Reformed thought teaches that the whole ministry of Christ is found only when the whole congregation, including the elders, deacons, and ministers, is called to serve. The three offices-- elder, deacon, and minister--complement each other and together are described as making up the pastorate of a local congregation. It has been customary to call the minister "pastor," and that is appropriate. But the pastorate, the ministry of leadership, is only complete when all three offices work together, when they are mutually supportive and mutually accountable.
