We believe and confess that in the New Testament Churches there were different categories of special workers, but they had only two offices of service that led the spiritual and material affairs of the Church: elders [presbyters, pastors, bishops] and deacons.
Philippians 1:1 “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.”
Pastors
The titles of bishop (overseer), presbyter (elder), and pastor were given to the highest servant of the Church in the New Testament. All these names refer to one and the same office: the supervision, pastoring, and spiritual governing of the Church.
Acts 20:17, 28 “Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him... [and said to them] 'Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God...'”
For someone to be in this service, they must possess the qualities described by Paul in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
The method of selection is indicated by the Greek word xeirotonia [ordained/appointed], which also carries the meaning of voting by a show of hands. This election is carried out by the Church gathered for this purpose.
Acts 14:23 “And when they had appointed elders for them in every church…”
The pastor is also subject to the discipline of the Church when an accusation is well-founded.
1 Timothy 5:19 “Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.”
Deacons
Deacons are called to assist the pastor in administering the material goods of the church. Their purpose is to cultivate the generosity of the members and to inspire philanthropic actions. They must have the qualities shown in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
The commissioning of both pastors and deacons is done through the laying on of hands.
Acts 6:6; 13:3 “…These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. ... Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”
1 Timothy 4:14 “…when the council of elders laid their hands on you.”
We believe and confess that priesthood, in accordance with the New Testament, does not form a special class but is a quality that every believer possesses; it is universal. Every believer is a priest. Everyone has the right to approach God directly through the Lord Jesus, without any other mediator. Everyone has the right to offer spiritual sacrifices.
1 Peter 2:5 “…you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood…”
Revelation 1:6 “…and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father…”