Baptists hold that there are two; pastors and deacons: besides these, there are no others. They assert that bishop and elder in the primitive churches were identical in office and authority, being pastors when holding the superintendence of churches, and evangelists when preaching from place to place; and that ruling and teaching elders were not, and properly should not be, distinct and separate offices in the churches. Consequently bishops are not a superior order of clergy, nor ruling elders an order distinct from teaching elders.

The term pastor signifies a shepherd, and well indicates the nature of the relation he sustains to the Church; that of leading, feeding, guiding and guarding the flock committed to his care.

The term deacon (diakonos) in the New Testament means a minister; a servant; one who ministers to, or serves others.

(From “The New Directory for Baptist Churches” by Edward T. Hiscox, 1894)