Elders & Deacons

In the 1st Century, when the Apostles of Jesus Christ “gave orders” for the government, work and worship of local churches (I Cor. 7:17; I Cor. 9:14; I Cor. 11:34; I Cor. 16:1; Tit. 1:5; etc.), a plurality of elders were appointed in each local church to shepherd (thus the term “pastor,” a word much misused by modern denominationalism), oversee (thus the term “bishop,” another often misused term) and watch for the souls of the people in the local church (Acts 20:17-28; Heb. 13:17). Their oversight was limited to the local church of which they were a part (I Pet. 5:1-4). Official “servants” (Gk. diakonos) were appointed to do what their “title” or description stated: they served the church, most notably in the area of benevolence (note Acts 6:1-6 where we have a good indication of the work ). Each of these groups of special functionaries in the local church, as individuals of faith, faithfulness and maturity were to meet certain “qualifications” before being appointed to the work (I Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-11). So, in the local church, we have elders (who are also described as shepherds (pastors) and overseeers (bishops) who superintend the work and watch for the souls of the people, and, we have deacons who are the official servants of the church in various areas. Below are the men of Garden Ridge Church of Christ who have been appointed to these functions.

Front Row (Left to Right): David Mitchell*, Weldon Thornton, Robert Jenkins, Gary Faragher, Frank Dansby*

Back Row (Left to Right): Byron Gage*, Lance Bryce, Allan Horton, Steve Smith, Gary Peterson

*Elders