The Importance of Biblical Church Leadership 

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For thousands of years, God has shown the importance of a structured church government. In the Old Testament, this structure included the High Priest and the priests who served as leaders, and the Levites who supported both the leaders and the people (Exodus 28–29; Numbers 3:5–10; Deuteronomy 17:8–12).

 

Leadership in the Church Today 

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Today, the church is led by elders—who serve as both pastors and bishops—and supported by deacons, who assist the leaders and minister to the people (Acts 14:23; Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9; Philippians 1:1).

 

A Calling From God 

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The position of the leaders is first and foremost a calling from God. In the Old Testament, the priests were required to be descendants of Aaron, the first high priest mentioned in the Bible (Exodus 28:1; Numbers 18:1–7).

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However, even if a person was a descendant of Aaron, they could still be disqualified if they did not walk according to God’s standards (Leviticus 21:16–23; Malachi 2:1–9).

 

God Calls New Testament Leaders

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In the New Testament, the Bible says that God chooses some who have trusted Jesus Christ as Saviour to be pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11–12; 1 Corinthians 12:28).

These individuals often become the leaders in the church today.  Again, even if a person is chosen by God to be a pastor or teacher, they can still be disqualified if they do not walk according to God’s standards (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9; James 3:1).

 

Every Calling Matters

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Though you may see a pastor or teacher speaking in front of the congregation every week, we should not conclude that their calling is more important than yours.  God gives each of us a role within the church, and every calling has purpose and value (1 Corinthians 12:4–27; Romans 12:4–8).

 

Discerning Your Calling 

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Pastors and elders are often those who have attended a college or university for many years before stepping into church leadership.  If you believe God is calling you to be an elder in the church, please speak to the church elders for guidance and confirmation (1 Timothy 4:14; 1 Timothy 5:22; Acts 13:2–3).