Elders of the church have an important responsibility to govern church affairs and to shepherd the flock. They must be fit for the task spiritually. Paul said they must be above reproach. That's a tall order. Their personal lives, including their families, must be a role model for others. Elders must not be a recent convert, or they may become proud. Elders must be respectable people in the community as well. We should pray for our elders to be able to carry out this noble task.

Deacons are those who actively carry out the ministry. They should also be of godly character and careful of the ungodly influences in their lives. They must also obey the truth of God's word with a clear conscience. Deaconesses should be respectable and trustworthy and not prone to malicious talk. We should pray for our church leaders at all levels to succeed in their calling.

The families of elders and deacons should be role models for church members. This requires that they first lead at home and be spiritual leaders in their own houses. We should support their families in prayer as they carry the cross of ministry.


Application: Father, thank you for our elders and church leaders. Please equip them for their roles and protect them and their families from Satan's trap.
One Word: Elders to be above reproach and deacons to be trustworthy