The Bible is plain in its teaching about church leadership–each congregation was set up autonomously with spiritual overseers, also known as bishops or elders. Qualifications for these leaders are outlined in several places in the New Testament, including 1 Timothy 3:1-7. The Downtown Church of Christ is blessed with 10 capable men serving in the office of elder.

All Christians are servants, but in the New Testament we find examples of churches appointing men specifically to ensure the work of the church was handled efficiently. These men are called deacons and their qualifications are also listed in 1 Timothy chapter 3, beginning with verse 8. The Downtown congregation of the Lord’s church has seventeen deacons, which oversee the various works and ministries of the church.