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Objective

In this lesson, we’ll see that God has equipped godly men with specific gifts and roles to lead and teach the church according to His Word.

Key Verse

Ephesians 4:12: For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

Introduction

The story of the early church begins with one of the most remarkable events in history—the day of Pentecost. On that incredible morning, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples with power, and three thousand people believed the gospel in a single day. What started as a small group of frightened followers suddenly became a vibrant, growing community that would change the world forever.

As we read through the book of Acts, we see that God continued to work miraculously in His church. The lame walked, the dead were raised, prison doors opened, and the gospel spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire. But we also discover something equally important—God provided human leadership to guide and care for His people. Alongside the supernatural work of the Spirit, we see the very practical work of organizing, teaching, settling disputes, and caring for the needs of believers.

The early church wasn’t without its challenges. We read about disagreements between strong leaders like Paul and Barnabas. We see conflicts over how to include Gentile believers. We witness problems with false teachers, moral failures, and financial disputes. Through all of these very human struggles, God was building His church and establishing patterns of leadership that would serve believers throughout history.

In this lesson, we’ll explore how Christ equipped His church through spiritual gifts and human leadership. We’ll see that God’s plan includes both the miraculous work of His Spirit and the faithful service of ordinary men and women who dedicate themselves to serving others.

Here are the main points we’ll explore together:

• How Christ gave gifts to build His church
• The important role of pastors in leading God’s people
• Understanding women’s roles in church leadership

How Christ Gave Gifts to Build His Church

Christ has given wonderful gifts to the church through the Holy Spirit. The purpose of these gifts is not to make certain people feel important, but to build up the entire body of believers and prepare them for effective ministry.

Ephesians 4:11-16: And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Paul is not describing the organizational structure of your local church. Rather, he is explaining how Christ builds His universal church by giving specific gifts to equip believers for ministry. Let’s examine each of these gifts carefully.

First, Christ gave apostles. The word “apostle” simply means “one who is sent.” These men held a foundational role in establishing the church. The apostles were eyewitnesses to Christ’s resurrection and were given a special mission to lay the groundwork for the church, much like Moses was given a special mission in Israel’s history.

Acts 1:8: But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

The Word of God came to us through these apostles. They were the human authors whom the Holy Spirit used to give us the New Testament.

Ephesians 2:20: Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.

2 Peter 3:2: That you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior.

Some people today claim to have the special authority and power of the original apostles. We should be very careful about such claims. While we are all “sent ones” in the sense that every believer is called to share the gospel, the Bible does not teach that the special apostolic authority continues today. We all have the same power that Jesus gave to the church—the Holy Spirit—but we must be cautious about claims to unique authority beyond what Scripture teaches.

Revelation 2:2: I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars.

Second, Christ gave prophets. Prophets are those who speak God’s Word to His people. In the Old Testament, prophets often received direct revelations from God about future events, but their primary role was always to proclaim God’s truth to their generation.

Acts 11:28: Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Prophets also delivered messages that strengthened, encouraged, and comforted believers.

1 Corinthians 14:3: But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

The prophets in the early church helped deliver and teach God’s Word during the time when the New Testament was still being written.

Acts 13:1: Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Some believers today claim that God gives them “special messages” that are unique revelations, similar to the way Old Testament prophets served as God’s direct mouthpiece. However, we must remember that the Bible teaches us that Scripture is the complete revelation of God, and we cannot add to God’s Word. Any modern “prophecy” must be carefully tested against Scripture and should focus on proclaiming and applying God’s written Word rather than claiming new revelations.

1 John 4:1: Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

(Notebook Moment: How can you test whether someone’s teaching or claimed “prophecy” comes from God? What role does Scripture play in helping you discern truth from error?)

Third, Christ gave evangelists. These are preachers of the gospel who specialize in reaching those who have never heard about Jesus. They are often missionaries and church planters who take the good news to new areas and new people.

Acts 8:25-40 tells us about Philip the evangelist, whom God used powerfully to take the gospel to the Samaritans and to the Ethiopian official. Philip’s ministry shows us how evangelists often work outside the established church to reach people who might never hear the gospel otherwise.

Even pastors like Timothy were commanded to do the work of an evangelist alongside their other responsibilities.

2 Timothy 4:5: But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

This reminds us that God often gifts and uses us in multiple ways, and every believer should have a heart for sharing the gospel with others.

Finally, Christ gave pastors and teachers. These gifts work closely together to provide ongoing spiritual leadership and instruction for local congregations. Let’s look more closely at this crucial role.

The Important Role of Pastors in Leading God’s People

When we read through the book of Acts, we notice that pastors are not mentioned specifically by that title. Instead, we read frequently about “elders” who were appointed to lead local churches. This leads us to understand that pastors are elders who have been specially called to lead and teach. This means that all pastors are elders, but not all elders serve as pastors.

Pastors do not choose their own calling or appoint themselves to ministry. They are called by God, and their calling is recognized by other godly leaders who set them apart for ministry through prayer and the laying on of hands.

1 Timothy 4:14: Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

As shepherds of God’s people, pastors have three primary responsibilities that flow naturally from their calling to care for the flock.

First, pastors must feed the flock. This means they have a special responsibility to teach God’s Word accurately and faithfully. They are accountable to God for how well they handle Scripture and care for the spiritual nourishment of believers.

Acts 20:28: Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

1 Peter 5:2: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.

James 3:1: My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

Hebrews 13:17: Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Second, pastors must tend the flock and care for their needs. This involves much more than just preaching sermons. Pastors must follow Christ’s example of servant leadership, caring for people’s practical and emotional needs alongside their spiritual growth.

John 13:14: If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.

1 Thessalonians 2:7-9: But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

Third, pastors must guide the flock and provide spiritual leadership. God has called and anointed pastors to give spiritual direction and vision for ministry. This doesn’t mean they make every decision alone, but they do bear the responsibility for helping the church understand God’s will and direction.

Believers also have important responsibilities toward their spiritual leaders. We are commanded to respect and submit to their godly authority.

1 Thessalonians 5:12: And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you.

Hebrews 13:7, 17: Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct… Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.

It’s important to understand that while church leaders provide guidance and spiritual oversight, they do not control our access to God. Every believer has direct access to God through Jesus Christ. The church functions as a priesthood where every believer is a priest, and our access to God comes through our Great High Priest, Jesus.

1 Peter 2:9: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Hebrews 4:14-16: Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Pastors are assisted in their ministry by other godly leaders called elders and deacons. Elders are called by God and appointed to help shepherd the flock alongside the pastor.

Acts 14:23: So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Elders provide spiritual leadership in various ways: teaching God’s Word, guarding against false teaching, living as godly examples, helping with church discipline, praying for healing, and providing spiritual counsel. Not all elders teach publicly, but all help shepherd God’s people in different ways.

1 Timothy 5:17: Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

Titus 1:5: For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.

The Ministry of Deacons

As the early church grew rapidly, the apostles faced a practical problem. Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, creating complaints and potentially dividing the church. The solution was to appoint deacons—men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom—to handle these practical needs.

Acts 6:2-4: Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

The word “deacon” comes from the Greek word “diakonos,” which means “servant” or “minister.” Deacons are called to serve the church by handling practical matters so that pastors and elders can focus on spiritual leadership and teaching. Their role is vital to the healthy functioning of the church.

While elders focus primarily on spiritual oversight, deacons concentrate on practical service—caring for the poor, managing church resources, maintaining facilities, and meeting the physical needs of the congregation. However, this doesn’t mean deacons are less spiritual. Stephen and Philip, two of the first deacons, were powerfully used by God in preaching and miraculous ministry.

Paul gives specific qualifications for deacons that emphasize both spiritual maturity and practical reliability. Like elders, they must be blameless in character, faithful in their marriages, and able to manage their households well. They must also hold firmly to the faith and be tested before serving.

1 Timothy 3:8-10: Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.

Paul gives detailed qualifications for both elders and deacons in his letters to Timothy and Titus. These passages deserve careful study by anyone interested in church leadership.

1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9 outline these qualifications in detail.

We can summarize these requirements: both elders and deacons must be blameless in their character and filled with the Holy Spirit. Elders must also be well-taught in God’s Word so they can teach others and guard against false teaching.

(Notebook Moment: What qualities do you see in these biblical requirements that would make someone effective in spiritual leadership? How do these qualifications differ from what our culture often values in leaders?)

Different churches and denominations have various interpretations of these roles and may organize their leadership structures differently. Some churches have bishops, some have multiple pastors, and others follow different patterns. While we should respect these differences, we must always return to Scripture as our authority for understanding how God intends His church to function.

Understanding Women’s Roles in Church Leadership

One question that often arises when we study church leadership is: What roles can women fill in the church? This is a topic where sincere Christians sometimes disagree, and it’s important that we approach it with both biblical faithfulness and Christian love.

Throughout Scripture, we see God using women in remarkable ways. In the Old Testament, Deborah served as both a prophetess and a judge who led Israel during a critical time in their history.

Judges 4:4: Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time.

God clearly used Deborah in a position of significant leadership and authority. We also see women like Miriam, Huldah, and others who served as prophetesses, speaking God’s Word to His people.

In the New Testament, we find women playing vital roles in the early church. Phoebe is specifically mentioned as a deaconess, showing that women served in official ministry roles.

Romans 16:1: I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea.

The Greek word used here is “diakonos,” which is the same word used for deacons. This shows us that women were involved in the practical ministry work of the early church in official capacities.

We also read about other women who were clearly involved in ministry. Priscilla worked alongside her husband Aquila in teaching and church planting. Philip’s daughters were prophetesses. Women provided financial support for Jesus’ ministry and were the first witnesses to His resurrection.

However, when Paul writes specifically about the offices of pastor and elder, he consistently uses masculine language and gives qualifications that assume male leadership in these particular roles.

1 Timothy 2:12: And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.

Titus 1:6: If a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.

Many Bible teachers understand these passages to mean that while women can serve powerfully in many ministry roles—including as deaconesses, teachers of women and children, missionaries, and in various support ministries—the specific offices of pastor and elder are designated for qualified men.

(Notebook Moment: How can churches honor both the clear giftedness of women in ministry and the biblical patterns for church leadership? What are some ways that women in your church contribute to its ministry and mission?)

It’s important to remember that this is not a question of women’s worth or capability. Men and women are equally created in God’s image and equally valuable to Him. Rather, this is about God’s design for how authority functions within the church family.

Different churches and denominations interpret these passages in various ways. Some believe that cultural context limits these instructions to Paul’s time, while others see them as timeless principles for church order. This is an area where sincere Christians can study the same Scriptures and reach different conclusions.

What’s most important is that we maintain unity and fellowship with other believers who may interpret these passages differently than we do. This should not be an issue that breaks Christian fellowship or causes division in the body of Christ. We can respectfully disagree on secondary matters while standing together on the essential truths of the gospel.

Regardless of how individual churches organize their leadership, all believers—both men and women—are called to use their gifts to serve Christ and build up His body. The church needs the faithful service of both godly men and godly women to fulfill its mission effectively.

Conclusion

The New Testament gives us clear principles for how the church should operate, even though churches may apply these principles in different ways:

• Jesus Christ is the Head of the church
• The Holy Spirit empowers, guides, and directs the church
• Spiritual gifts are given to equip the entire body of Christ for ministry
• There must be proper order within the church
• The Word of God is the ultimate authority for everything we do

(Notebook Moment: How does understanding these biblical principles of church leadership affect your role as a member of God’s family? What can you do to better support and encourage your spiritual leaders while maintaining your own direct relationship with Christ?)

When we look at the early church in Acts, we see a beautiful balance between supernatural power and practical organization. God worked miraculously, but He also raised up faithful leaders to guide His people. This same balance continues today. The church is not a human organization trying to do God’s work—it is God’s own body, equipped by Christ Himself with everything necessary to accomplish His will on earth.

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