There are many different ecclesiastical roles in the various Christian churches, such as: deacon, priest, minister, elder, pastor, apostle, evangelist, rector, reverend, very reverend, bishop, archbishop, cardinal, and, even pope, to name just some of them.  The people who hold such roles were ordained to them.  Most of these roles are not found in the Bible, which leads to the question, according to the Bible, what are the ecclesiastical roles and to which ones can someone be ordained?

To answer this question let’s start by looking at each of the ecclesiastical roles found in the Bible, giving examples of their usage.

Ecclesiastical Roles

Apostolos

The Greek word apostolos is translated apostle.  It means one who is sent, messenger, apostle. 

Here is an example of where apostolos is translated sent.

Joh 13:16  Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent [apostolos] greater than he who sent him.

Here is an example of where apostolos is translated messenger.

2Co 8:23  If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers [apostolos] of the churches, the glory of Christ.

Who then were apostolos?

Jesus Christ was an apostolos; He was sent by God.

Heb 3:1  Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle [apostolos] and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,

The twelve disciples whom Jesus selected were apostles.

Mat 10:2  Now the names of the twelve apostles [apostolos] are these: …;

Matthias, Judas’s replacement was an apostolos.

Act 1:26  And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles [apostolos].

Paul and Barnabas were apostolos.

Act 14:14  But when the apostles [apostolos] Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out

Rom 1:1  Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle [apostolos], separated to the gospel of God

Peter was an apostolos.

1Pe 1:1  Peter, an apostle [apostolos] of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

Clearly, an apostle is one sent by God.  Men cannot appoint another man (or themselves) to this role.  Neither can they of themselves perform the signs of an apostle, which are signs and wonders and mighty deeds.

2Co 12:12  Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.

Diakonos

The Greek word diakonos is translated as deacon, minister, or servant.  It means these things but also waiter.  Who were diakonos?

Jesus Christ was a diakonos.

Rom 15:8  Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant [diakonos] to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,

Paul was a diakonos.

1Co 3:5  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers [diakonos] through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one?

2Co 3:6  who also made us sufficient as ministers [diakonos] of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2Co 6:4  But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers [diakonos] of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,

Eph 3:7  of which I became a minister [diakonos] according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

Col 1:23  if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister [diakonos].

Col 1:25  of which I became a minister [diakonos] according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,

Apollos, Timothy, Tychicus, and Epaphras were also diakonos.

1Co 3:5  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers [diakonos] through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one?

1Th 3:2  and sent Timothy, our brother and minister [diakonos] of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,

Eph 6:21  But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister [diakonos] in the Lord, will make all things known to you;

Col 4:7  Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister [diakonos], and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.

Col 1:7  as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister [diakonos] of Christ on your behalf,

Phoebe was a servant.  This does not mean she was ordained, but that she was a lady who served the church in a notable way.  See “Can women be ordained?”

Rom 16:1  I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant [diakonos] of the church in Cenchrea,

Didaskalos

The Greek word didaskalos is translated as master, teacher, or doctor.  It means teacher or instructor.  Who were didaskalos?

Jesus was a didaskalos.

Joh 13:13  You call Me Teacher [didaskalos] and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.
Joh 13:14  If I then, your Lord and Teacher [didaskalos], have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.

Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, and Saul (Paul) were didaskalos.

Act 13:1  Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers [didaskalos]: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Act 13:2  As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Paul was a didaskalos.

1Ti 2:7  for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher [didaskalos] of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Doulos

The Greek word doulos is translated as servant, bondservant, or slave.  Who were doulos?

Paul, Timothy, Epaphras, James, and Jude were doulos of Jesus Christ.

Php 1:1  Paul and Timothy, bondservants [doulos] of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Col 4:12  Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant [doulos] of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Jas 1:1  James, a bondservant [doulos] of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.

Jud 1:1  Jude, a bondservant [doulos] of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:

All Christians are doulos of God.

1Pe 2:16  as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants [doulos] of God.

Episkopos

The Greek word episkopos is translated as bishop or overseer.  It means overseer, guardian, or superintendent.  Who were episkopos?

Jesus Christ is described as our episkopos.

1Pe 2:25  For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer [episkopos] of your souls.

The apostle Paul addressed the elders (presbuteros) of the Ephesian church and referred to them as overseers (episkopos).

Act 20:17  From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders [presbuteros] of the church.

Act 20:28  Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [episkopos], to shepherd [poimaino] the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Note that the role of an overseer (episkopos) is to shepherd the flock, or feed the flock as some Bible versions translate it.

Euaggelistis

The Greek word euaggelistis is translated as evangelist.  It means a preacher of the gospel.  Who were euaggelistis?

Philip and Timothy were euaggelistis.

Act 21:8  On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist [euaggelistis], who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.

2Ti 4:5  But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist [euaggelistis], fulfill your ministry.

Huperetes

The Greek word huperetes is translated as officer, servant, or minister.  This is just another word for minister or servant.  Who were huperetes?

John and Paul were huperetes.

Act 13:5  And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant [huperetes].

Act 26:16  But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you [Paul] a minister [huperetes] and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.

1Co 4:1  Let a man so consider us, as servants [huperetes] of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Kerux

The Greek word kerus is translated preacher.  Who were kerus?

Both Paul and Noah were kerus.

1Ti 2:7  for which I was appointed a preacher [kerux] and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

2Ti 1:11  to which I was appointed a preacher [kerux], an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

2Pe 2:5  and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher [kerux] of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;

Leitourgos

The Greek word leitourgos is translated as minister.  It means public servant or minister.  Who were leitourgos?

Paul and Epaphroditus were leitourgos.

Rom 15:16  that I might be a minister [leitourgos] of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Php 2:25  Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered [leitourgos] to my need;

Jesus Christ is also described as a leitourgos.

Heb 8:1  Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
Heb 8:2  a Minister [leitourgos] of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.

Poimen

The Greek word poimen is translated shepherd.  Who were poimen?

Jesus Christ is described as our poimen.

Heb 13:20  Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd [poimen] of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

1Pe 2:25  For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd [poimen] and Overseer of your souls.

Presbuteros

The Greek word presbuteros is translated elders.  Who were presbuteros?

Peter and John were presbuteros.

1Pe 5:1  The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder [presbuteros] and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:
1Pe 5:2  Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

2Jn 1:1  The Elder [presbuteros], To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth,

Prophetes

The Greek word prophetes is translated prophet.  It means a foreteller or inspired speaker (those moved by the Holy Spirit).  Who were prophetes?

Jesus Christ was a prophetes.

Mat 21:11  So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet [prophetes] from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Luk 7:15  So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother.
Luk 7:16  Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet [prophetes] has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.”

John the Baptist was a prophetes.

Luk 1:76  “And you, child, will be called the prophet [prophetes] of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,

Luk 7:28  For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet [prophetes] than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, and Saul (Paul) were prophetes.

Act 13:1  Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets [prophetes] and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Act 13:2  As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Judas, Silas, and Agabus were prophetes.

Act 15:32  Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets [prophetes] also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.

Act 21:10  And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet [prophetes] named Agabus came down from Judea.

Clearly men cannot appoint another man (or themselves) to the role of prophet.  It is a role which God bestows on someone.

Here is a summary of the ecclesiastical roles in tabular form.

Greek	NKJV translation	Actual meaning
apostolos	apostle	one sent forth, messenger
diakonos	deacon, minister, servant	servant
didaskalos	teacher	teacher, instructor
doulos	bondservant	servant, slave, bondservant
episkopos	bishop	overseer
euaggelistis	evangelist	preacher of the gospel
huperetes	minister, assistant	under oarsman, subordinate
kerux	preacher	herald of divine truth, preacher
leitourgos	minister	public servant
poimen	pastor	shepherd
presbuteros	elder	elder
prophetes	prophet	foreteller, inspired speaker

Note 1

There are twelve different words used for the ecclesiastical roles.  Some of the words are similar in meaning.  Notwithstanding, it’s interesting to note that the number twelve is often associated with “organisational beginnings”, such as the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve disciples.

Note 2

Most of these twelve words used for ecclesiastical roles are common words which aptly describe the role.  The only words which are ecclesiastical in nature are euaggelistis, kerux, and prophetes.

Note 3

The roles of Priest (Hiereus) and High Priest (Archiereus) are not in this list.  The reason for this is under the Old Covenant the priests and high priest were intermediaries between the people and God.  But now, under the New Covenant, Jesus Christ is our High Priest, and there is no need for priests in the church.

Heb 4:14  Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Now that we have listed the ecclesiastical roles found in the Bible, we can look at how individuals are appointed to these roles, and which ones require ordination.

Spiritual Matters

Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 12 first which gives some details about spiritual matters.

1Co 12:1  Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:

Note that the word “gifts” is not in the original Greek.  Paul is not talking solely about gifts.  Some translations have, “Now concerning spiritual matters.”

1Co 12:4  There are diversities of gifts [charisma], but the same Spirit.
1Co 12:5  There are differences of ministries [diakonia], but the same Lord.
1Co 12:6  And there are diversities of activities [energema], but it is the same God who works all in all.
1Co 12:7  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

Paul divided the spiritual matters into three broad categories, gifts (charisma), ministries (diakonia), and activities (energema), noting that they are the manifestation of the Spirit given to each one for the profit of all.

1Co 12:8  for to one is given the word of wisdom [sophia] through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge [gnosis] through the same Spirit,
1Co 12:9  to another faith [pistis] by the same Spirit, to another gifts [charisma] of healings [iama] by the same Spirit,
1Co 12:10  to another the working [energema] of miracles [dunamis], to another prophecy [propheteia], to another discerning [diakrisis] of spirits [pneuma], to another different kinds [genos]of tongues [glossa], to another the interpretation [hermeneia]of tongues [glossa].

Paul proceeded to give examples of the spiritual matters.  Although he did not categorise these examples, some of these can be readily categorised, such as “Gifts of healing” fit into the “gifts” category and “working of miracles” fit into the “activities” category.

Paul then gave an analogy of how the Church is like a human body.  Just as a human body is composed of many different parts but one body, so too, the Church (the body of Christ) has many members (brethren) who should have the same care for one another.

1Co 12:12  For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.

1Co 12:18  But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.

1Co 12:27  Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

Roles Appointed by God

At the end of the chapter Paul gave another list, but this time a list of things that God has appointed.

1Co 12:28  And God has appointed [tithemi] these in the church: first apostles [apostolos], second prophets [prophetes], third teachers [didaskalos], after that miracles [dunamis], then giftsof healings [iama], helps [antilepsis], administrations [kubernesis], varieties [genos] of tongues [glossa].

The Greek word translated “appointed” is tithemi which simply means, set, put, or placed.  Paul listed some of these appointments earlier in the chapter (verses 8-10), such as prophets (akin to prophecy), miracles, healings, and varieties of tongues.  It makes sense therefore to consider these various appointments by God as part of the three broad categories, “gifts, ministries, and activities”. 

Note 1

It is God who appoints (or places) apostles, prophets, and teachers.  Some like to claim that men – individuals or committees – can do this!

Next we turn to Ephesians 4 where Paul again wrote about the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11 lists some “spiritual matters” which God has given for the edifying of the body of Christ, that is, the brethren (1 Corinthians 12:27).

Eph 4:11  And He Himself gave some to be apostles [apostolos], some prophets [prophetes], some evangelists [euaggelistes], and some pastors [poimen] and teachers [didaskalos],
Eph 4:12  for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry [diakonia], for the edifying of the body of Christ,

Paul listed some of these earlier in 1 Corinthians 12, such as apostles, prophets, and teachers.  These also fit into the three broad categories of “gifts, ministries, and activities”.

Note 2

These roles are all given by God – not men.

Note 3

These roles are for the edification of the body of Christ.

There are also a couple of verses in 1 and 2 Timothy where the apostle Paul listed the roles to which he was appointed.  The apostle Paul was selected by God and not by any of the disciples.  So the roles he had were all given to him by God.

1Ti 2:7  for which I was appointed [tithemi] a preacher [kerux] and an apostle [apostolos]—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher [didaskalos] of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

2Ti 1:11  to which I was appointed [tithemi] a preacher [kerux], an apostle [apostolos], and a teacher [didaskalos] of the Gentiles.

Note 4

These roles, being part of the “gifts, ministries, and activities”, are the manifestation of the Spirit given to each person for the benefit of all (1 Corinthians 12:7).

We can now return to the table listing the ecclesiastical roles found in the New Testament and add a “Notes” column to show the means by which someone attains such a role.

Greek	NKJV translation	Actual meaning	Notes
apostolos	apostle	one sent forth, messenger	appointed by God 1, 2, 3
diakonos	deacon, minister, servant	servant
didaskalos	teacher	teacher, instructor	appointed by God 1, 2, 3
doulos	bondservant	servant, slave, bondservant	being a Christian 4
episkopos	bishop	overseer
euaggelistis	evangelist	preacher of the gospel	appointed by God 2
huperetes	minister, assistant	under oarsman, subordinate
kerux	preacher	herald of divine truth, preacher	appointed by God 3
leitourgos	minister	public servant
poimen	pastor	shepherd	appointed by God 2
presbuteros	elder	elder
prophetes	prophet	foreteller, inspired speaker	appointed by God 1, 2

¹ 1 Corinthians 12:28

² Ephesians 4:11

³ 1 Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 1:11

⁴ 1 Peter 2:16

Roles Selected by Laity and Appointed by Elders

Let’s now look at what the Bible says about how men are appointed to the other roles.  The first passage is Acts 6:1-6. 

Act 6:1  Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
Act 6:2  Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
Act 6:3  Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint [kathistemi] over this business;
Act 6:4  but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Act 6:5  And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
Act 6:6  whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

When we read this passage carefully, we notice the following things.

• The office to which the seven men were ordained is not mentioned.
• The brethren, that is the laity, selected the seven men for ordination.
• The apostles performed the appointment or ordination.  The Greek word for appoint is kathistemi, which means appoint or ordain.
• The apostles prayed and laid hands on those they appointed.

The next scripture is Acts 14:23. 

Act 14:23  So when they [Paul and Barnabas] had appointed [cheirotoneo] elders [presbuteros] in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Acts 14 describes the journeying of Paul and Barnabas.  So “they” is this verse refers to Paul and Barnabas.  The word appointed is translated from the Greek cheirotoneo, which means “to vote by raising the hand”.  It makes no sense for just two people (Paul and Barnabas) to vote.  If just Paul and Barnabas were alone in making the decision, a different word like kathistemi would be used.  However, it does make sense if the same process described in Acts 6:1-6 was used.  That is, Paul and Barnabas organized the brethren to select elders, whom Paul and Barnabas subsequently ordained.

The final scripture is Titus 1:5.

Tit 1:5  For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint [kathistemi] elders [presbuteros] in every city as I commanded you;

There is nothing mentioned in this verse about the process of ordination.  However, there is no justification in thinking the process would be anything different to what is described in Acts 6:1-6 and Acts 14:23.

As mentioned earlier, Acts 6:1-6 does not mention the offices or roles to which the seven men were ordained.  However, as we have just read, Acts 14:23 and Titus 1:5 describe ordaining elders (presbuteros). 

What exactly is an elder?  The Bible provides the answer, but it must be deduced.

The only ecclesiastical roles for which the Bible gives criteria for their selection are the roles of episkopos (overseer), and diakonos (deacon).  (The Scriptures listing the criteria of these roles are provided below.)  Therefore when Paul instructed Titus to appoint “elders” (presbuteros), it must be a term for both overseers (episkopos) and deacons (diakonos).  This is also evident from Philippians 1:1.

Php 1:1  Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops [episkopos] and deacons [diakonos]:

Where are the “elders” in this verse, unless of course they are the overseers and deacons?

We can therefore conclude that the word “elders” (presbuteros) is used to describe both overseers (episkopos) and deacons (diakonos).

Here are the qualifications for a bishop or overseer [episkopos].

1 Tim 3:2  A bishop [episkopos] then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 
1 Tim 3:3  not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 
1 Tim 3:4  one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 
1 Tim 3:5  (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);
1Ti 3:6  not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
1Ti 3:7  Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Tit 1:5  For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint [kathistemi] elders [presbuteros] in every city as I commanded you—
Tit 1:6  if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.
Titus 1:7  For a bishop [episkopos] must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,
Titus 1:8  but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 
Titus 1:9  holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

And here are the qualifications for a deacon [diakonos].

1Ti 3:8  Likewise deacons [diakonos] must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money,
1Ti 3:9  holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.
1Ti 3:10  But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons [diakoneo], being found blameless.
1Ti 3:11  Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
1Ti 3:12  Let deacons [diakonos] be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
1Ti 3:13  For those who have served well as deacons [diakoneo] obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Note 1

The roles of episkopos (overseer) and diakonos (deacon) are the only two roles for which the Bible gives criteria for their selection.

Note 2

The word “elders” (presbuteros) is used to describe both overseers (episkopos) and deacons (diakonos).

Note 3

The appointment of elders (presbuteros) is for the day to day functioning and operation of the church.

Note 4

Men can serve in any of the ecclesiastical roles appointed by God without necessarily being ordained as an overseer or deacon.

Returning to the table of ecclesiastical roles, there are a couple of Greek words which we have not covered, and they are, huperetes (minister, assistant), and leitourgos (minister).  Since there is no mention in Scripture of anyone being appointed to these roles and their meaning is so close to diakonos, it makes sense to consider them the same as diakonos (deacon).

We can now complete the table of ecclesiastical roles found in the New Testament. 

Greek	NKJV translation	Actual meaning	Notes
apostolos	apostle	one sent forth, messenger	appointed by God 1, 2, 3
diakonos	deacon, minister, servant	servant	selected by laity; appointed by elders 5, 6
didaskalos	teacher	teacher, instructor	appointed by God 1, 2, 3
doulos	bondservant	servant, slave, bondservant	being a Christian 4
episkopos	bishop	overseer	selected by laity; appointed by elders 5, 7
euaggelistis	evangelist	preacher of the gospel	appointed by God 2
huperetes	minister, assistant	under oarsman, subordinate	selected by laity; appointed by elders 5, 6
kerux	preacher	herald of divine truth, preacher	appointed by God 3
leitourgos	minister	public servant	selected by laity; appointed by elders 5, 6
poimen	pastor	shepherd	appointed by God 2
presbuteros	elder	elder	overseer or deacon 5, 6, 7
prophetes	prophet	foreteller, inspired speaker	appointed by God 1, 2

Here is the same table but rearranged in a more readable layout.

Greek	NKJV translation	Actual meaning	Notes
doulos	bondservant	servant, slave, bondservant	being a Christian 4
apostolos	apostle	one sent forth, messenger	appointed by God 1, 2, 3
didaskalos	teacher	teacher, instructor
euaggelistis	evangelist	preacher of the gospel
kerux	preacher	herald of divine truth, preacher
poimen	pastor	shepherd
prophetes	prophet	foreteller, inspired speaker
diakonos	deacon, minister, servant	servant	selected by laity; appointed by elders 5, 6
episkopos	bishop	overseer
huperetes	minister, assistant	under oarsman, subordinate
leitourgos	minister	public servant
presbuteros	elder	elder	overseer or deacon 5, 6, 7

¹ 1 Corinthians 12:28

² Ephesians 4:11 

³ 1 Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 1:11 

⁴ 1 Peter 2:16

⁵ Acts 6:1-6, Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5

⁶ 1 Timothy 3:8-13 

⁷ 1 Timothy 3:2-7, Titus 1:7-9

Discussion

The ecclesiastical roles appointed by God are roles into which God places men by virtue of the gifts He gives them.  This is evident when considering what they are (see below).

Apostles – Ones sent forth, Messengers

Clearly, an apostle is one sent by God.  Men cannot appoint another man (or themselves) to this role.  Neither can they perform signs and wonders and mighty deeds of themselves, which are the signs of an apostle.

2Co 12:12  Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.

Teachers

The ability to teach others is a gift from God.  Being “appointed” as a teacher by men, does not bestow teaching ability.  No doubt, God gives many of His people the gift of teaching, including overseers and deacons.

Evangelists/Preachers – Preachers of the Gospel

Like teaching, the ability to preach is a gift from God.

Prophets – Foretellers, Inspired Speakers

The ability to speak with inspiration from God or give a message from God comes directly from God; it is not something which can be bestowed by men.

Pastors- Shepherds

God has given some men to be pastors, that is, to look after the brethren and care for them as a shepherd tends his sheep.  The role of an overseer is also to shepherd brethren.

Act 20:28  Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [episkopos], to shepherd [poimaino] the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

1Pe 5:2  Shepherd [poimaino] the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers [episkopeo], not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

Thus, it might be tempting to conflate pastor and overseer so as to talk of ordaining a man a pastor.  However, there is nothing in Scripture to indicate that a man can be ordained a pastor.  The only two types of ordination are that of an overseer and deacon.  Moreover, the Bible lists pastor and overseer as separate as seen in 1 Peter 2:25.

1Pe 2:25  For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd [poimen] and Overseer [episkopos] of your souls.

The correct Scriptural way to think of it is as follows.  A man can be ordained an overseer.  As an overseer his role is to be a pastor, that is, to shepherd the brethren.

As a final thought on pastors, Jesus described Himself as the good shepherd (poimen).  (Poimen is translated pastor in Ephesians 4:11.)

Joh 10:11  “I am the good shepherd [poimen]. The good shepherd [poimen] gives His life for the sheep.
Joh 10:12  But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd [poimen], one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.

God has appointed the role of pastors.  That is, He wants there to be pastors for the functioning of the church.  Men ordain overseers, who may end up being good pastors or hireling pastors.

Note 1

If evangelists and preachers are grouped together, then there are five ecclesiastical roles appointed by God.  It is probably not a coincidence that there are also five primary types of offerings in the Old Testament (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt), five books of the Torah, and five divisions of the book of Psalms.

Conclusion

At the start we asked, according to the Bible, what are the ecclesiastical roles and to which ones can someone be ordained?

We found twelve different words, some very similar to each other, used to describe the various roles. 

There is one role which all Christians have, that is to be bondservants (doulos) to Jesus Christ.

There are five roles in which God places men: apostle (apostolos), teacher (didaskalos), preacher (euaggelistis / kerux), pastor (poimen), and prophet (prophetes).  These roles are for the edification of the body of Christ.

There are two roles in which the laity selects and then the elders ordain: overseers (episkopos) and deacons (diakonos / huperetes / leitourgos).  These two roles are for the day to day functioning and operation of the church.

Finally there are (presbuteros) which we deduced to be a word which describes both overseers and deacons.

There are only two roles to which someone can be ordained: overseer and deacon.  The rest are given by God.