9. Of the Election, and Offices of Teachers, Deacons, and Deaconesses

Concerning the offices and elections in the church, we believe and confess that, since without offices and ordinances the church cannot continue in her growth, nor go on being built up, therefore the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, as a farmer in His house, has instituted, ordained, enjoined, and commanded His offices and ordinances, and how everyone is to walk in them, and give heed to and perform His work and calling, as is fitting; even as He Himself, as the faithful, great, chief Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, was sent, and came into the world, not to bruise, break, or destroy the souls of men, but to heal and restore them, to seek the lost, to break down the middle wall of partition, to make the two one, and so to gather from Jews, Gentiles, and all nations one flock, for a church in His name; for which, so that no one should stray or be lost, He Himself laid down His life, thus ministering to their salvation, and setting them free and redeeming them, (mark this) in a matter where no one else could help or assist them. Ephesians 4, verses 10 to 12; First Peter 2, verse 25; Matthew 12, verse 19; Matthew 18, verse 11; Ephesians 2, verse 14; Galatians 3, verse 28; John 10, verses 9, 11, and 15; Psalm 49, verse 8.

And that, moreover, before His departure He left His church supplied with faithful ministers, apostles, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, whom He had beforehand chosen through the Holy Ghost, with prayer and supplication; so that they might govern the church, feed His flock, and watch over, protect, and provide for it; indeed, do in all things as He had gone before them, had taught, had shown by example, and had charged them, teaching them to observe all things whatever He had commanded them. Luke 10, verse 1; Luke 6, verses 12 and 13; John 2, verse 15.

That the apostles, likewise, as faithful followers of Christ and leaders of the church, were diligent in this respect, with prayer and supplication to God, through the election of brothers, to provide every city, place, or church with bishops, pastors, and leaders, and to ordain to it such persons as would take heed to themselves, and to the doctrine and the flock; who were sound in faith, godly in life and conduct, and of good report outside the church as well as in it; that they might be an example, a light, and a pattern in all godliness and good works, worthily administering the Lord's ordinances of baptism and the Supper; and that they might everywhere (where such could be found) appoint faithful men who would be able to teach others also, as elders, ordaining them by the laying on of hands in the name of the Lord, and provide for all the wants of the church according to their ability; so that, as faithful servants, they might manage their Lord's talent well, gain more with it, and so save themselves and those who hear them. First Timothy 3, verse 1; Acts 23, verse 24; Titus 1, verse 5; First Timothy 4, verse 16; Titus 2, verses 1 and 2; First Timothy 3, verse 7; Second Timothy 2, verse 2; First Timothy 4, verse 14; First Timothy 5, verse 2; Luke 19, verse 13.

That they should also see diligently to it, especially each among his own over whom he has the oversight, that all places be well provided with deacons (to look after and care for the poor), who may receive the contributions and alms, in order to dispense them faithfully and with all propriety to the poor and needy saints. Acts 6, verses 3 to 6.

And that also honorable elderly widows should be chosen and ordained deaconesses, so that they with the deacons may visit, comfort, and care for the poor, feeble, sick, sorrowing, and needy, as also the widows and orphans, and assist in attending to other wants and necessities of the church to the best of their ability. First Timothy 5, verse 9; Romans 16, verse 1; James 1, verse 27.

Furthermore, concerning deacons, that they, especially when they are fit for it, and are chosen and ordained to it by the church for the assistance and relief of the elders, may exhort the church (since they, as has been said, are chosen for this), and labor also in the Word and in teaching; so that each may minister to the other with the gift he has received from the Lord, and thus, through mutual service and the help of every member, each in his measure, the body of Christ may be improved, and the vine and church of the Lord continue to grow, increase, and be built up, as is proper.