Leadership

Deacons

Deacon comes from the Greek 'diakonos' (dee-ah-ko-nos) which literally means 'Servant'

While elders primarily lead with their words, deacons primarily lead with their works.

In Acts 6 we read about a situation that arose in this young church. In order to not neglect the duties of eldership, certain men where nominated to give attention to the needs of this community. It is primarily from this passage that we see the distinction between a deacon and an elder. A Deacon must qulaify bibically (Qualification shown in 1 Tim 3:8-13). A deacon is a servant in the local church who attends to ever changing needs in the local church. It is not a governmental role, and a deacon does not need to play a part in discipline, direction, or doctrine introduced in the church. However a deacon must have theological convictions that are biblical. A deacon can be male or female. (See Phoebe in Romans 16:1)

 

Elders

While deacons primarily lead with their works, elders primarily lead with their words.

In Acts 6 we see that servant leaders (deacons) were nominated so that the elders of the church would not be distracted from studying the Bible and praying. Elders are called by God and qualified by scripture (1 Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9).

We see in the New Testament that elder, pastor and overseer are three different functions of the same office (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Pet 5:1-2). Generally, we refer to them at One Harbor Church as elder, or sometimes pastor. While the elders are the highest human authority in the local church, they are responsible to faithfully follow the highest authority — Jesus, Who is the Head of the church.

Elders are first good Christians, and have a good reputation in life. To qualify Biblically, you must qualify practically through life. Our testimony is not to have good pastors at the expense of good husbands, neighbors, employees etc. We thank God for giving the local church a group of men who are proven leaders in life and love, who are devoted to praying for and studying the word for their community.

These are men who will stand before God and give an account to Jesus for how they led His church (Heb 13:17). In short, One Harbor Church’s elders are responsible to lead and cast vision, preach and teach the word of God, and judge doctrinal issues. They are to love, pray, care for, model for, and protect the people who call One Harbor Church home.

 

One Harbor's Eldership Team

Donnie Griggs: Visionary, Lead Elder and Teaching Pastor

Jesse Kincer: Home Groups, Media, Administration & Pastoral Care