C. Church Officers (Chapters 7-9)

Question 1

What permanent officers has Christ given to His Church?

Answer 1

• Elder and deacon

Question 2

What are the qualifications for an elder?

Answer 2

• “He that fills this office should posses a competency of human learning and be blameless in life, sound in the faith and apt to teach. He should exhibit a sobriety and holiness of life becoming the Gospel. He should rule his own house well and should have a good report to them that are outside the Church.”

Question 3

What are an elder’s duties?

Answer 3

• He is to be a Bishop or pastor (oversee), a Presbyter or elder (govern) and teacher (expound the Word)
• Watch over the flock (no corruption of doctrine/morals)
• Exercise government/discipline
• Visit people, especially the sick
• Instruct the ignorant, comfort the mourner, nourish and guard the children
• Be a worthy example in evangelism
• Pray for and with the people

Question 4

How are ruling and teaching elders alike? How are they different?

Answer 4

• Same class of office/same authority
• Government and spiritual oversight of the church, including teaching
• Teaching elders are those “specially gifted, called and trained by God to preach”
• Teaching elders read, expound and preach the Word and administer the sacraments

Question 5

What is meant by the “parity” of ruling and teaching elders?

Answer 5

Equal voting rights and authority

Question 6

What are the duties of deacons?

Answer 6

• Minister to those in need, sick, friendless, in distress
• Develop grace of liberality in members
• Device effective methods of collecting gifts
• Distribute gifts
• Care for/repair church property

Question 7

What are the qualifications for deacons?

Answer 7

• Spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly spirit, warm sympathies, sound judgement