Disciples of Christ (Jesus, tradition, virtual, beliefs, creation)

[CaptainXeroid]

Deacon is kinda' like an 'entry-level' position for church service. Elders are normally older and people who have been looked up to for a while. In our church, the only official requirement is that you've been a member of the church at least a year and are nominated by a member of the congregation, and recommended by the nominating committee.

[sojourner]

Originally Posted by jturpin4

Thanks for the help Captain! Besides doing different things, is there really any difference between a Deacon and Elder? Are they both over the church or is one higher than the other?

To see one office as higher than another is a misinterpretation. The offices are different in nature, but not superior or inferior. According to the Design of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), there are two basic orders of ministry (and I always add a third, because I think it's important.)

1) Ordained and licensed clergy, 2) elders and deacons, 3) laity.

The elders are the episcopoi, or spiritual overseers of the congregation, but they have no authority over the church members. They normally co-preside at the Table, offer prayers, and may act as liturgists. They comprise part of the Official Board that takes care of the business of the church. Their work is defined by their ministry as the church's spiritual leadership.

The diaconate is a servant ministry. Historically, the deacons saw to the relief of orphans, widows and the less fortunate, took care of the church's finances, and carried the Eucharist to those who were ill or infirm. Usually, deacons also sit on the Official Board. Their work is defined by their servant role.

The clergy ministry is symbolic. The minister represents the Church to the people, and to the world. The minister normally presides over the service, and usually at the Table, along with the elders. The minister has no authority over the people, but, as one of the elders, provides spiritual and theological leadership.

The Church is organic in nature, and needs its varied ministries in order to be healthy. The ministries of laity, clergy, elders and deacons are all complimentary to one another and ensure that all aspects of ministry are provided for.

[jturpin4]

What is laity?

[sojourner]

Originally Posted by jturpin4

Thanks for the help Captain! Besides doing different things, is there really any difference between a Deacon and Elder? Are they both over the church or is one higher than the other?

Yes, there is a difference between a deacon and an elder. The office of Elder entails specifically a ministry of leadership. The office of Deacon entails specifically a ministry of servanthood. The elders are the spiritual leadership of the congregation. The deacons are its servants.

HOWEVER: It's not a question of "higher" or "authority." There is no hierarchical structure in the Disciples Church. There is no structure of "authority" in the Disciples Church. There is a wonderful book by Colbert Cartwright entitled, People of the Chalice. It explains the Disciples of Christ eloquently, it's short, and it's an easy read. Go to www.disciples.org and look for a link to Chalice Press, if you'd like to order it. Elders, deacons, clergy, laity are all equal parts of the Body of Christ, each with a specific ministry to fulfill.

[sojourner]

Originally Posted by jturpin4

What is laity?

From the Greek Laos, meaning "people." There is historically a distinction made between those who are ordained to a sacred office, and those who are not. Those who are ordained are referred to as "clergy" and those who have not are referred to as "laity." The "laity" or "lay people" are those members of the church who do not serve in a ministry that has been specifically set apart for leadership. In the Disciples Church, elders and deacons are usually lay ministries. Clergy are either ordained or licensed.