Elders need to focus on shepherding and let deacons do their work …

Have you ever observed church elders spending more time on building maintenance or financial reports than on prayer and the study of God’s Word? Or perhaps you’ve noticed them stretched thin, seemingly lacking the capacity for deep pastoral care? In many churches today, this imbalance is a reality: elders dedicate a significant portion of their time to handling church business — budgets, property decisions, and administrative concerns — rather than prioritizing shepherding, teaching, and spiritual oversight. Even when a church has deacons, elders often take on tasks that should fall under the deacons’ responsibility. This misalignment undermines the example of leadership described in scripture. The office of deacon was established so that spiritual leaders could remain devoted to prayer, the Word, and the care of the congregation. When deacons are empowered to fulfill their biblical role, the entire church benefits, and elders are freed to focus on their true calling.

What happens when the roles are not respected
Imagine a church member unsure whether to approach an elder about a leaky roof in the fellowship hall or who to talk to for guidance on a pressing spiritual matter. When the roles of deacons and elders are not clearly defined, or when elders begin taking on tasks meant for deacons, the entire church suffers. It creates confusion, inefficiency, and distracts leaders from their core responsibilities. For example, elders bogged down in administrative tasks may delay crucial spiritual decisions or neglect timely pastoral care. An elder preoccupied with budget details might miss opportunities to connect with and disciple new members, or spend time equipping the saints for the work of ministry. More importantly, this blurring of lines undermines the example demonstrated in scripture for the church’s leadership. For a church to flourish and for its members to be well-served, both elders and deacons must embrace the importance of their unique roles, knowing that their work is complementary, not overlapping.

The biblical foundation of deacons
The office of deacon originates in Acts 6:1-7. As the early church grew, practical needs, such as the daily distribution of food to widows, began to overwhelm the apostles. The solution was the appointment of seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to handle these duties. This allowed the apostles to “… spend our time in prayer and the teaching the word” (Acts 6:4). This biblical account reveals that from the beginning, a distinction was made between those focused on spiritual leadership and those dedicated to practical service.

Paul later provides further qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Deacons are to be dignified, honest, not greedy, and deeply grounded in the faith. They must lead their households well, demonstrating the character necessary for responsible service. These qualifications indicate that deacons are not merely “assistants” but spiritually mature individuals entrusted with significant responsibilities that require integrity and leadership in their own sphere.

How deacons benefit the local church
A well-functioning group of deacons brings immense value to the church by handling the practical and logistical aspects of ministry, ensuring that the church can effectively pursue its spiritual mission and that its members are well-cared for:

• • Material needs are met: Deacons oversee ministries such as benevolence, facility management, finances, and logistics, ensuring that physical needs do not hinder the church’s spiritual mission.
  • Congregational care is strengthened: By assisting with counseling (in practical ways), hospitality, and outreach efforts, deacons create a more connected and supportive church. This also means members are clearer on who to approach for specific types of needs.
  • Ministry efficiency improves: With deacons properly handling practical matters, church ministry is accomplished more smoothly, reducing disorganization and inefficiency, allowing the church to be a better steward of its resources and time.
  • The elders can better focus on the spiritual and emotional well-being of its members.

How deacons benefit elders
Elders are called to be shepherds (1 Peter 5:2) and overseers (Titus 1:7), focusing on prayer, teaching, and spiritual leadership. When deacons fulfill their role, elders are freed to concentrate on their biblical responsibilities, ultimately benefiting the entire congregation:

• • More time for teaching and preaching: Elders can invest in deeper study, doctrinal teaching, and discipleship rather than being burdened with facility management or budget discussions. This leads to a more spiritually fed congregation.
  • Greater focus on pastoral care: Rather than getting entangled in administrative work, elders can devote themselves to counseling, discipling, equipping, and shepherding the flock, providing the spiritual guidance and support members need.
  • Stronger spiritual leadership: Without constant distractions, elders can better discern God’s direction for the church and lead with wisdom and clarity, setting the spiritual tone and vision for the church.

To guard against misalignment
For church leadership to function effectively, churches must ensure that the roles of elders and deacons are clearly defined and respected:

• • Elders must avoid micromanaging deacons: Micromanagement undermines the deacon’s role and keeps elders entangled in unnecessary tasks. Elders must trust deacons to handle practical matters within their defined responsibilities.
  • Deacons must be equipped and empowered: Proper training, clear responsibilities, and spiritual encouragement ensure deacons serve effectively and maintain their focus on practical ministries.
  • The congregation must recognize and support biblical leadership roles: Understanding the distinction between elders and deacons fosters a culture of cooperation, ensuring that each role is fulfilled without overlap and that the congregation knows who to approach for different needs.

The church is better positioned to thrive when its leadership structures reflect the guidance found in scripture. Deacons and elders are not rivals; they are partners, each called to serve in distinct yet complementary ways. It is when these roles are embraced as scripture outlines — elders free to shepherd and teach, and deacons empowered to handle the practical aspects of ministry — that the spiritual and practical needs of the church are met effectively. A church that honors these roles reflects the biblical model of leadership, where every member of the body is equipped to serve and the leadership can fulfill its God-given purpose with clarity and strength.

Scotty