Now at this time, as the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint developed on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Instead, brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The announcement found approval with the whole congregation… Acts 6:1-5a NASB
The Chapel Hill Bible Church Constitution reflects the three spheres of authority:
“The Church shall be Christ ruled, elder led, and congregationally accountable, with its governance vested in the members and administered by the Board of Elders, the Board of Deacons and the pastoral staff.”
The realms of authority between elected officers gave both the elders and the deacons significant and complementary leadership authority. It deliberately avoided concentration of power in one group. This allowed for a broader base of wisdom and experience in decision making but also crucially provided for “checks and balances” against the temptation to sin in use of authority.
In part 3 we’ll consider the new distribution of authority. Pt. 1
