Why do we have Elders?
Following biblical teaching, the Swartz Creek church of Christ looks to Jesus Christ as its head. Since Christ is the Head and Leads Our Church, why do we have Elders? Because everything that we do must meet His approval through His Holy Scriptures. This includes the way we organize our leadership and as pointed out in Titus 1:5, we are directed to appoint Elders.
To facilitate the work of the church, we must depend upon the efforts of individual Christians who serve in various ways. Members of the Swartz Creek church of Christ have appointed men who we believe fit the qualifications outlined in Titus 1:6-9, to be our Elders (or “shepherds”). As such, they oversee the spirituality of the congregation. We are so blessed to have such men with whom we entrust the direction, the care, and the growth of our church family.
Why do we have Deacons?
Since the Swartz Creek church of Christ looks to Jesus Christ as its head and Elders have been appointed, why do we have Deacons? The Greek word (diakonos) translated “deacon” means servant, and is so translated in Matthew 23:11 and John 12:26. It can be said then that a Deacon is someone who is chosen to assist the elders of a congregation in carrying out their responsibilities as 1 Peter 5:2.
While the Elders oversee the spirituality of the congregation, Deacons are responsible for seeing to the daily needs of our church and our community. Members of the Swartz Creek church of Christ have appointed men who we believe fit the qualifications outlined in I Timothy 3:8-13, to be our Deacons.