Foundations of Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG07

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F O U N D A T I O N S O F C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

3. Women participated in the work of the diaconate in the early Church, Rom. 16.1-2.

Ordain also a deaconess who is faithful and holy for the ministrations towards women. For sometimes the bishop cannot send a deacon (who is a man) to the women, on account of unbelievers. You should therefore send a woman, a deaconness, on account of the imaginations of the bad. For we stand in need of a woman, a deaconness, for many necessities. ~ Apostolic Constitutions (c. 390, E), 7.431., Ibid.

E. Contrast to the role of the bishop

1. No mention of their duty to provide teaching or preaching

2. The position of the elder was built upon the Jewish pattern of leadership outlined and practiced in the OT.

1

a. The recognition of the elders rooted in the selection of the Lord God under Moses, Num. 11.16-17.

b. Elders were associated with the heads of the tribes functioning as leaders and overseers, Deut. 29.10.

3. The diaconate is based rather on the example of Messiah Jesus , the one who came and served and cared compassionately for the needs of the broken and the poor.

a. Matt. 20.28

b. Phil. 2.4-8

c. Isa. 42.1

d. Rom. 15.8