What is the difference between elders and deacons? How does that relate to the pastor?
Simply put, the elders are more in charge of the spiritual needs of the church. This would entail the direction of the church, guarding doctrine through ensuring biblical teaching, and general oversight. The deacons are more in charge of taking care of the physical needs of the church. For example, they look after the building, run our fellowship meals, and oversee our benevolence ministry. The pastor is an elder and may be considered a “primary” elder in the sense that he is particularly tasked with the spiritual care of the congregation as his primary vocation. As such, he is the regular preacher on Sunday mornings, though he is still one among equals.