Like many Protestant Evangelical congregations, Grace Church of DuPage is overseen by Elders and served by Deacons and Deaconesses. But unlike many such congregations, we have labored to define these roles according to Scripture. Several passages in the Bible inform the office and operation of Elders, including their character qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9), their responsibilities in the body (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28), and the nature of the authority they exercise (Hebrews 13:17). Several additional passages inform the office and operation of Deacons and Deaconesses, including their character qualifications (1 Timothy 3:8-13) and their responsibilities in the body as gifted and called servants of the church (Acts 6:1-6).
Servants & Stewards
In 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Paul speaks of himself, Apollos, and Peter as “servants” and “stewards.” These words also describe well those who work on behalf of—or, perhaps better, under the authority of—another, whether Elders or Deacons and Deaconesses. The compound Greek word behind “servants” literally means “under-rowers,” calling to mind the team that moved ships with oars in pre-industrial times. These officers work together in harmony to achieve their shared purpose of caring well for the Church. This calling includes a wide range of collective responsibilities which neither group could have accomplished effectively on its own. A “steward” is one who has been entrusted with the care of someone else’s property. Elders, Deacons, and Deaconesses recognize that both the duties they fulfill and the gifts and resources they utilize in fulfilling them are entrusted to them by God to be used, stewarded, in a manner worthy of him for the good of his people.
Elders
Elders are responsible for the shepherding and the spiritual oversight of the body. This begins with the priorities of Elders as outlined in Acts 20:28-35.
The Role of Elders outlined in our Constitution ➝
Meet Our Elders ➝
Deacons & Deaconesses
Deacons and Deaconesses are responsible for assisting the Elders in various ministries of service to the Church body as illustrated in Acts 6:1-6.
The Role of Deacons and Deaconesses outlined in our Constitution ➝
Meet the Deacons and Deaconesses ➝
Pastoral Staff
For certain larger ministries, the Elders have determined that the best practice for shepherding and oversight is to call a qualified and gifted pastoral staff member, whether full-time or part-time.