 Tim 3:16). They provide pastoral care by visiting the sick, the bereaved, the lonely, the aged, and the shut-in. Elders, as they live in the very atmosphere of prayer, are to see to the spiritual development of the congregation (2 Cor. 1:10, 11). They also connect with the people of the church in the chamber of the sick and the dying; in conversing with the anxious inquirer, and the perplexed or struggling believer.

According to the EPC Book of Order (Book of Government), the following requirements must also be met: §10-4 The Office of Ruling Elder: In the Old Testament, the office of Elder was established for the oversight of the Church. In the New Testament, this office is continued. Those who fill this office today for governing the Church are called Ruling Elders. Chosen by the people of a particular congregation, these Ruling Elders are to watch over the spiritual welfare of that congregation. When appointed to participate in Presbytery or General Assembly, they shall watch over the spiritual welfare and participate diligently in the workings of that portion of the Church to which they are commissioned, recognizing that the Evangelical Presbyterian Church is a connectional church. The Ruling Elder shares authority with the Teaching Elder in all of the courts of the church, in both rights and duties. As a representative of the people, it is the first duty of the Ruling Elder to represent the mind of Christ, as that person understands it, in the various courts of the Church.

§10-5 The life of the Ruling Elder: According to Scripture, those who bear this office should exhibit certain characteristics of life. This includes being blameless in life, sound in the faith, wise in the things of God, and discreet in all things. Persons who fill this office should exhibit a lifestyle that is an example to all, both in and outside the Church. A congregation preparing to elect persons to this holy office should carefully study appropriate passages of Scripture relating to the Ruling Elder and be very prayerful in selecting persons to this office.

§10-6 The Ruling Elder and the Power of Order: While the power to rule is a joint power exercised in church courts in regular gradation, each Ruling Elder also exercises the power of order. This is the power that belongs to the Elder by right of ordination. Thus

A. A Ruling Elder should study and learn the Word and become equipped to teach that Word, even to supplying a regular ministry of the Word where none is available. The Ruling Elder should become adept at leading worship and at leading in prayer. B. As an Undershepherd, that person should visit the sick, the bereaved, the lonely, the aged, the shut-in, and all those who have a pastoral need. In cases where there is a special need, the Ruling Elder shall be careful to inform the Pastor. C. It is especially incumbent upon the Ruling Elder to see to the development of the children of the congregation, to inquire after the inactive members, to encourage new members in spiritual development, and to otherwise show care for those whom they serve. D. A Ruling Elder should be diligent to watch for moral failures and seek to warn, to admonish, and otherwise to reclaim those who stray. In special cases, where it is deemed necessary, such failures should be brought to the attention of the Church Session for appropriate action of discipline. . . .

As the law of love places certain duties upon each Christian, the Ruling Elder is especially bound to fulfill those duties and to be an example to all.

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DEACONS: The first duty of Deacon is to provide sympathy and service to those in need (Acts 6:1-4; 1 Cor. 16:15).

According to the EPC Book of Order (Book of Government), the following requirements must also be met: §10-7 The office of Deacon: The office of Deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, concern for needs, and of serving others. Therefore, the first duty of the Deacon is sympathy and service. Historically, to this office has been given the duty of being the Church’s instrument for the ministry of compassion. Such duties may include the care, maintenance, and preparation of the church and its facilities. Since the Board of Deacons is not a court of the Church and since it is under the authority of the Church Session, to the Deacons both individually and collectively the Church Session may assign from time to time special duties felt to be appropriate to that office.

§10-8 The life of the Deacon: According to Scripture, those who bear this office should exhibit especially those spiritual qualities of the Christian, and should be earnest and wholehearted followers of Christ. They should be persons who are steady and reliable, well thought of by all. They should not be new in the faith and should be tested for faithfulness before election.