Part 28
We want to move on to the church and its purpose. We have already mentioned that the overall purpose is the evangelism of the lost and the edification of the saved. Beyond these two points there are many things that the church is to do, but this is the central thrust for the church.
As the believer mixes with lost people in their everyday life they will ultimately witness of their Lord and lead someone to the Lord. At that point the new believer should be introduced to the local church where the church will begin to train them in the things of the Lord. The training is to the end that the new believer will be well grounded, but also they will be sent out to do the work of the Lord.
In a real sense the church is an educational institution. In fact — one man's opinion — if the church in this country were doing its job, there would be no need for Bible Institutes, Colleges and Seminaries. The believers would be properly trained in the church, and then they would go out to do the work they were given to do.
The term "church" in the Bible is usually the Greek term "ekklesia" which means called out. The term is used of the children of Israel as they were in the wilderness, and is also used of secular assemblies of people in the book of Acts (Acts 7:38; 19:32; 39). Thus when we use the term church we are
obviously talking about called out people and not a building. This is a group of people that is called out of a larger group of people, again showing the "saved" aspect of the church membership (Acts 15:14).
This is probably the most important item — the church is people NOT a building. Often times when we talk of church, the building is the concept that pops into our mind, yet that concept is in error. God is not interested in buildings, but in people. Buildings are not wrong if they are Needed And Utilitarian In Nature. Many buildings today are products of a person's or group's pride and ambition.
Even more than people, we are speaking of God's people, a very special people. These are people that have great meaning and value to God, thus we ought to bear that in mind when we talk about them. We are indeed God's people, a peculiar people called out to serve Him and Him only.
Some view the church as something new — a new kid on the theological block — so to speak. This is true in that the church's organizational structure is something that is newly revealed in the New Testament however the church is only an extension of the Lord's overall program.
We must realize that God has a kingdom plan in action throughout the ages. His thought was for a kingdom for Himself. This is seen in the Old Testament in all of the prophetic information concerning the kingdom. The Millennial Kingdom will be the culmination of all that God is doing with man. The church is not something that was thought up by the Trinity on the spur of the moment when Christ "goofed and got crucified." The church is not a substitute program. The church is an extension of the program that was in progress. Christ mentions the kingdom in mystery form. I suggest a study of that thought and its relationship to the church. Christ was sent to finish provision for the salvation program, and He will return to finish the kingdom aspect of the overall program of God in the future.
The church is not a title for some new group, or some new movement. The Church is God's called out ones of this age as Israel was in the Old Testament.
Paul mentions that the Gentiles are grafted into the program because the Jewish people have been set aside for a time. We will see more on this
when we delve into the Eschatology section of our study. The church is something that was planned before the foundation of the world just as the plan of redemption was planned, just as the plan for Israel was planned.
WHAT THE CHURCH IS NOT
a. The Church Is Not The Old Testament Way Reworked Or Renewed: All Old Testament and New Testament saints are redeemed but:
1.) The sacrificial system ended in Christ. Galatians 3:24-26 tells us that the law was a schoolmaster to bring us to faith. We are no longer under that Old Testament schoolmaster but under the blood of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 5:9-10 tells us that Christ became the author of salvation by His suffering.
2.) The Church Age began with the work of the cross and Christ upon it.
b. The Church Is Not Denominations: Denominations are not mentioned, nor even hinted at, in the Scriptures. What is a denomination? Webster mentions, "a religious organization uniting in a single legal and administrative body a number of local congregations."
Are Baptists a denomination? Some may be considered a denomination, however not all Baptist groups are denominations. The "Southern Baptists" and the "American Baptists" are denominations, however the "Conservative Baptists" and the "Regular Baptists" are associations. The difference between them is the organization behind them. The latter groups are loose associations of Independent Churches Governed By Themselves. Now I might add that the Southern Baptists claim they are independent churches, though at last report they still were required to maintain certain ties to the overall organization which seems to fit Webster's definition.
The denominational churches are governed to a certain extent via the denominational structure. The churches support that structure by agreement of being a part of the denomination.
A denomination may require giving, may set up schools, may help select pastors for churches, may have their own publishing arm, may require
churches to follow their curriculum and may manage the local church and what it does.
Are Lutherans a denomination? There are several groups that make up several separate denominations of Lutherans. Are Presbyterians a denomination? Yes they are. There may be more than one in this group as well.
So The Church Is Not, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, Christian Science, Catholic, or any other organizational structure.
You might wonder why I take time to cover this topic. Have you ever read the "Trail Of Blood," a book that describes only certain Baptists as the only real, true believers? They hold to the fact that if you haven't been baptized by one of their men that was baptized by someone that was baptized by someone that was baptized by someone that was baptized — etc. clear back to John The Baptist, then you aren't properly baptized, and the thought often is that you may not really be going to heaven. These are sometimes called Landmark Baptists.
Others aren't quite that strong. I attended two Baptist colleges. At one of them a friend was talking with me and he mentioned the "Baptist distinctives." I asked him what they were, so he listed them for me. They were Biblical principles that all of us would hold to. I said, "Yes, those are good principles but they are Biblical distinctives." "No. They are Baptist distinctives." I said, "Yes, Baptists hold to them, but they are Biblical distinctives." "No. They Are Baptist Distinctives." I said, "How do you like the weather?" We removed ourselves from the subject.
We might also add that the church is not the ecumenical movement. Three Lutheran groups have now merged. Another Lutheran group and the Episcopalians are trying to merge. The Catholics want us all to come back to Holy Mother Church. The Charismatics of all sorts want to get together. This is not the bringing about of the Body of Christ, this is the bringing together of Christians and non-Christians in an unholy mess of doctrine they all say they can live with.
c. The Church Is Not The Millennial Kingdom: The Kingdom is yet future and will be set up by Christ the Lord. Some in the past, and some in this time, believe that we can get the earth back to the pre-fall condition
and allow the Lord to come set up His kingdom. NOT SO. The Lord is capable of setting the date of His coming. Indeed, it has been set from the foundation of the world, and nothing we can do on this earth will change that date.
d. The Church Is Not A Sunday School: The Sunday School started in 1780 in Glouster, England by Robert Rakes in a kitchen. It WAS NOT IN 40 AD IN THE UPPER ROOM ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST. Mark Rakes started the Sunday School to teach poor children to read and write, and he used a Bible to do it. In 1824 the American Sunday School Union brought the concept of the Sunday School to the church.
In all of the good that Sunday Schools have brought to us we must remember they are not inspired. Many believe there are some problems with Sunday Schools, and I would like to alert you to these possible problems.
(From "Emerging Patterns In Church Education" by Kenneth O. Gangel in Christianity Today; July 1973 p 5)
1. "It offers a conscience — salving, though inadequate, alternative for parents who neglect Christian teaching at home."
2. "It has focused too much on children and too little on adults."
3. "It may have so emphasized evangelism that it has neglected nurture."
4. "It too often is used as a substitute for a total church program of nurture."
A number of years ago a friend took a church in Nebraska. There were two separate buildings. The church met in one building and the Sunday School met in the other. He accepted the call to the church and began talking to his board about making some changes in the way the Sunday School was operating. He was promptly informed that the Sunday School was not his business. He was the pastor of the church. The Sunday School had its own board and superintendent that took care of their program. Another friend took a small work in Denver. The group met only for Sunday School. It took him several months to add a ten minute teaching time at the end of the Sunday School activities.
Paul never started with Sunday Schools, nor with kids. He always started with the adults.
e. The Church Is Not Israel: Saucy declares this point, "The New Testament never confuses Israel and the church. As opposed to the church, which is a religious body composed of individuals from all nations, the term Israel retains its reference to that people which came physically from the loins of Abraham." (Taken from: "The Church In God's Program"; Saucy, Robert L.; Copyright 1979, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago; Moody Press. Used by permission. p 70) This is a good distinction, yet I believe that it leaves out the proselytes that came to God through Israel in the Old Testament. These too were from all nations, even though they identified with Israel. They were considered Israelites, even though they did not come from the "loins of Abraham."
Is there a better statement of distinction? Let's try. The church is that group of people who are related to God through belief and faith, since the cross, as opposed to Israel which is that people that were related to God through belief and faith prior to the cross, responding to the promise of God to Abraham. Though similarities may exist, the two are distinct and are separate from one another.
Some would have us believe that the two are the same. Some bring forth Romans 9:6 as proof that Paul viewed Israel and the church as the same. "Not as though the word of God hath taken no effect. For they are not all Israel, who are of Israel...." If you examine the context it will be clear that this is not showing that some of the people in the church are also Israel — it is showing there is spiritual Israel and physical Israel.
Those who view Israel and the church as the same normally do so to place their followers under the law and the promises of the Old Testament economy.
The two are separate.
1.) The book of Acts portrays men of the church speaking of Israel separately from the church. Acts 2:22 "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye
yourselves also know:" (See also Acts 3:12; Acts 4:10; Acts 5:21; Acts 5:31; Acts 5:35; Acts 21:28.)
2.) Paul viewed them as separate. He, a man of the church, speaks, "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, they might be saved." (Romans 10:1) He distinguishes between "brethren" and "Israel." In Romans 11:1 he declares himself, a Christian, to be a part of Israel, making a distinction between the two. Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:32 mentions Jews, Gentiles and the church as separate units.
3.) The fact that the term "Israel" appears only approximately twenty times between the end of Acts and the beginning of Revelation is indication enough that Israel is to be kept separate from the church.
4.) Israel is a nation while the church is a body, an organism, and an organization. The church is never referred to as a nation, yet this is the term used of Israel over and over again in the Old Testament.
5.) God at this time is dealing with and through the church WHILE Israel has been set aside and is not active with, or for God.
It must be readily admitted that the two are similar. The term "ecclesia" is used of both groups of people. We have seen that the term is applied to Israel in the wilderness in Acts 7:38, while also in Acts the term is used of the church (Acts 14:23). Indeed, the term is related to the church 112 times in the New Testament.
Why is it important to view the two as separate? To mix the two will lead to the promises and ordinances of the Old Testament being applied to the church and the blessings of the church being applied to Israel.
It will lead to misunderstandings in the area of future things. For example, who are the people that will be governed in the Millennium? If Israel and the Church are the same then both will be in the Millennium. If they are different then only Israel will be in the Millennium.
If they are actually the same then Paul was not able to communicate well, for he certainly shows a distinction between the two in his writings.
Results of mixing Israel and the church shows up in the teachings of: 7th day Adventism, British Israelism, Mormonism, and Covenant Theology.
f. The Church Is Not Big Business: Years ago a religious temple in downtown Denver occupied only a tiny part of two city blocks. Also on the property were several high rise commercial buildings. Two city blocks in downtown Denver — reportedly tax free because it was a part of the temple property. Other cults and isms are noted for their total or part ownership of large corporations.
g. The Church Is Not What Many Have Made It: Bruce Shelley in his "The Church: God's People," mentions a list of some myths of the modern day church meaning. He declares that the church is not just fellowship, not just invisible, not just doctrinal, not even a building, nor denominations, nor is it an influence on society. It is much more than many try to make it in our day and age. It is something special and unique in all the world, and we keep it to ourselves all too often, not extending invitation to it to those around us.
To recap, the church is not: The Old Testament sacrificial system, A denomination, The Millennial Kingdom, A Sunday School, Israel, Big Business, Fellowship, or Doctrine. By the way, it isn't a building either. As we rid ourselves of the false ideas, maybe we can focus on the facts — what is the church? It is people — specifically God's people.
STUDY SUGGESTIONS
1. List all of the occurrences of the term church and determine which are speaking of the universal church, local church and in some cases you might find that the reference speaks of both aspects of the church.
2. Look at the five points of our definition of the church and find other scriptural passages that prove the definition that we have set forth.
3. Attempt to find other passages which show the church's purpose is edification and evangelism.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
1. Read through the November 1989 issue of Moody Monthly. It is very interesting where some of our traditions came from.
2. See appendix one for a constitution for a church that follows the multiple elder form of government.
3. Request a copy of Radio Bible Class' booklet "Who Qualifies To Be A Church Leader?" and read it. Great for ideas. (Radio Bible Class; Grand Rapids, Michigan; 49555-0001)
WHAT THE CHURCH IS
INTRODUCTION
We have seen that the Greek word translated church is "ecclesia." It is translated in the following manner:
1.) The "ecclesia" of a self-governing Greek city. Acts 19:32, 35, 39, 41.
2.) The Old Testament "ecclesia," or gathering of national Israel. Acts 7:38.
3.) The New Testament "ecclesia." 1 Timothy 3:15,16.
There are around 112 more references to the New Testament Church, both visible and invisible. The meaning of Church, or the type of called out group, is determined by the context of the passage. "Ecclesia" comes from two terms, "ec" meaning out, and "clessia" meaning called.
In the New Testament usage there seems to be the idea of the people knowing they belong to the group that is called out. This does not require membership, but certainly allows for the possibility.
Membership in our day is a very real need. There is a need to keep the local assembly pure. If you have unsaved in the membership, you have the possibility of those unsaved becoming church leaders. This is not good. "Church" does not necessarily guarantee there are not unsaved present. In many of our mainline denominations entire congregations are probably unsaved. Even within Bible believing churches, we can accidentally allow unsaved into the fellowship. This is never on purpose and is always regrettable.
Let us try to define the term church. What is "church?" What are the minimum requirements to call a group of people a church?
May I suggest a definition? The church is the invisible union of all believers in this present age that manifests itself through local assemblies
committed to the edification of the saints and the evangelization of the lost.
A complete study of the term church would be suggested for the student that would like to do further research. We will only list some of the highlights of such a study for your present consideration.
1. The church is Christ. Colossians 1:24
2. The church is a feeding place for believers. Acts 20:28
3. The church is showing God's wisdom. Ephesians 3:10
4. The church followed the apostle's doctrine. Acts 2:42
5. The church is set apart to God. 1 Corinthians 1:2
6. The church will be raised and glorified. 1 Corinthians 15:52
7. The church attests to, and serves Christ. 1 Peter 1:15
8. The church is an assembly of people. Acts 7:38; Matthew 16:18
9. The church seems to be involved in worship.
10. The church is catholic/universal. Colossians 1:6; Revelation 5:9; Ephesians 2:14-24
11. The church is subject to Christ. Ephesians 5:24
12. The church prayed. Acts 2:42; Acts 12:5; 1 Timothy 2:8
13. The church has the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19
14. The church had leaders. Acts 14:23; 20:17; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5ff
15. The church was ministering or giving. Acts 11:29,30
16. The church is the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 1:23
17. The church sang. Ephesians 5:19
18. The church baptized new believers. Acts
19. The church was gifted. 1 Corinthians 4:17; 12:28,29; Ephesians 4:1116; Acts 1:26; Romans 12:7; 1 Timothy 4:11; 6:2
20. The church had all things common — voluntary. Acts 1-6
21. The church sent out missionaries. Acts 11:13; 13:1 ff
22. The church is of Christ. Matthew 16:18
23. The church is of the living God. 1 Timothy 3:15
24. The church is the holy temple of Lord. Ephesians 2:20
25. The church is a fellowship with those of like mind. 1 Peter 2:9
26. The church is the Bride of Christ. Ephesians 5:25
27. The church is the body of Christ. Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:12
28. The church is the dispenser of the mysteries of God. 1 Corinthians 4:1
29. The church has a head — Christ. Ephesians 1:23; Colossians 1:18,24
30. The church is believers. 1 Corinthians 1:2
31. The church is God's elect. Romans 8:33
32. The church observed the Lord's table. 1 Corinthians 11
So, "The church is the invisible union of all believers in this present age which manifests itself through local assemblies committed to the edification of the saints and the evangelization of the lost." These local churches are involved in many ministries.
THE CHURCHES BEGINNINGS
Just when did the church begin? This is a question that has been debated by many. Some suggest the day of Pentecost, others go further back to the sending of the disciples in Matthew 10:1, 7-10. Some suggest that John the Baptist started the church, while others suggest that it was when Christ breathed on the apostles in John 20:21,22. The covenant theologian would view the church as the same as Israel and as such would not see a beginning of the church — only the beginning of the covenant with Abraham.
Hyper-dispensationalists would place it later than Pentecost while differing on just when it began. Some place it at Acts 10:44,45 when Cornelius was converted. This dictates that only Gentiles are in the church. Some indicate Acts 13:2,3 at Antioch, and some even go beyond the book of Acts for the beginning of the church.
The most widely held view in fundamental circles today would probably be the day of Pentecost view. (Acts 1:4; 2:41)
Let us consider some facts. The Lord saw the church as future in Matthew 16:18 which certainly places it after John the Baptist. The resurrection and ascension were essential to the founding of the church (Ephesians 1:1923). We see in Ephesians 4:7-12 that the spiritual gifts were also linked to the ascension, thus we must assume that the beginning of the church was after the ascension. The baptism of the Holy Spirit was yet future in Acts 1:5 thus indicating that the church was yet future there as well. The baptism of the Spirit seems to be linked to the beginning of the church, for it is at that point that the believer enters the body of Christ (Acts 2; 11:15-16; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:13).
In answer to the Hyper-dispensationalist we must refer to the above arguments and ask for logic in their thinking. Christ has made provision for salvation and is seated with the Father — a perfect time to take the next step toward the completion of the Father's plan of the ages, the beginning of the kingdom in mystery form, the church. If Gentiles were required for the beginning of the church why didn't some of the writers of Scripture mention it? The fact that the ministry of the Spirit to the Gentiles was the same as that to the Jews would indicate there was no need to wait for them. (Acts 2; cf. 11:15,16)
The fact that the Lord told the believers to wait in Jerusalem indicates that He had something very special in mind before they continued their work.
The only reason to place the start of the church post Pentecost is so you can eliminate the need for baptism and the Lord's table as church ordinances in this day and age.
NEW TESTAMENT PICTURES OF THE CHURCH
In the New Testament, we have pictures, or figures of the church that are of interest to us:
a. The Body Of Christ: The Church is pictured as the body of Christ many times in the Bible. Christ is pictured as the head of that unified body as well. (1 Corinthians 12:12, 14, 18, 21, 27, 28; Ephesians 1:22,23; 3:6; 4:4; 4:12,16; 5:23,30; Colossians 2:19-25; 1:18-24; Romans 12:4; Ephesians 5:23,24; Galatians 3:28).
b. A Building: The Church is pictured as a building and we are part of that building. (Ephesians 2:19-21; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Corinthians 3:9-17; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 1 Peter 2:5-9; Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Timothy 3:15)
c. Bride Of Christ: We are also going to be the bride of Christ in the end. We are being prepared and He will one day come for His bride. (Ephesians 5:25-27; 2 Corinthians 11:2,3; Revelation 19:7)
d. The Flock: We are His flock. He has placed undershepherds over us to feed and guide. The idea of the shepherd and flock portrays a beautiful picture of His care over us. (John 10; 1 Peter 5)
Other pictures include Branches: John 15; Kingdom of priests: 1 Peter 2, Romans 12:1, Hebrews 13:15,16; New Creation: I Co. 15:45, Romans 5:19; Co-heirs: Hebrews 1:2, Romans 8:17; Harvest: I Co. 15:23; Servants: Colossians 4:1, 1 Corinthians 7:22
REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP
Salvation followed by baptism, is seen in Acts 2:41 as an integrated part of being added to the Church. "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
Acts 2:47 is presented at times, to show that baptism is not a requirement for Church membership. "Praising god, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved." This text only records additions to the body and is not meant to be a process for membership.
Spirit baptism is the mode of entrance into the universal body thus it is logical that water baptism would be the mode of entrance into the local Church. (1 Corinthians 12:13) The texts in Acts dealing with the topic usually see baptism as preceding the adding of a person to the body.
A true conversion in the book of Acts immediately made the believer want to state they were separating themselves from Judaism, and they were identifying with the Messiah that had come.
There are no other requirements listed for Church membership. There are many other items that people require, but the Scripturalness of requirements other than salvation and baptism should be inspected very carefully.
Some question whether the idea of Church membership is valid. To these it is submitted that even if you do not have a membership or listing, you should have some sort of system whereby you assure that the majority of your Church is Christian. If you don't then you will have unsaved people in leadership. If they become a majority in the body, they can control your Church organization as well as buildings and all that you might attempt to do.
It is Biblical, to most, to have Church membership, and it is logical even if you reject the Biblicalness of the idea.
THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH
The organism, or universal Church, is shown in Ephesians 2:19 where it is stated, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens but you are fellow — citizens with the saints, and are of God's household." We are a part of a household made up of all believers. One of the pictures that we looked at previously was the idea of the body of Christ. In that figure we can see the idea of the body, or Church, being a living organism. (1 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 1:22-23)
The Universal Church is seen in Scripture as the entire family of God — all those that truly believe. Entrance is gained via the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation.
Rather than spend a long time on this subject let it suffice to just list some characteristics of the universal Church, and the reference where the idea is found.
Its membership is diverse, but we have a common dependency. 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
The Church is seen as God's dwelling place and temple. Ephesians 2:2122; 2 Corinthians 6:16
It is also seen as God's flock. I Peter 5:2-4
It is obvious that Christ is vitally involved in the Church since He is the Head. It is also clear that the Church is His (Matthew 16:18). It is Christ that taught it's first leaders (John 14-16 and the gospels). It is Christ that sent the Holy Spirit to empower it (Acts 2:33; John 16:7). It is His ascension that set the stage for His headship over the Church (Ephesians 1:20-23). It is His gifts that edify the Church (Ephesians 4:8-11). It is His work that will prepare the Church (Ephesians 5:26-27). He is preparing the Church for the rapture as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-32; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Revelation 19:6-9). Finally as we have seen, it is His body (Ephesians 1:22-23).
THE LOCAL CHURCH
The local Church is that body of people in a local area that have organized for fellowship, edification and evangelism. This local concept is seen in several of the introductions of Paul's books to the believers at specific locations. This concept is also seen in the calling of the elders of Ephesus to meet with Paul in Acts 20:17. Many of the doctrines that we follow in the Church today are drawn from the books that Paul wrote to local Churches in local areas. The organization of the Church is seen in many verses where the officers are mentioned. 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5 ff; Acts 14:23.
2. PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH
1. Edification Of The Saints: Ephesians is a key book to this idea of the edification, building up, or maturation of the saints which is one of the main purposes of the Church.
Ephesians 4:11-16 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"
12 "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"
13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"
14 "That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
15 "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:"
16 "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."
Let us list some characteristics of the Church from this text:
Certain men are gifted, certain men are given to the Church, edification, body concept, unity of the faith as a goal, knowing Christ as a goal, perfect man as a goal, fulness of Christ in the people as a goal, maturity as a goal, solid in doctrine as a goal, speaking truth, speaking in love, growing to be like Christ, and the body is to be FITLY joined together.
NOW, if we were to work on those items only in many Churches, we would have a full time job for many years.
It seems that Paul is depicting a cycle that is never ending. That cycle begins with the Church leadership training the Church members to do the work of the Lord. The members in turn as they are doing the work of the Lord lead unsaved people to their Savior, and introduce them into the Church where the Church leadership trains the new members to do the work of the Lord, etc. (see also 2 Timothy 2:2). This is a Biblical system of training, and education, yet many Churches would rather function on
the basis of the Pastor can do it all, while we soak up all of his good messages.
The early Church functioned as Paul describes it and reached the known world in one generation. It must stir your imagination to envision a Church in the U.S.A. that began functioning as they ought. That is the one and only way that we will ever reach the world for Christ.
2. Evangelization Of The Lost: As we have already seen, edification will ultimately lead to the evangelism that is the second purpose of the Church. This is pictured for us by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 1:8 which states, "For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing." (See also Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:18-20)
Some suggest other things that should be a part of the Church, but these actually fall into one of the purposes that we have been discussing.
Let us just list some of these other items:
Show love for the Lord. Revelation 2:4,
"Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee,
because thou hast left thy first love."
Incite one another to love and good works. Hebrews 10:24,
"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works,"
Care for the needy, do good works, and many others:
preaching, praying, singleness of heart, helping, witnessing, sharing, teaching, counseling, sending, testifying, teaching, baptizing, organizing, serving, fellowship, study, worship, singing, giving, praising, testifying, sharing, helping, praying, study
Another good study that we won't delve into, is to read the book of Acts and list characteristics of the Church. Some items of interest from the book of Acts concerning the Church:
They obeyed the great commission (1:8)
They were Christians (1:14)
They were organized (1:15-26)
They were empowered (2:1-14)
They were preaching (2:15 ff)
They were baptizing (2:41)
They were fruitful (2:41)
They were living rightly in all of their activities (2:42-46)
They were powerful (2:43)
They were sharing (2:44,45)
They were praising (2:47)
They were persecuted (4:1-4; 5:17-28; 8:1-3)
They were bold (4:5-12)
They were united (4:32)
They were sacrificial (4:32)
They were holy and pure (5:1-11)
They were dedicated unto death (7)
They were forgiving (7:60)
They were spreading the Gospel (8:4 due to their scattering)
They reached the known world in their own time. Today you have over half the world to reach in your generation. My generation cannot do the task. My generation has for all practical purposes failed to reach our own generation. That is a very sobering thought if you can allow it to sink in.
Take a moment to draw a picture in your mind. At the top is God the Father, our caretaker. It is His will that we follow, and it is Him that we glorify. (Matthew 6:25-34; 12:50; John 14:13) A little lower and to the left
you have a block marked God the Holy Spirit. God gave the Spirit for direction, comfort and power. To the lower right of God we have God, the Son. He is our savior, and is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23).
Below the Father, we have a long rectangle labeled the Church that reaches down to a picture of the earth. The Church is the link between the trinity and the world. Without that link there is no way that the World can know of the salvation that God has provided.
GOD
THE FATHER
GOD THE HOLY
GOD
THE SON
SPIRIT
C H U R C H
WORLD
If your picture is complete you have a cross connecting God with the world, which is quite appropriate. I would take liberty to use a quote that I have heard many times over the years, The Church is not Church unless "ur" in it. The Church cannot do the complete job that God has given it to do unless every believer is active in the Church. The individual is key to the evangelization of the world. God has chosen man to be the communicator of His truth (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Christ commissioned the apostles — and us — as believers to go to the world. (Matthew 28:18-20)
A number of years ago I came across some statistics concerning missions. (Ruth Johnson in "THE YEARS BETWEEN" I believe it was a tract)
Of 50 missionary commitments
38 never reach Bible school leaving 12
4 drop out of Bible school leaving 8
4 drop out when a field opens leaving 4
1 drops out before leaving, leaving 3
3 reach the field
1 will drop out during the first term
1 never returns for the second term
1 continues in missionary work.
Of the one that continues we must draw our mission directors and home personal.
Shelley in his book mentions, That the Church lacks zeal. he goes on to mention that many misunderstand the message. You can listen to many preachers of our day and realize that this is true. The Gospel message has so many additions to it that the lost person is confused by the confetti. He mentions, "Christianity without a mission, like fire that does not burn, is a contradiction in terms." (Shelley, "The Church: God's People"; p 113)
More to the point may be this — you call yourself a Christian. Are you a contradiction in terms?
Our reason for living is to glorify God, and our purpose as a Church is to evangelize the lost so they might be trained to do the work of the Lord.
3. THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH
BASIC TYPES OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT
THAT ARE USED TODAY
There have been several types of church government developed over the years. These forms of government have some verses in the Bible that seem
to back them up, but these systems normally overlook the plain teaching of the Bible and fail to deal with all the texts.
We will just introduce the reader to these systems of government and allow them to evaluate these on their own in light of the coming study on church government.
It is assumed that if the Bible does teach one form of government then that would be the system that the Lord would bless the most. Do not mistake this for a mass call for change of church government, but it is a challenge to consider this study and see just what the Bible does teach on the subject. If you find yourself in a church that has a government that contradicts what you see, don't leave because you now have "the revelation." Consider what might be done to bring about change in your particular church. If you are in church leadership, don't call for total, immediate change. We will consider some further cautions later in the study.
1. The Episcopal Form Of Government: This form of government is seen in the Church of England and the Episcopal Church. Some sources list the Roman Catholic Church however I would class it as separate.
This system can be diagramed as seen below.
Bishop
Elders
Deacons
People Apostolic succession is the teaching which says that the apostles passed on their power and authority to others who passed on that power and authority to others, etc. until the successors of today. The Roman Church holds to this thought and this fact may be why some list them in this category. Episcopalian high Church people also tend toward this belief system. The Landmark Baptists in the Independent Baptist movement hold to a succession back past the apostles to John the Baptist.
The Episcopalian system started in the second century. They have a college of Bishops who are the superior clergy. They have pastors that are inferior clergy and the people only obey what comes down from the top. The denomination owns all property and can control the congregation via
1065 their investment in that property. This opposes the thought that what we give to the Lord is the Lord's. If a congregation feel led to build a building, then that building cannot belong to the organization of Churches, but it is God's.
The low Church people view the bishop as nice but not necessary. This is not uncommon in Church history. The people of the land and the working class often reject the authorities that attempt to place themselves over others.
2. The Federal Form Of Government: This system is found primarily in the Presbyterian movement. Calvin developed this form from his study of the scripture.
The session is composed of the pastor and elders of a local Church. The presbytery, made up of representatives of the Churches, rule a given district of Churches. The Synod owns and rules a larger district of Churches. The General Assembly is over all Churches. The denomination owns the property.
The people can have control over their Church through their representatives to the presbytery. They also wield some control over the denomination via their representatives.
The Bible teaches there was leadership. The federalist assumes that the apostles have a counterpart in our own day and age, which translates into their hierarchy. This is true in all of the systems that have a superstructure of organization.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
SYNOD SYNOD SYNOD SYNOD
PRESBYTERY PRESBYTERY
SESSION SESSION SESSION SESSION
3. The Congregational Form Of Government: This system is usually used by Baptists, Evangelical Free, Disciples of Christ, and some Bible and independent Churches. (The Conservative Baptist Association is going toward the eldership rule form which we will see later.)
The Congregationalists make no distinction between elders and deacons. Indeed most have only deacons. If they see the position of elder it is usually the pastor and he being a single elder unless there is need of extra outside staff members which would also become elders. They hold to Christ Being the head of the Church, as well as the priesthood of every believer.
They hold that no group of men should have authority over the local assembly which translates into a rejection of denominations and the previous forms of government.
The independent assembly owns and controls their own property.
The pastor is ordained and administers the ordinances within the local Church. The deacons are to see to the welfare of the Church.
The congregation elects the officers and votes on major items of business. As the Church grows in size this voting usually is curtailed to more major expenditures/changes to save on the time involved in large lengthy discussions.
We will give some of the items of proof which they submit in support of for their system The scripture views the Church as responsible for things 1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 1:27; The fact that the whole Church is pictured as helping select officers Acts 6:3,5; 15:2,30; 2 Corinthians 8:19;
The fact that the whole Church is involved in discipline Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Thessalonians 3:14ff; The pastor is the single elder Revelation 2-3. ("angel" There is much discussion as to the meaning of the term angel in the letters to the Churches and there is little proof that it is the Singular Pastor of the Church.); elder is singular and deacons is plural 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (However, we must point out that Philippians 1:1 mentions both in the plural. We might suggest a look at the number of plural appearances of elder as opposed to the singular references to the same term in appendix two.)
4. The Papal Form Of Government: This is the Roman Catholic system.
They have Cardinals, bishops, and Priests which have differing authorities as you descend down to the priest, local leaders and finally to the congregation. The Roman Church owns and controls all properties.
POPE
COLLEGE OF
CARDINALS
BISHOP BISHOP BISHOP BISHOP
LOCAL PARISH
LOCAL PARISH
5. The National Church Form Of Government: The Church of England is the official Church of the land. This is true of the Lutherans in Scandinavia as well. The state has a Church and the head of the state is also the head of the Church. Leaders are appointed by an agency of the state. It has been the norm in much of history that these Churches are dead, ritualistic Churches that minister to a very few. The masses enter the Church only for infant baptism, their wedding and then their funeral.
6. The No Government Form Of Government: Some believe they run with only the Lord as their government, yet if they have any planning or program at all they have government of some sort. Some go as far as to reject the idea of membership, constitutions, and doctrinal statements. Instead of these "forms" they allow anyone in regular attendance to vote on all issues and claim that the Bible is their doctrinal statement and constitution.
It has been my observation over the years that these Churches often produce a lot of believers that are very alive for their Lord, yet the Churches usually do not continue in existence for long. As they get bigger
and grow, organization usually comes to some extent. Those Churches that do not grow often disband, scattering their people into traditional Churches where they often inspire some of the dead Christians to get involved.
7. The Elder Rule Form Of Government: This is a newer system that is closer to the Biblical form, but it has a few difficulties that are becoming evident. The system teaches that the elders are the paid staff of the Church and they run the Church. Their term of office is for life if they decide to stay.
This allows for much control of the people by one or a few men who have their Bible training.
The fallacy of this system is that in the Bible the lay people were the Church and the elders were lay people, not seminarians. The idea of a congregation forming a Church and setting up a building and then calling someone that institutes this type of government is not pleasant for the congregation. Indeed, there have been many Churches split over the issue in recent days.
ELDER
DEACONS
CONGREGATION
This form of government is similar to what you will be seeing in this study. The difference being that the elders are lay men with the option of having a paid teaching elder that is called from outside the Church. This is not to say that the teaching elder cannot come form the ranks of the lay people however.
8. The Elder Form Of Government: This type of government is something that is growing in popularity though there are few congregations operating under such a system. This form of government has some advantages which will become evident as we go though our study.
The system will be shown in brief at this point and then it will be developed as we continue.
The key to the system is that the elders are over the deacons and both boards are over the congregation. The congregation does have control over the boards. They can communicate with them, they are involved in the choosing of the leaders, they are involved in the financial end of the system, in that they are the final say on large expenditures.
There is an emphasis on the qualifications of the leadership. They are to fulfill the Biblical qualifications before they are appointed to a position. They are also chosen from men who "desire" the office.
This dictates that the Church is being led by "spiritual" leaders as opposed to leaders that may or may not want to be in the position and may or may not be spiritual.
The elders are basically the spiritual leaders of the Church and maintain general oversight of the assembly. The deacons are in charge of the physical aspects of the congregation and its properties. The system must be based on qualified, spiritual leaders to operate properly.
CHRIST THE HEAD
ELDER ELDER ELDER ELDER ELDER ELDER ELDER
DEACON DEACON DEACON DEACON
CONGREGATION
Within this structure the "pastor" or teaching elder is one of the elder board. He may or may not be the chairman of that board. You will notice that under Christ you have the entire congregation and this is the crux of the system. All believers in touch with their God and in tune with one another to function as a body.
Before we continue, let us look at some things that seem to be required in the Bible for the Church, and the different groups involved.
Here is a series of things that the scripture shows concerning Church government. It may not be an exhaustive list, but it will give several items
which must be incorporated into a Church constitution to make it as close to Scriptural as possible.
CONGREGATION
1. The Congregation Is Involved In The Choosing Of Church Leaders: Acts 6:3-6. The leadership asked them to select out qualified men to be set aside to serve. This is specifically the first deacons. The apostles then took those set forth — prayed and laid on their hands.
We have no indication of how the elders were selected in the New Testament times. Paul appointed elders in the Churches that he planted. Since we have no process in Scripture for elders, it would seem logical that we should use a method consistent with the selection of deacons. The qualifications are set forth very clearly in the New Testament for these leaders with the key being, the elders desire, which we will see later.
2. The Congregation Was Involved In Church Discipline: 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 They were also involved in the man's restoration in 2 Corinthians 2:6ff.
3. The Congregation Was Told To Obey The Elders. Hebrews 13:7, 17
"Remember them who have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their manner of life:" 13:7
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you." 13:17
Some today are adding the idea of the Old Testament "Lord's anointed" to these two texts and teach that the layperson is not to interfere with what God is doing through His appointed men — pastors.
Let us observe some things that are presented here.
a. Obey and submit. This is the context of the word they have been giving forth. There is a responsibility for the congregation to listen to the word and to follow it. The last part of verse 17 shows that the elders are responsible for the spiritual welfare of the congregation. This is illustrated
for us in Ezekiel where the priests are rebuked for misleading instead of feeding the people.
b. The "remember" of verse 7 probably is tied to the sharing of verse 15 which probably is monetary gifts to the ones that minister the word.
You might observe that "do good" is equal to sharing so you might remember money isn't all that counts.
c. The congregation is to consider the elders' manner of life as an example.
d. The term "them" in both verses shows plural, not singular elders. There are to be plural elders in a Church.
4. The congregation is to discipline elders if there is sin. 1 Timothy 5:19,20
SCRIPTURE AND LOGIC
CONTINUED
There are also some logical things in which the congregation should also be involved.
1. Large expenditures or major changes in direction of the Church.
These are logical in the fact that if they all oppose the major expenditure and don't give to it how can the leadership hope to accomplish it? If they are opposed to the change, again there will be no support.
The idea of the priesthood of the believer is very active in this area. If the congregation is opposed to an item that the boards have determined to do, then there is one body or the other that is not really tuned into the head of the Church — Christ.
2. Since every believer is a priest before God then it is logical that congregational input to the leadership should have some power of direction unless it is clearly against Scripture.
The leadership should find direction for the Church by proper use of the Scriptures. If the congregation is in opposition then it is up to the leadership to show from the Scriptures why they are correct and the congregation is wrong.
ELDERS
The elders seem to be the spiritual side of Church leadership.
1. They Should First Of All DESIRE The Office Of Elder: 1 Timothy 3:1, mentions, "If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work."
If there is no real desire, how can there be a real drive to do the job as it should be done? As I observe human beings, I see the person who desires to do something usually is successful. It is also observable that if there is no desire there is hardly ever success.
Why do we place men in places of leadership when they don't want to be in those positions?
2. It Is A Good Work To Be Desired: 1 Timothy 3:1 Some might feel that if a person goes after a position in the Church that he is seeking status and position. Not so. God set the standard through Paul and God says that He desires leaders that desire their work.
3. Some Of The Elders Teach: Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 5:1-4. Not all need to be teaching but all should be "apt to teach." The idea of Ephesians 4 is that the Church leaders are training the people to do the work of the Lord and some of those leaders are teachers.
4. Some Are Paid For Their Ministry: 1 Timothy 5:17,18. "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the grain; and, The laborer is worthy of his reward."
This ties the elder to the rulers of Hebrews 13:7,17 by the way.
This is not to say that he must be paid. It says that he should be given honor. The verse also mentions eating as part of the thought.
In many of our smaller Churches around the country the people have little money to share with their pastor, but they do have produce and meat from their farms and ranches. Many pastors know just how helpful these things are when the salary is small, and this is a perfectly permissible part of "honoring" an elder. This isn't to say that a mechanic couldn't do something in his line or a TV man in his. There are situations where a congregation cannot pay and this is all right. The elder will serve on a voluntary basis or leave. Many pastors today work full time to serve their congregations. Indeed, this is more to the scriptural end of things. The FULL TIME paid pastor is a relatively new thing. The elder of Paul's time was one that did it as a sidelight to his normal work. It may be that we should get back to this sort of standard. It would give the teaching elders more freedom to step on toes. A paid pastor often views his security of job along with his toe stepping and as a result uses foam rubber shoes. (see 1 Corinthians 9:7 also)
The elder is not to be in the position for the money. 1 Peter 5:2. I fear many today are in this very situation of seeking money, and I believe they will suffer lose when the Lord returns to reward His people. 1 Peter 5:4.
5. There Are More Than One: 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7,17; Acts 20:17.
Some set forth the Revelation messages to the 7 Churches as addressed to the pastors of the Churches as proof there is only one elder. Revelation 1:20, "..The seven stars are the angels of the seven Churches...." and 2:1, "Unto the angel of the Church of Ephesus...." and the other Churches' introductions are to the angel of the Church.
The first problem is that very few scholars are sure what the angels are. Are they angels, are they representatives, are they pastors, are they ....? We don't know for sure. It is just as possible that it is the teaching elder from each Church. We can draw nothing about numbers of elders from these texts.
6. The Elders Are To Direct The Church:
By oversight: Acts 20:28.
By rule: Hebrews 13:7.
By example: Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 5:3.
By shepherding: 1 Peter 5:1-4 "oversight"
By feeding: 1 Peter 5:2 (directing is not in the context, however the proper feeding from the word will bring about leading and directing.)
7. They Are Not To Be As "Lords" Over The Congregation: 1 Peter 5:3 In short they are not to be dictators, and they are not to think to highly of themselves. There might be a side to this thought for the congregation as well. The congregation should not think to highly of their leaders either. Not to say they shouldn't look up to them, but to hold them high may encourage the leader to raise his own thoughts of himself to high.
8. They Are Held Accountable For Their People As A Shepherd: Hebrews 13:17.
Any man taking the position of elder should consider this item of business for some time before taking on responsibility. When a man takes on a position of elder he also takes on the responsibility of the office for the people. This should never be done quickly.
9. They Are To Be Examples: Hebrews 13:7 It should be obvious they should be "good" examples. It is shocking to me that some Churches now are asking that prospective pastors give permission for the Church to get a credit report on the prospect. This tells me that those Churches have had one or more poor examples in their past. It also shows a basic mistrust of all pastors — brothers in Christ — which is inappropriate.
10. They Are To Feed The Sheep: Acts 20:28 Now to feed sheep the shepherd must find some food. Many pastors are preaching sermons that have absolutely no nutritional value what so ever.
11. They Are To Take Heed For The Sheep: Acts 20:28 There is an element of watching for their safety. This may require warning them from time to time. This might be done from the pulpit of possibly in some cases personally. The warning must come if there is danger.
12. They Are Selected From The Congregation: Acts 14:22-23 This is where Paul returned to the Churches that he had started and ordained elders. Some say there were probably Jews well trained in Judaism in the congregations and that these are the ones that were ordained. I would tend to agree however they were lay people in the Church. Today we have many lay people that are quite well prepared to lead in Bible studies and are capable of leadership. If a person has been in a Sunday school class regularly for many years he has all of the training in the Bible that he needs. He might need some teaching courses to help him understand the "how to" of teaching, but even this should be in place if he has been awake in the past.
13. They Were Ordained: Acts 14:22,23 There seems to be an approval system of some sort in the ordination process for Paul exhorted Timothy to lay hands quickly on no man. 1 Timothy 5:22
Scofield note 2 on page 1306 sums up the elder very nicely. Read it if you can get a copy. (Scofield, C.I., "The New Scofield Reference Bible"; New York: Oxford University Press, 1967) He is clear that there was a plurality
of elders, and that they were to rule, teach, guard the Word, oversee the church, etc.
We have seen that the elders are to care for the flock and seem to be concentrating on the spiritual side of things. We need now to move on to the office of deacon and its responsibility.
DEACONS
The deacons seem to be the physical side of Church leadership.
1. They were designated originally to serve tables or the idea of distribution to the needs of the people Acts 6:1ff. They may have had responsibility for money and the purchase of food etc.
2. Stephen, one of the first deacons is later stoned for the sermon that he preached before the Jews (Acts 7). Preaching deacons are not wrong. Indeed, in many Churches the deacons do the ministry at the rescue missions in cities. If they have the ability, they should be given the opportunity. We will see more concerning the spiritual gifts later, but we might mention at this point that the elders and deacons do not have all the gifts. There may well be a teacher that is not a part of the Church leadership, and that teacher should be teaching. God gifts the local assembly with the gifts that are needed for the work that He has for the GROUP to do.
3. Epaphras was a praying giant of sorts Colossians 1:7; 4:12. He is called a servant which is the term for deacon. History tells us that he was a deacon in his Church. He was a messenger as well, so did work for the Church.
It should be remembered they are responsible for maintaining the physical aspects of the Church ministry, but this is not to say that the congregation and elders shouldn't be involved in "cleanup day" if at all possible. This would be part of the elders example. Indeed, the thought in our current mentality is that if there is someone specified for a job then heaven forbid that I get involved. For example, if a Church has a janitor the people automatically can't clean up a mess — that is the janitors job. Not so. All believers should get involved in any way they can.
While teaching at a Bible Institute, I was honored to know a man that had a unique concept for living and serving. He felt that if he saw a job that needed doing, it was his job to do. He practiced this principle, and you never knew what you would find him doing next. Anything from planting flowers to vacuuming the floor.
More could be said of Deacons, however most governments recognize this office. The only difference would be they should not have the heavy spiritual leadership they have in most Church government systems.
In keeping with what has been given previously there are many things that each group is to do.
Logically speaking there are some other things that the groups should do for the operating of the Church.
1. The elders are to give general direction to the Church however, within the confines of the congregations dictates.
Example: If the congregation is determined to be evangelistic, then if the elders decide that an evangelistic campaign is needed, it would be the congregations place to do all they can to assist in the work. If the evangelist that the elders have hired is a rank liberal then the congregation should say no and let the elder board know they are all for the campaign but with a good evangelist.
2. The elders should oversee the deacon board and it's activities. Not to dictate what they do but to make suggestion of direction and to keep tabs on their activities, making sure they are following the desires of the congregation.
3. The Deacons should assist the elders in carrying out their desires for the Church. If the elders plan the evangelistic campaign then the deacons will be responsible for housing, feeding, and paying the evangelist, as well as many other details.
4. The Deacons should be able to have input into the elder board concerning the direction of the Church and be able to share what they hear from the congregation.
5. The congregation should have input to both boards concerning needs and desires. This should be available on an informal basis with the members of the boards or possibly through written notes to the chairmen of the boards. A congregational meeting from time to time for exchange of information should be used to open communications among all three groups.
6. The deacons should have a certain latitude in spending for the upkeep of grounds etc. Large expenditures should be submitted to the elder board for presentation to the congregation.
This would indicate a need for monthly meetings of elders and deacons for mutual business and information.
A safeguard between boards might be to have a representative of each board exchanged to the other board to be a non-voting member and each reporting to his own board of the activities of the other. This would be a good check and balance to the operating of the boards.
7. There is an overall need of Spiritual — Trustworthy leaders as well as a Spiritual, Trusting Congregation.
4. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH
Elder (or bishop) We have included a complete Scriptural listing of the terms elder, elders, deacon, and deacons in Appendix two for your convenience.
This term has five Greek words which show the different aspects of the office.
1. "Presbuteros" Or Elder: This term is used in reference to the Old Testament elders that were in place in the Jewish form of religion during Christ's time. Matthew 26:59; Mark 11:27.
It is used to show an "older son" Luke 15:25; of officers of the Church — elders Acts 14:23; 16:4; in reference to elders in the heavenly scene Revelation 4:4; 5:14; and of older women 1 Timothy 5:1. In light of the Old Testament concept, it may well relate to age in years as well as in spirituality.
2. "Episkopos" Or Bishop (Used five times in the New Testament): Acts 20:28 "the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers"; Philippians 1:1 shows the office with deacons; 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:7 shows the listing of qualifications for the bishop; 1 Peter 2:25 pictures Christ the shepherd and bishop or overseer of our soul.
These two terms ("presbuteros" and "episkopos") are used of the same office. Titus 1:5 elder and 1:7 bishop. Some submit that bishop pictures the functioning of the office and the term elder is the title of the position. The elder then oversees or bishops the group of believers.
They also ruled 1 Timothy 5:17; taught the truth Titus 1:9; and took care of financial things Acts 11:29,30. This shows that the elders have some control of the financial end of the Church. Since they seem to be the general oversight of the body then they probably should have ultimate say concerning money.
3. "Poimeen" Which Literally Means To Pasture The Sheep: It is used of a sheep type shepherd Matthew 9:36; 25:32; of the pastor teacher in Ephesians 4:11; and of Christ the shepherd of our soul 1 Peter 2:25.
4. "Kerux" A Preacher To A Congregation: 1 Timothy 2:7 shows that Paul was a preacher; 2 Timothy 1:11 indicates that a preacher may not be a teacher; 2 Peter 2:5 tells us that Noah was a preacher.
5. "Didaskalos" Teacher: Romans 2:20; 1 Corinthians 12:2; Ephesians 4:11; Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5
We now need to consider the question, "How Many Elders?"
Since the early Church met in homes some believe that the plurality of elders was in each house Church. Each assembly had plural elders. Others hold that the plural elders are to be viewed as the elders of several Churches within a city, each assembly only having one elder. Thus when the plural is used the author is speaking collectively of all of the singular elders from the individual Churches in a specific location. (If there were ten house Churches at Jerusalem, then elders would mean the ten pastors of those ten Churches.)
Revelation 2-3 would be cited to show this and they would hold that the angels of the Churches were the elders.
The text which shows Paul returning to the Churches which he started deals with elders in the plural and in the time frame indicated it would seem unlikely that he started more than one Church in each town thus indicating that each assembly had more than one elder. Indeed Acts 14:23 states, "And when they had ordained elders in every Church...." Another text that seems clear there were plural elders is James 5 where it speaks of calling the elders (plural) of the Church (singular).
B. Deacon is the Greek term "diakonos." It is translated servant 20 times and minister 7 times. The usage seems to indicate a concentration on the temporal, secular and social care of the Church Acts 6:1-6.
It was a specific office rather than just people who were serving for we see in Phil 1:1 they are linked with elders, "with the bishops and deacons:"
Acts 6:1-6 shows the first deacons and the selection process while 1 Timothy 3:8ff lists their qualifications.
C. Deaconesses: This is a controversial topic of discussion if you would like to start a good argument in some circles. Some say Titus 3:11 speaks of a 3rd office, that of a deaconess. It seems better, however, to the unity of the text to call these wives of deacons to me. Verses 1-7 speak of bishops, verses 8-10 speak of deacons, and verses 12-13 speaks of deacons. Why break into a list of qualifications for one office to insert qualifications for another and then revert to the first office?
The only other indication that it was an office is Romans 16:1 where Phoebe is called a "servant" and this is the word "diakonos." This need not prove an office, for Paul may just have been telling the reader that she was a real servant.
We don't really have any solid proof that it was an office or that it was not an office. Let it suffice to say, find your own feelings and act accordingly. If you have an office for deaconess then have them be qualified in a similar manner to the deacons. If you do not feel comfortable holding to an office of deaconess then don't have one.
May I suggest, however that you have women that do the work of a servant in your Church. You don't have to call them deaconess but allow women that desire to serve the Church to do so. The local Church would
be hard pressed to function if it did not have some good old servants that love to do for the Church.
LEADERSHIP CONSIDERED
Hebrews 13:7 "Remember them who have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their manner of life:" Hebrews 13:17
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you."
Are we bound to the New Testament principles of organization?
It's Culture You Know.
Does it matter if we are not following this form of government?