I have often heard it said that the local church rises and falls on the back of her leaders. Our mission at Benoni Baptist Church is clear. Reach Benoni with the gospel. And equip all for life. Our mission will not move forward by accident. It must be stewarded. Guarded. Shared. In Scripture, God advances His purposes through called, qualified, and recognised leaders. Men and women who serve God by serving His people. Who labour for the good of the church. Who carry responsibility with humility and fear.
So, how are we intentionally developing leaders at Benoni Baptist Church? I lead a group of men on Wednesday evenings through material titled Becoming a Biblical Leader. Liezl leads a small group of ladies on Saturday mornings through the same material. Toward the end of January, we will be asking the church to submit deacon nominations, as we begin the process of testing future deacons. We have also been developing potential elders throughout 2025. In due course, we look forward to bringing names of elders and deacons to the church for consideration. This Sunday I will preach from Exodus 18, where Moses learned to share the load. Too Heavy for One Man. A timely reminder that God’s work was never meant to rest on one set of shoulders.
Here is the call. Pray for our leaders. Pray for our future leaders. Pray for wisdom. Pray for endurance. Pray for godliness. And if you sense a desire to grow as a leader, speak to Liezl or to me. Ask questions. Explore the path. Leadership in the church is not about ambition. It is about availability. Faithfulness. And service. May the Lord raise up the leaders His mission requires, for the good of His church, and the glory of His name.
Our elders
A plurality of qualified men called elders lead Benoni Baptist Church.
What we teach about elders
The focal point of local church leadership is the office of elders (Philippians 1:2). The pattern of Scripture is that a plurality of these Spirit-enabled men rule local churches (Titus 1:5; James 5:14).
The Bible uses three interchangeable words to refer to the men who serve in this capacity—Elder, overseer and pastor (Acts 20; 1 Peter 5:1-2). The different terms show ministerial function rather than differing levels of authority.
Each member is to take part in the church’s life we recognise that God gifts His Church with elders. They serve by managing and caretaking (1 Timothy 3:5), overseeing (Acts 20:28), ordaining (1 Timothy 4:4). Service includes ruling, teaching and preaching (1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 3:2). As well as exhorting, refuting (Titus 1:9), determining church policy (Acts 15:22). As shepherds, they set an example for all to follow (1 Peter 5:1-3).
Elders are to be men who are above reproach. This blamelessness must extend to his marital, social, business and spiritual life. In this way, he is to pursue and exemplify truth and godliness (1 Timothy 3:2-7; Titus 1:6-8).
Our deacons
Qualified men and women called deacons serve Benoni Baptist Church.
What we teach about deacons
Jesus Christ exemplified servant leadership (Mark 10:45). Christianity is a call to a life of humble service (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Some believers have the spiritual gift of service (Romans 12:7). Recognised deacons serve in a local church (Philippians 1:1-2).
Those who would serve are to live dignified lives (1 Timothy 3:8). They are to be spiritually mature (1 Timothy 3:9-10) and have stable families (1 Timothy 3:11-12).
Both men and women may serve in this capacity (1 Timothy 3:11). In the text, the word translated ‘likewise’ lists elders, male and female deacons (1 Timothy 3:1, 8, 11). The word translated wives (KJV and NIV), given the context, should translate as woman (NASB).
Scripture does not prescribe the function of the deacon. As such, there is much freedom given to the local church about how they ought to operate. At Benoni Baptist Church they serve the congregation for a fixed term of service to God’s glory.