WHAT IS A BISHOP, AN ELDER AND A DEACON & WHAT ARE THEIR ROLES

Over the past few weeks we have been dealing with not what He says, nor what She says, but, What rather what dones God say, in the context of ministerial order and leadership within the Body of Christ. When have proven the need for the continued work of the Five-fold Ministry of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher. In Ephesians 4:11-14 we are told of the purpose and duration of the five-fold ministries work:         

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive...

This week we will begin to turn our attention to the administrative ministerial offices... The Bishop, the Elder, and the Deacon.

As I looked at this, I discovered that the number of the ministers that are required to strengthen, enlighten and edify the Church and its Kingdom building work is the number Eight.

Eight in the spirit realm always denotes a new beginning. These eight ministerial offices are there to rightly divide the Word of God, establish a standard by which God's Word will not be compromised, altered or changed; and to plant the spirit of love and cooperation among all believers, welcoming everyone.