Deacons or Elders!

Our first question comes from an FBC Wortham online, long-distance listener:

What is the difference between elders and deacons and why do some churches have both while others have deacons only?

Philippians 1:1

… To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers [elders] and deacons…

That is a great question. In the sense of New Testament protestant churches, most of what we know about elders and deacons comes from the teaching of the Apostle Paul. We receive information on elders in Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3, and deacons in 1 Timothy 3. 

First, we should point out that both are leadership positions. It is good to know that while elders and deacons are usually seen as separate offices in scripture, there may be some overlap between the positions, as well. Generally, elders are seen primarily as “decision makers” while deacons are seen as “servants.” Each position is certainly a calling from God, not merely a decision a man makes. Elders and deacons both have certain qualifications. Although they are similar, the qualifications for elders seem to be a little more detailed.

That brings up the next question. If the positions are understood to be two distinct offices, why do some churches have deacons only, and no elders, or vice versa? In terms of churches having deacons only, it’s usually a church size issue. The determination usually comes from the fact that there may not be enough qualified people to justify two separate groups. That is usually because the church might have under 300 people in weekly attendance.

Some churches choose to have deacons only because it's more of a preference in title. Many of these churches actually combine the two and have deacon-elders, although they choose to just use the term deacon, for simplicity reasons. It’s a group of men who act as decision makers, as well as servants. Still other churches have elders and deacons as separate roles, but have them meet and collaborate together. Again, to keep it simple, they choose just one term for both groups.

One final thought: I have heard people say that deacons are not leaders. They are servants only (the term “deacon” means “servant”). The truth is, deacons should be viewed as servant-leaders. It’s a style of leadership exemplified by Jesus Himself. In fact, it is so important that many seminaries today emphasise the servant-leadership model.