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ECCLESIASTICAL OFFICES IN THE EARLY
CHRISIIAN CHURCH:
ELDERS AND DEACONS AS ROLE MODELS
OF SERVANTHOOD
——o—
MARK BIRINYI!
Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church, Budapest, Hungary
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6376-2274.
ABSTRACT
This paper explores the historical development and theological significance of
the ecclesiastical offices of elder and deacon in the early Christian church.
Drawing on biblical texts such as 1 Peter 5:1-2, Acts 20:28, and Acts 6:1-6, and
incorporating insights from Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, and ecumenical
scholarship, the study demonstrates how these offices functioned as models of
servant leadership. It places emphasis on the dual responsibilities of spiritual
oversight and practical service—with elders providing pastoral care and deacons
addressing material needs. Its analysis shows that true leadership is measured
not by the accumulation of power but by humility, mutual accountability, and
selfless service, offering enduring lessons for contemporary ministry.
Keywords: elder; deacon; church leadership; ecclesiastical offices; servant
leadership
1 The author utilized the DeepL online translation tool during the translation of the study from
Hungarian into English.
——
Ethical Leadership in Complex Times, 25-34.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56037/978-963-646-420-2-02
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