The Threefold Mission of the Church
Understanding God’s Design for a Healthy, Missional Body
The Great Commission: Our Marching Orders
The entire mission of the church flows from Christ’s final command in Matthew 28:18-20. This mandate contains the DNA for all three essential ministries, empowering the church to make disciples of all nations.
Proclamation
“Go therefore…”
The outward, foundational thrust of spreading the gospel and planting new churches.
Truth
“…teaching them…”
The inward, doctrinal work of building up the church in sound teaching.
Deed
“…to observe all…”
The practical, loving expression of our faith through service and mercy.
The Apostolic Pattern: From Planting to Pastoring
The book of Acts reveals a clear pattern: the mission begins with proclamation, which establishes a new church. That new church then requires the ministries of Truth and Deed to be established for its long-term health and maturity.
Proclamation
Apostles & Evangelists preach the gospel and plant a church.
New Church Established
A new body of believers is formed.
Local Leadership
Elders (Truth) & Deacons (Deed) are appointed for growth.
The Three Ministries Compared
📢 Ministry of Proclamation
Office: Apostle, Evangelist
Focus: Outward, Foundational
Primary Action: Spreading the gospel, planting new churches.
Key Verse: “to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named” – Romans 15:20
Nature: Often itinerant, sent out by an established church to break new ground.
🛡️ Ministry of Truth
Office: Pastor, Elder, Overseer
Focus: Inward, Doctrinal
Primary Action: Shepherding the flock, teaching sound doctrine, protecting against error.
Key Verse: “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season” – 2 Timothy 4:2
Nature: Settled, local leadership responsible for the long-term health of a specific congregation.
❤️ Ministry of Deed
Office: Deacon
Focus: Inward/Outward, Practical
Primary Action: Meeting tangible needs, organizing service, promoting unity.
Key Verse: “select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit” – Acts 6:3
Nature: Settled, local leadership that models servanthood and frees elders for their primary task.
Ministry of Truth: A Foundation of Character
While the ability to teach is the unique skill required of an elder, it is built upon an indispensable foundation. The vast majority of biblical qualifications are not about talent, but about a man’s proven, godly character. This tested integrity—being above reproach in his family, finances, and personal conduct—is what gives his teaching credibility and makes his leadership trustworthy.
Character is the weight that gives authority to the words of a leader.
Key Distinction: Teacher vs. Servant-Leader
While both offices demand high character, the primary functional difference is clear: Elders are required to teach the Truth, while Deacons are required to lead in Deeds.
ELDER (TRUTH)
Must be…
“Apt to Teach”
1 Timothy 3:2
DEACON (DEED)
Must be…
Proven in Service
1 Timothy 3:10
A Virtuous Cycle: How the Ministries Work Together
The three ministries create a self-reinforcing cycle. The gospel is proclaimed, grounding believers in truth. This truth then overflows in loving deeds, which in turn makes the initial proclamation more credible and attractive to the world.
Proclamation
ESTABLISHES
Truth
FUELS
Deed
AUTHENTICATES
God’s Model: The Priesthood of All Believers
The Bible teaches that leadership is not for a select few, but a call for all who mature in faith. Every believer is gifted to serve, and as they grow, they are expected to lead and disciple others. Formal offices exist to equip the entire body for this universal ministry.
All Believers
Gifted and Called to Serve (1 Peter 4:10)
Equipped by Office Bearers
(Elders & Deacons – Ephesians 4:11-12)
Mature Believers
Leading & Discipling Others (2 Timothy 2:2)
“And He gave some… for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.”
– Ephesians 4:11-12