The pattern of ministry all throughout the New Testament is clearly established upon a plurality of elders leading and a plurality of deacons serving.  Although this is not a blemish-free ministry pattern, it does provide for the most healthy scenario for discipleship in the local church.

In Acts 6:2, Jesus’ inner circles was known as “the twelve.”  They were serving as the pastors for the early church as it was growing rapidly.  However, when a problem arose among the church, servants were established to wait on the tables in order to free up these men to give their full attention to the Word of God and prayer.

The pattern of ministry all throughout the New Testament is clearly established upon a plurality of elders leading and a plurality of deacons serving.  Although this is not a blemish-free ministry pattern, it does provide for the most healthy scenario for discipleship in the local church.

Deacons, Elders, and Discipleship

When pastors are free to give themselves to the Word of God, the church will benefit drastically.  The pastors who put more priority on pragmatics and less priority upon the study of God’s Word cannot expect their church to rise above their leaders.  Interestingly enough, in Acts 6, the early church became united through the deacon ministry and this allowed the pastors to immerse themselves in God’s Word.  As the Word of God increased, souls were saved in the community.  Consider this pattern over against today’s church growth pragmatism that typically downplays doctrine.

Behind every great group of pastors is a great group of deacons.  When deacons serve to the glory of God in the local church, the pastors can spend necessary time in prayer for their people.  A church that places little emphasis upon prayer is often a direct reflection of their leaders.  Such a church marches on in the power of pragmatism rather than the power of the Holy Spirit.  No matter how much technology increases and how efficient we become with modern ministry tools—nothing can stand in the place of the power of prayer.  Pastors who pray well often lead well.  Pastors who spend time praying for disciples and teaching new disciples how to pray will go forward in the power of God.  Prayer is essential.

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