>From my research it was: Bishops Reverend or Pastor or Preacher Deacons ---------------------------------------- Thanks for the information, Judy. Do we still have Bishops? ************ No "Bishops" - are technically those the church called "The Elders" - a very few early Elders were considered "Bishops" - probably because they had considerable responsibilities - extending far beyond the local church where they lived. That term was used by outside writers, about our elders. I do not think it was used by any of the Brethren. Several decades ago, the denomination decided that it would no longer have Elders this was based on a problem in the west - where churches are distant from each other - and Elders were few the headship of the local congregation was moved from the Ordained Elder - to an elected "Moderator" - usually a lay member the office of Elder was eliminated - but some churches still retain it The local church (back then c1800) had a "Presiding Elder" This person was frequently elected annually, but might hold it for life. He was in charge of the local church, and represented it to the denomination (Annual Meeting) [Annual Meeting had a similar "Elders Body", - of these representative Elders from the many churches - with a "Presiding Elder" (often now we call him the "Moderator"] He was in charge of the Elder's Body - all the business in the local church, including any others Ordained as Elders (maybe many/maybe one) - in some churches - the Elder was actually brought in from a neighboring church - to conduct local church business The elders were selected by Church Council vote - out of the Ordained Ministers of the local church it was considered a recognition of capability, usually after a number of years of service in the ministry. A young man, usually married, might be made a Deacon. This was an encouragement, especially if it was felt that he had capability. The Deacons might read the scripture, and usually lead congregational singing. (We did not have musical instruments in church - it was all A Capella - "Singing to the Lord") And you may have witnessed the slow - extended - singing that can take place. My father had a "pitch pipe" so he could sound the correct note on which to start the hymn - but some times a hymn was set so low (or so high) that it was hard to sing. [If I had been required to be a Deacon, and lead singing - I would never have made it to minister! - praise the Lord - He works Miracles - I'M Going to be in that Heavenly Choir - but it will Take One of those Miracles!] Out of the Deacons - some were "advanced to the ministry". Today we call these "Licensed Ministers", and encourage them to get "education" (learn their Bible, learn the church practices - both locally, and as a denomination - go to Seminary - or Bible College). These usually do not marry people, although they may assist and at Baptism and at Funerals. Some of these then are "Ordained to the Ministry". This used to be an action for Life - but now there are some controls instituted on this, to be sure the person really is doing Ministry, and that they do hold to the Church and the Bible. (My Father was Pastor and Presiding Elder of a church and was also the District Presiding Elder - where a former member returned after education and becoming a College Professor - who began to teach - as a minister - that Jesus was a good man - NOT the Son of God - It was quite a problem - the church actually had guards at night - walk around the parsonage where we lived - to keep it from being burned down on us! - I would wake up at night - hearing the footsteps - and lay awake - listening - 10 years old!) In the early churches, there were separate entrances for the men (right door) and the women (left door)(I think that is correct). Seating inside was also divided - some with a board wall (high enough a man could just look over, when standing. The women sat to the left, with the children. The men, and older boys, sat to the right. Between the doors, inside was the "Preacher's Bench". Those ministers who were active that particular service sat behind the bench. The deacons sat in front of the bench, facing the ministers. In the corners at the doors - to the Right of the Preachers Bench - the Men's entrance - was an area for any Elders who were not going to sit at the Preacher's Bench. Similarly - to the Left - the women's entrance - was an area for the Minister's and Elder's Wives. I found it very interesting - that "interested young men and women" (interested in each other - I don't think there was such a thing as outright "dating"!) - knew the board wall between the men's and women's side -and knew where there were knot holes. Invariably, there were fingers extended through the hole - from each direction - during Services!!. (And the Church KNEW ALL About It!) You might want to read my paper on the "Four Mile Church" - "the Dunkers" - at www.cob-net.org/docs/brethrenlife.htm HOWEVER - I am an Ordained Minister/Ordained Elder (installed by the Southern Ohio District Executive) - mine occurred only a few years ago - it is practiced mostly in churches that still retain the old conservatism I asked what my duties were to be - and I was told to "Pray" then "Pray for the Church!" ( - and I have seen need to pray for "All the Church!") Today - our concept is - that all members have a ministry - each as the Lord leads them to it. I Preach - visit the sick, etc. I have done this all my life, even when I was teaching, or a TV Chief Engineer. We consider it the "Part-Time Ministry" But practically - this is what the ministers of early day were - there were NO Paid Ministers - it was the "Free Ministry". OK - this has become a lecture - it certainly does not cover the whole subject. And churches each/all have their own variations Merle C Rummel