First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

Chapter 5: Leadership

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Appointing Leaders F irst C lement 44: Our apostles also knew, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that there would be conflict surrounding leadership. For this reason, therefore, inasmuch as they had acquired a perfect foreknowledge of this, they appointed leaders. Then they gave instructions, that when these should die, other approved men should replace them in their ministry. We are of the opinion, therefore, that those appointed by the apostles, or afterwards by other outstanding men with the consent of the whole church, who have blamelessly served the flock of Christ in a humble, peaceable, and unselfish spirit, and have maintained a good reputation among all cannot be justly removed from the ministry. For our sin will not be small if we remove those who have blamelessly and devoutly fulfilled their duties in the bishop’s office. Blessed are those elders who, having finished their course before now, have obtained a fruitful and perfect departure. For they have no fear that anyone should deprive them of the place now appointed for them. Yet, we see that you have removed some men of excellent behavior from the ministry which they fulfilled blamelessly and with honor. D idache 15 a : Appoint, therefore, for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord. These should be men meek and not lovers of money, truthful and proven. For they also serve you in the ministry of prophets and teachers. Therefore, do not despise them, for they are your honored ones, together with the prophets and teachers.