Deacon versus Bishop (Elders) Function in the Church 7-2-25

Deacon versus Bishop (Elders) Function in the Church 7-2-25

Before going into the message, in case some readers don’t understand why I concentrate on the Foundation and how the church started is because some people don’t believe that certain things in the book of Acts and some other New Testament books are not for today. Well, I have news for you, it is written that the church started in the book of Acts, which is called the church age (time period or dispensation of grace).

Since the church will not leave the earth until Jesus returns and take us to heaven, the sixth dispensation, which is the church age, will not end until that time. Therefore, everything that was written from that point (beginning of the church) is for us today.

The church of today needs to know the truth and accept God’s Word as the ultimate and final authority. If not, then you’re saying that God’s Word is not true and basically God is called a liar. Shame, shame, shame, the Sovereign God who is Almighty, knows all things and He is everywhere at the same time! Some people have the gall to disagree with some of the Word, and call themselves children of God? That is pitiful!

This is the difference between the bishop (elder) and the deacon. It needs to be understood that the five ministry offices (not titles) are the elders of the church, but their functions are different. The pastor is the lead person, he and the teacher have stationary offices, whereas the apostle, prophet and evangelist basically function outside of the church.

However, when they are not going outside ministry they function in the church as elders. I wrote in a few previous messages that the words bishop, elder and overseer are interchangeable.

So, when you see deacons listed in 1 Timothy 3:8, it says likewise they should exhibit the same characteristics as the (five ministry offices). The deacons have been next to the pastors in many churches because many people do not understand the five ministry offices and that deacons are different; they are called runners, to serve the people more in a physical sense, but at the same time, it is spiritual because Christians are spiritual.

Deacons are ministers as all Christians are, they serve in a specific category (all of us are called to serve), they are also attendants, remember in the book of Acts.

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.  

Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, it is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.  Therefore, brothers, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:1-4).

God has a special grace for each of us; stay in your lane! Knowing what our ministry is and understanding the order that God has ordained is crucial.  Knowing where we are supposed to be is crucial. Being in the right ministry and place depends on how effective we will be.

His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org