The scriptural pattern affirmed by the Church of God includes which pair of offices?

• A. Bishops and Pastors
• B. Pastors and Deacons
• C. Elders and Deacons
• D. Elders and Bishops

Answer: (C)

The pattern the Church of God follows for church leadership is the New Testament pairing of elders and deacons. Elders serve as the spiritual overseers and shepherds of the local church, responsible for teaching, guarding doctrine, and guiding the congregation. Deacons handle practical service responsibilities—administering aid, maintaining church operations, and meeting the material needs of the body. This division reflects the biblical model seen in the early churches: elders are the ones who provide oversight and doctrinal leadership, while deacons fulfill the service and practical ministry that supports the elders’ work. The Church of God does not view bishops as a separate office in its local church structure, so the combination of elders and deacons best matches the scriptural pattern the denomination affirms.