Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology

1. Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology Saturday, March 21, 2009 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Bethel Hill Baptist Church Roxboro, NC

2. ►Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology 8:30 9:30 10:15 10:30 11:15 11:30 Breakfast Session 1 Break Session 2 Break Panel Discussion Schedule

3. ►Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology What’s in a name: Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology Ecclesiology means “the study of the church”. When we talk about ecclesiology, we’re talking about ways of thinking about the church – the big picture. Primarily, we will not be interested in specific practices (what we do). But, our “big picture” thinking about the church will affect the way we think about what we do as the church as well.

4. ►Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology What’s in a name: Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology • There are many different ways to think about the church: • Historically • Hierarchically • Pragmatically • Traditionally • We will focus on thinking biblically about the church, beginning with understanding that • church = people.

5. ►Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology What’s in a name: Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology When we look at the church in Scripture, we see several different metaphors: people of God, body of Christ, temple of the Spirit, field, bride, etc. But, there is one overarching way that the biblical writers unanimously referred to the church: FAMILY We will begin our biblical thinking about the church by recognizing that Scripture defines the church as a family.

6. ►Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology What’s in a name: Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology It is not my desire to tell you how to “be church” or “do church”. Instead, it is my desire that we help one another think biblically about the church. We should begin by recognizing that many things influence how we think about the church (tradition, experience, practicality, etc.). Therefore, we should all continue to develop our thinking about the church by comparing our understanding to Scripture.

7. ►Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology What’s in a name: Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology If church = people, then as people change the church will change. If church = structure, then as people change the church will remain the same. God joins people together into the church. These people have different gifts, maturity levels, opportunities, passions, etc. The gifts and services of all of these people are important to the church as a whole. Therefore, the church is constantly developing!

8. ►Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology Whose Family? God’s family! Remember that Jesus called God by the name “Father”, and invited us to call him “Father”. (Matt. 23:9; Eph. 3:14-15) We are adopted by God into his family. (Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:4-5) Spiritually, we are born again or born from above into God’s family. (John 1:12-13; 1 Pet. 1:3-5)

9. ►Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology Whose Family? Jesus and the family! In Scripture, Jesus is recognized as Lord, Messiah, Savior, etc. He is also recognized as the “older brother” of the family. (Heb. 2:11) God the Father gives Jesus sole authority over the family on earth. (Matt. 28:18; Col. 1:18) Jesus is the owner of the house and thus the head of the household. (Heb. 3:1-6)

10. ►Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology We are members of the same family! We are supposed to treat one another like brothers and sisters. (Too many references!!!) In fact, our relationship with one another should be such that we can say we are actually relating to God our Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:3)

11. ►Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology Are we living as a family? When we look at the church, do we see a family? Do we treat one another like brothers and sisters? What would happen if a family acted like the church?

12. ►Developing a Biblical Ecclesiology