The New Testament presents two distinct and complementary offices for the life and health of the local church: elders and deacons. These roles are not human inventions but biblical structures given for the good of Christ’s body, ensuring that both spiritual leadership and practical care are carried out faithfully. Scripture emphasizes that those who serve in these offices must meet clear character qualifications, highlighting that godly maturity is essential to both leadership and service. The qualifications for elders are outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9, and the qualifications for deacons are given in 1 Timothy 3:8–13.

Elders, also called pastors or overseers, are entrusted with the spiritual oversight of the church. They are called to teach sound doctrine, guard the truth, shepherd the flock, and lead by example as under-shepherds of Christ. Their work is primarily devoted to the ministry of the Word and prayer, equipping the church for maturity and faithfulness. Deacons and deaconesses, by contrast, serve the church through meeting practical needs, organizing ministries of care, and supporting the overall life of the body. By handling tangible and logistical responsibilities, they help preserve unity and free the elders to focus on spiritual leadership. Together, these offices function in harmony, reflecting Christ’s care for His church through both faithful shepherding and humble service.

Gunnar lives in Mosfellsbær with his wife Svava, and their four children: Mikael, Sigurrós, Salómon, and Víktoria. Gunnar went to Huntsville Masters Commission, a Bible training program in Huntsville, AL for three years and graduated at age 19, moving from there to the Icelandic Film School which he graduated at age 21. Gunnar has been preaching/teaching on and off since the age of 17, and restarted a youth ministry with his wife just after they got married at 21 before leaving their former church to plant Loftstofan Baptistakirkja. Gunnar is passionate about seeing God be glorified through church planting, and seeing people grow in love with Jesus and serve Him well.