Ordination and Roles of Elders and Deacons in the Adventist Church

It is a pleasure to provide you with insights regarding the setting apart and responsibilities of church elders and deacons, based on the practices established in the early church and carried forward in modern organizational structure 🤝.

The Ordination and Setting Apart of Church Officers

The formal act of setting apart church officers, including elders and deacons, follows the New Testament pattern, emphasizing solemn commitment and designation to serviceDG 249.3+1.

• The Rite of Ordination: Church officers, such as the elder, deacons, and deaconesses, are set apart by prayer and the laying on of handsDG 249.3+1. This practice was followed when the seven original deacons were chosen and set apart before the apostles Acts 6:6AA 89.1+1. Similarly, elders were ordained in every church Acts 14:23SITI August 24, 1888, page 519.11 and Timothy received a gift with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery 1 Timothy 4:14HS 284.2.

• The Meaning of the Act: The ordination by the laying on of hands does not confer a new grace or qualification upon the individualSR 304.2. Rather, it serves as the church’s official seal upon a work that God has already designated for that person, acknowledging their appointment to the officeSR 304.2.

• Selection Process: Officers are selected by the voice of the church membership from among the brethrenSITI August 24, 1888, page 519.11+1. They should be chosen based on scripture qualifications and be men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom Acts 6:3ARSH January 23, 1855, page 164.2.

• Transfer of Office: If an elder or deacon relocates to another congregation, a new vote by the second church is required for him to officiate in that capacityCOOD 172.5. However, if he has been faithful to his church covenant, he does not need to be re-ordainedCOOD 172.5.

The Distinct Roles of Elders and Deacons

The organizational plan of the church, evidenced in Scripture, typically recognizes two primary offices elected by the membership: bishops (elders) and deacons Philippians 1:1TTR 229.2+1.

Church Elders (Bishops/Overseers)

Elders are crucial spiritual leaders in the congregation, holding the oversight of the church Acts 20:287BC 942.6+1.

• Spiritual Leadership: Elders are primarily responsible for the lead and oversight of the church in spiritual thingsARSH June 24, 1862, page 32.3. They are called upon to feed the flock of God with pure provender (Manuscript 59, 1900)7BC 942.6.

• Ministering the Word and Ordinances: Elders labor in word and doctrine 1 Timothy 5:17 and may conduct meetings and administer the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, especially in the absence of a minister or evangelistARSH June 24, 1862, page 32.3.

• Caring for the Sick: When someone is sick, they should call for the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord James 5:14-15SITI March 2, 1888, page 135.10.

• Conduct and Authority: Elders must not act as lords over God's heritage, but must be ensamples to the flock (Manuscript 59, 1900, 1 Peter 5:17BC 942.6+1. They should avoid rashly cutting off offending members and must humbly seek counsel from conference leadership in matters of grave importance3LtMs, Ms 1, 1878, par. 10.

Deacons and Deaconesses

The office of the deacon is a subordinate one, relating primarily to the temporal needs of the churchARSH March 5, 1857, page 144.15+1. The original choice of deacons was instituted so that the apostles could be free to focus continually on prayer and the ministry of the word Acts 6:4AA 89.1.

• Temporal Duties: Deacons handle the temporal affairs of the church, such as taking charge of the finances, looking after the poor and their funds, and making preparation for the ordinancesTDC May 21, 1889, page 5.13+2. The Greek root of "deacon" signifies "one dusty from running," illustrating continuous serviceTDC May 21, 1889, page 5.13.

• Spiritual Impact: Though their duties are temporal, their qualifications indicate they have much to do in promoting the spiritual welfare of the churchARSH March 5, 1857, page 144.15.

• Deaconesses: There is also mention of deaconesses, who are female servants of the church Romans 16:1 and who had charge of the female sick and poorCOOD 129.3. Deaconesses were included in the ordination ceremony alongside elders and deacons in historical practiceDG 249.3+1.

• Progression: Those who use the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, which implies that some deacons may afterward attain to a higher degree, such as Philip the evangelist Acts 21:8+1ARSH January 7, 1862, page 48.14.

The Need for United Effort

The prosperity of God's work depends heavily on consecrated officers and members who dedicate their service wholly to the LordRH September 14, 1905, par. 3.

• Shared Responsibility: The work of God cannot be finished until both men and women comprising the church membership unite their efforts with those of the ministers and church officersChS 68.1.

• Involving the Membership: Church elders and deacons should ensure that every member has a share in active work for the salvation of souls, as this is the only way the church can be preserved in a healthy, thriving conditionRH March 24, 1891, par. 2. Leaders must give ample encouragement to individual members to fulfill their personal responsibilities10LtMs, Ms 1, 1895, par. 52.

• Qualities of Service: Conference officers, church officers, and all laborers are called to render faithful, wholehearted serviceRH September 14, 1905, par. 3. They must also be mindful of avoiding self-confidence, recognizing that God's sufficiency alone makes them able ministers of the New Testament 2 Corinthians 3:5-6PaM 251.3+1.