The Two Ministries of the Church: Word & Deed
The New Testament outlines two distinct but complementary ministries for the health and growth of the local church. Both offices require men who are filled with the Holy Spirit to accomplish their God-given tasks.
The Ministry of the Word
Office: Pastor / Elder / Overseer
(These titles describe the same role of spiritual leadership in the New Testament.)
Biblical Basis:
Primary Charge: Devotion to Word and Prayer
(The central task is the spiritual feeding and guidance of the congregation through faithful teaching and intercession.)
Biblical Basis:
Core Mandate: Make Disciples Who Make Disciples
(The goal is not just to make converts, but to equip faithful men who can then teach and train others, ensuring the continuation of sound doctrine.)
Biblical Basis:
Essential Qualification: Apt to Teach
(This is a non-negotiable skill for the office. A man who cannot effectively teach, exhort from, and defend the Word is not qualified to be a Pastor/Elder, and is better suited for the Ministry of Deed.)
Biblical Basis:
Empowerment: Filled with the Spirit
(This ministry is supernatural. It cannot be accomplished in human strength but requires the empowerment and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.)
Biblical Basis:
The Ministry of Deed
Office: Deacon
(This is a distinct office of service that supports the ministry of the Elders and cares for the congregation.)
Biblical Basis:
Primary Charge: Service and Administration
(The central task is to meet the practical, physical, and logistical needs of the church, thus freeing the Elders to focus on the Ministry of the Word.)
Biblical Basis:
Core Mandate: Teach Obedience Through Doing
(While all believers are called to teach, the Deacon’s focus is on mobilizing the church for practical obedience. They lead the way in “observing all things” through acts of service, mercy, and administration.)
Biblical Basis:
Essential Qualification: Proven Character & Dignity
(The primary qualification is not teaching ability, but tested, godly character. They must be men of integrity who manage their own households well and can be trusted with the church’s resources and reputation.)
Biblical Basis:
Conclusion: Unity in a Two-Fold Mission
Pastors and Deacons work in partnership, both empowered by the same Holy Spirit. The Pastors guard the church’s theological health through the Ministry of the Word. The Deacons guard the church’s practical health through the Ministry of Deed. Together, they equip the saints for the work of ministry, building up a church that is strong in doctrine and rich in love.
Biblical Basis:
Note: All biblical references are from the NASB 1995 translation. Links open in a new tab to BibleGateway.com.