PASSAGE GUIDE
The New Testament establishes two distinct church offices—elders and deacons—with complementary roles in caring for God’s people. Elders, also called overseers or pastors, provide spiritual oversight through teaching, prayer, shepherding, and maintaining sound doctrine. Deacons serve by meeting practical and logistical needs, freeing elders to focus on their primary calling. This division follows the pattern in Acts 6, where the apostles devoted themselves to the Word and prayer while appointed servants addressed tangible needs, preserving unity in the early church.
Both offices share similar Christ-like character requirements laid out in 1 Timothy 3. Elders must be able to teach and defend the faith, while deacons must hold to the faith with a clear conscience. Qualities such as being above reproach, self-controlled, hospitable, faithful in marriage, and managing one’s household well are central. Scripture emphasizes “being” over “doing,” making integrity, faithfulness, and a good reputation essential for both elders and deacons.
A careful reading of Romans 16:1 and 1 Timothy 3:11 supports the view that biblically qualified women can serve as deacons in an elder-led church. Phoebe is commended as a diakonos, and Paul’s wording in 1 Timothy allows for the interpretation of “women deacons” alongside men. In this understanding, women deacons serve in areas where gender sensitivity is needed, such as caring for widows, ministering to women in need, and leading prayer or care ministries. However, the role of elder is reserved for qualified men, based on theological reasoning rooted in creation order and apostolic teaching, not cultural custom.
Historically and biblically, the function of the role matters more than the title. In traditions where deacons act as spiritual overseers—functionally serving as elders—Scripture restricts the role to qualified men. In an elder-led model, however, deacons—men and women—assist elders by leading teams in specific ministry areas such as benevolence, visitation, prayer, and practical support. This flexible, team-based approach allows deacons to address needs as they arise, without being confined to a single board.
This biblical model follows the pattern seen in the early church: elders appointing deacons to serve the body. The goal is to strengthen care for the church by ensuring that both spiritual and practical needs are met by godly, qualified servants. By emphasizing Christlike character, shared ministry, and clear role distinctions, the church reflects the order, unity, and mutual service modeled in the New Testament.
*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace, passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.
SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS
Remember, these are “suggested” questions. You do not have to go through every single one of them. No matter which campus you attend, these questions will help you open up a discussion in your group.
OPENING PRAYER
Spend time in prayer for our congregation as we navigate adjusting deacons to include women. Pray for unity, for Spirit guided discernment as we seek to follow Scripture.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Tell us about your church background, especially what do you remember about how the leaders of the church(es) you grew up in?
- How might your church traditions shape how you think about the topic of elders and deacons, as well as men and women deacons and/or elders?
- What were some of your “aha’s” from 1 Timothy 3:1-12?
- Is there anything that you still don’t understand or that you struggle to embrace?
- In what ways do elders and deacons complement one another in church leadership?
- What does it mean for a church leader to be “above reproach,” and why is this quality essential?
- Why does Scripture place more emphasis on “being” rather than “doing” in these leadership roles?
- How do Romans 16:1 and 1 Timothy 3:11 support the possibility of women serving as deacons?
- How will a team-based approach to deacon ministry provide greater flexibility in meeting needs?
CLOSING PRAYER
Close in a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s grace to us by His Word and His Church.