Shepherd's Corner (September 17, 2025)

Dear Riverside Family,

We are praying and discerning those whom God is calling to serve as ordained elders and deacons. This is not merely an administrative matter. Establishing the servant-leaders is one significant way Christ builds His Church, and we are all called to participate in building up the body of Christ.

The Church tradition has long recognized the three perpetual offices Christ has given His church. They are Teaching Elder (Minister of the Word), Ruling Elder, and Deacon. These offices reflect Christ’s own threefold ministry as Prophet, King, and Priest. The minister of the Word declares Christ’s truth (Prophet), the ruling elder exercises Christ’s shepherdly rule (King), and the deacon embodies Christ’s mercy and service (Priest).

Teaching Elder (Minister of the Word)

Apostle Paul writes,

“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).

Christ gives Teaching Elders “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11–12). Their primary work is “prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).

Ruling Elder

Ruling elders are called to shepherd the flock alongside Teaching Elders. The New Testament charged the Ephesian elders,

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).

Apostle Peter exhorts them:

“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2–3).

Deacon and Deaconness

Above all, deacons are ordained and installed into the office to lead in mercy and to meet the needs of the church. The apostles said, “Pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty” (Acts 6:3).

Apostle Paul adds,

“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience” (1 Timothy 3:8–9).

It is important to note. Elders are not “more mature” than deacons, nor are deacons “less spiritual” than elders. Both offices demand godliness, dignity, and maturity. Their difference lies not in holiness but in calling—one for oversight, the other for diaconal service. Together with the minister of the Word, they provide the fullness of Christ’s shepherding, ruling, and serving presence in His church.

As we look to the election and installation of officers, let us pray earnestly that God would raise men and women “full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3). And let us, as Christ’s people, support them with love and prayer, that Riverside may be strengthened in truth, service, and mission to the glory of God.

"Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you" (Hebrews 13:17).

In His Grace Alone,

Pastor Brian Lee