Where do churches get instructions for pastors, deacons, and elders?
Churches obtain instructions for pastors, deacons, and elders from the Apostle Paul's letters, specifically the epistle to Timothy. Paul wrote Timothy, which contains the directives for these church offices. This pattern extends to other church practices, as Paul's writings provide the doctrinal foundation for church age conduct and organization.
Les explains that when asked where churches get their instructions for pastors, deacons, and elders, the answer is Timothy, and Paul wrote Timothy. He notes that regardless of denomination, churches have pastors and deacons and elders, and their instructions come from Paul's writings. Les also points out that other church practices, like the Lord's Table or communion service, are not instructed by Jesus directly but are found in 1 Corinthians 11. He concludes that 99% of Christendom's doctrinal practices come from Paul, yet many never give him the time of day.