The organization of the church at Jerusalem was to serve as a model for the organization of churches in every other place where messengers of truth should win converts to the gospel. Those to whom was given the responsibility of the general oversight of the church were not to lord it over God's heritage, but, as wise shepherds, were to "feed the flock of God,. . . being ensamples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2, 3); and the deacons were to be "men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom." These men were to take their position unitedly on the side of right and to maintain it with firmness and decision. Thus they would have a uniting influence upon the entire flock.

Organisationen af menigheden i Jerusalem skulle tjene som mønster for menighedens organisation på ethvert andet sted, hvor sandhedens sendebud vandt sjæle for evangeliet. De, som havde fået ansvaret for det almindelige tilsyn med menigheden, skulle ikke optræde som herrer over Guds arv, men som kloge hyrder skulle de "være hyrder for Guds hjord, ..... som forbilleder for hjorden;" 1Pet. 5,2-3, og diakonerne skulle være "mænd, som havde godt lov og var fulde af Ånd og visdom." Disse mænd skulle i forening være fælles om at hævde retfærdigheden og opretholde den med fasthed og bestemthed. På denne måde ville de få en forenende indflydelse på hele hjorden.