THE PASTOR AND HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS DEACONS

Title: THE PASTOR AND HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS DEACONS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 6:1-7
"In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, 'It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.' This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."

Supporting Texts:
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Titus 1:5-9
Philippians 1:1
Acts 20:28-31
1 Peter 5:1-4

INTRODUCTION:
The relationship between the pastor and his deacons is a critical one in the life of the church. Both roles are integral to the church’s function and spiritual health. Pastors and deacons must work in unity to serve the congregation, ensuring that both the spiritual and practical needs of the church are met. In this Bible study, we will explore the biblical basis for the relationship between pastors and deacons and how they can work together effectively to fulfil God’s purposes in the church.

1. THE ROLE OF THE PASTOR AND DEACONS IN THE CHURCH

Understanding the distinct roles of the pastor and deacons is essential for fostering a healthy relationship.

a) The Pastor’s Primary Role: The pastor is called to lead, teach, and shepherd the congregation, focusing on prayer, the ministry of the Word, and spiritual oversight (Acts 6:4).

b) The Deacons’ Primary Role: Deacons are tasked with serving the practical needs of the church, such as caring for the poor, widows, and ensuring that the physical resources of the church are well-managed (1 Timothy 3:8-13).

c) Complementary Roles: The pastor’s role is spiritual, and the deacon’s role is practical, but both are vital for the church’s health (Acts 6:1-7).

d) Authority and Accountability: While the pastor holds the spiritual authority in the church, deacons are to be accountable to the pastor as they carry out their responsibilities (1 Peter 5:1-3).

e) Biblical Example: The appointment of deacons in Acts 6 shows how pastors and deacons work together to ensure the smooth operation of the church (Acts 6:1-7).

2. BUILDING A STRONG AND TRUSTING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PASTOR AND DEACONS

For effective ministry, there must be trust and mutual respect between the pastor and deacons.

a) Open Communication: A pastor should communicate clearly with deacons about the vision, needs, and direction of the church, ensuring everyone is aligned (Acts 6:3-4).

b) Mutual Respect: Pastors and deacons must respect each other’s roles, valuing the contributions of one another towards the growth of the church (1 Timothy 3:11).

c) Praying Together: The pastor and deacons should pray together regularly, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom for the church’s ministry (Acts 6:4).

d) Encouraging and Supporting One Another: The pastor should support and encourage the deacons, while the deacons should offer encouragement to the pastor in his spiritual leadership (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

e) Biblical Example: The relationship between Paul and Timothy, where Paul mentored and supported Timothy, provides an example of how pastors can build trust and encourage deacons (Philippians 2:19-22).

3. THE PASTOR’S ROLE IN EQUIPPING AND EMPOWERING DEACONS
The pastor has a significant responsibility in equipping and empowering deacons to serve effectively.

a) Spiritual Training and Discipleship: The pastor should provide spiritual training to deacons, ensuring they are well-versed in the Word and are equipped to serve with integrity (Titus 1:5-9).

b) Delegating Responsibilities: The pastor should trust the deacons with specific tasks, empowering them to take leadership in practical matters (Acts 6:3).

c) Encouraging Growth in Service: The pastor should challenge deacons to grow in their service, ensuring they are fulfilling their God-given calling (Ephesians 4:12).

d) Leading by Example: The pastor should lead by example, demonstrating a servant’s heart in both spiritual leadership and practical service (Matthew 20:26-28).

e) Biblical Example: Paul’s instructions to Timothy and Titus on appointing and equipping deacons highlight the pastor’s role in preparing deacons for effective service (1 Timothy 3:8-13).

4. MAINTAINING UNITY AND PEACE BETWEEN THE PASTOR AND DEACONS
Unity and peace are essential for a productive and harmonious relationship between the pastor and deacons.

a) Conflict Resolution: The pastor and deacons should work together to address any conflicts that arise within the church, ensuring peace and unity (Matthew 18:15-17).

b) Shared Vision: Both pastor and deacons must share a unified vision for the church, working together to fulfill God’s purpose for the congregation (Philippians 2:2).

c) Mutual Submission: The pastor and deacons should practice mutual submission, honoring one another’s role and working together for the common good (Ephesians 5:21).

d) Accountability to One Another: Both pastor and deacons should hold each other accountable, ensuring that their conduct is in line with biblical standards (Galatians 6:1-2).

e) Biblical Example: In Acts 15, the apostles and elders (a group of deacons and leaders) worked together to resolve a conflict within the early church, demonstrating how unity should be maintained (Acts 15:1-29).

5. THE BLESSINGS OF A GOOD RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PASTOR AND DEACONS
When the pastor and deacons work together in unity and mutual respect, the church experiences numerous blessings.

a) Spiritual Growth: The church will experience spiritual growth as both the pastor and deacons focus on their respective roles in advancing God’s Kingdom (Acts 6:7).

b) Effective Ministry: The church’s ministry will be more effective as both the pastor and deacons serve in their areas of strength, contributing to a well-rounded church body (Ephesians 4:16).

c) Increased Fruitfulness: A healthy relationship between the pastor and deacons leads to greater fruitfulness in outreach, discipleship, and service (John 15:5).

d) A Model of Christlike Leadership: The church becomes a model of Christlike leadership as pastors and deacons work together in humility and service (Matthew 20:26-28).

e) Biblical Example: The growth of the early church in Acts 6:7 shows the blessings that come when leadership (pastors and deacons) works together in unity and purpose.

CONCLUSION:
The relationship between the pastor and his deacons is essential to the health and growth of the church. Both roles are complementary, and when they work together in unity, the church will experience spiritual growth, effective ministry, and an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Pastors must equip and empower deacons, while deacons must support and respect their pastor’s leadership. Together, they can fulfill God’s calling for the Church.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help pastors and deacons to work in unity for the growth of the Church.

2. Father, grant wisdom to pastors in equipping and empowering deacons.

3. Lord, give deacons a servant’s heart and a desire to support their pastor.

4. Father, help pastors and deacons to maintain open and honest communication.

5. Lord, let peace and harmony reign between pastors and deacons in our church.

6. Father, empower both pastors and deacons to fulfill their roles with excellence.

7. Lord, help pastors and deacons to resolve any conflicts with love and understanding.

8. Father, strengthen the leadership team to lead the church in alignment with Your will.

9. Lord, let the relationship between pastors and deacons be an example of Christ’s love.

10. Father, bless the work of pastors and deacons, and let the church flourish through their leadership.