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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 «25 ¢
