There are primarily two roles of leadership in our house church network. Those roles include the role of deacon and the role of elder. These leaders have various responsibilities.
Elders
Titus 1: 5-9 says, “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you- if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” (NKJV)
The primary responsibility of our elders is to oversee and shepherd those who attend our house churches. Our elders are ordained ministers of the Gospel.
Additional responsibilities include: teaching, counseling, marrying, burying, baptizing, and serving the Lord’s Supper.
Our elders must have been involved in house church ministry for at least two years and have graduated from our school of ministry.
Deacons
1 Timothy 3:-13 says, “Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)
The primary responsibility of our deacons is to serve those who attend our house churches. Our deacons also serve by hosting house church meetings, receiving the offering, serving meals, and assisting our elders. Both men and women serve as deacons. » Read more: Roles and Responsibilities of House Church Leaders
