Roles and responsibilities.

Roles and Responsibilities of Pastors and Deacons

A Southern Baptist Church Governance Document

Date: February 28, 2026

I. Introduction

In accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the principles of the Southern Baptist tradition, this document outlines the distinct yet complementary roles and responsibilities of Pastors and Deacons within the local church. These offices exist to serve Christ’s body, ensuring sound doctrine, spiritual care, and practical service to the congregation.

II. The Role of the Pastor

1. Biblical Foundation

  • Scripture References:
    1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4; Acts 20:28
  • Titles used in Scripture include: Pastor, Elder, Bishop, and Shepherd. Each describes different aspects of the same spiritual office.

2. Primary Responsibilities

  1. Spiritual Leadership and Oversight
    • Provide spiritual direction and vision for the congregation in alignment with the church’s mission.
    • Oversee all teaching, preaching, worship, and discipleship ministries.
    • Guard the doctrinal integrity and unity of the church.
  2. Preaching and Teaching
    • Proclaim the Word of God faithfully and accurately.
    • Lead in the administration of the church ordinances — Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
    • Equip the saints for ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12).
  3. Pastoral Care
    • Offer prayer, counseling, and spiritual support to church members.
    • Conduct weddings, funerals, and pastoral visits as needed.
  4. Leadership and Supervision
    • Work alongside the Deacons and other ministry leaders in guiding the church’s ministries.
    • Supervise church staff and volunteers as appropriate.
    • Serve as a liaison between the congregation and leadership teams.
  5. Administration
    • Oversee church meetings, budget planning, and long-term vision.
    • Ensure that policies and ministries operate in a Christ-honoring, biblically consistent manner.

III. The Role of Deacons

1. Biblical Foundation

  • Scripture References:
    Acts 6:1–7; 1 Timothy 3:8–13; Philippians 1:1
  • The term Deacon comes from the Greek diakonos, meaning servant or minister.

2. Primary Responsibilities

  1. Service and Support
    • Assist the Pastor in caring for the physical and logistical needs of the congregation.
    • Serve as examples of spiritual maturity, humility, and faithfulness.
    • Coordinate acts of benevolence, helping members in crisis or need.
  2. Unity and Encouragement
    • Promote harmony and cooperation within the body of believers.
    • Support the pastor and staff through prayer, counsel, and encouragement.
  3. Practical Ministry
    • Manage and distribute resources for those in need (as in Acts 6).
    • Assist in the administration of church ordinances as requested.
    • Support ministry operations such as hospitality, facilities, and outreach.
  4. Spiritual Qualifications
    • Blameless in reputation, self-controlled, faithful to Scripture, and devoted to their family.
    • Lead by example in integrity, generosity, and faith.

IV. Relationship Between Pastors and Deacons

  • The Pastor leads through spiritual oversight, while Deacons lead through service.
  • Both offices complement one another — the Pastor primarily ministers through the Word and prayer, and the Deacons ensure practical needs are met so that ministry can flourish.
  • Cooperation, communication, and prayerful unity between these two bodies are essential for the health of the church.

V. Accountability

  • Both the Pastor and Deacons are accountable first to God, and second to the congregation they serve.
  • Ongoing evaluation, mutual support, and scriptural discipline (when necessary) maintain integrity in leadership and service.

VI. Conclusion

The faithful exercise of the offices of Pastor and Deacon reflects Christ’s design for the church — a body led by spiritual shepherds and sustained by humble servants. By fulfilling these roles in unity, order, and love, the church brings glory to God and advances His Kingdom in the world.