Office

An ‘office’ is the term used in many Christian traditions to refer to an appointed and authorised leadership position in the church. In the New Testament, the church ‘offices’ are those of Elder and Deacon, and we are given specific criteria as to who is suitable for these roles (1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9). Although some traditions give these roles different names, it is helpful to use the terms the Bible uses in order to give greater clarity as to what is expected of each of them. The people appointed to these roles should be publically recognised, and normally it is helpful to have an ordination or commissioning service when making these appointments. (See Bishop, Priest, Overseer.)