Where did churches get the instructions for pastors, deacons, and elders?
The instructions for pastors, deacons, and elders come from the letters to Timothy, which were written by the Apostle Paul. As the context explains, churches practice these offices based on Paul's writings, even if they do not always acknowledge their source.
Les explains that when someone is asked where their church got instructions for a pastor, deacons, and elders, the answer is Timothy—and Paul wrote Timothy. He notes that while many churches practice the Lord's Table, they may think Jesus gave the instructions, but Jesus only said, 'This is my body' and 'This is my blood'; He gave no instructions for the communion service. Those instructions come from 1 Corinthians 11. Les concludes that 99% of Christendom's doctrinal practices are received from Paul, yet many never give him the time of day.