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Scriptural Organization of the Church: Biblical Principles and Practices

Explore the biblical foundations of church organization with a focus on elders, deacons, and members, as outlined in the New Testament. Discover the importance of following God's divine pattern, respecting roles, and upholding unity within congregations. Learn about scriptural guidelines, qualifications, and responsibilities for church leadership positions, emphasizing Christ as the head of the church. Delve into questions commonly asked about church structure and the significance of adhering to the scriptural model. Embrace God's simple plan for salvation and the sanctity of organizational integrity in the Church.

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Scriptural Organization of the Church: Biblical Principles and Practices

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  1. Scriptural Organization of the Church “Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:” Phil. 1:1

  2. Synods Presbyteries Councils Conferences General Assemblies Men make their own rules and laws

  3. 1. False ways of Organizing Pastor System • Preacher – minister – elder • Overseer • Ruler of the church

  4. What is a Pastor ? Acts 20:28 - overseers Tit. 1:5-7 - bishop / elder Eph. 4:11 – “pastors” • feed, tend a flock • presiding officer, manager • director of any assembly • overseers of Christian assembly

  5. 1. False ways of Organizing Deacon System • Deacons only • No elders • No record of a church with deacons and no elders

  6. 2. God's Way Of Organizing Christ is the Head Col. 1:18“And He is the head of the body, the church” Eph. 1:22-23“...God gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body...”

  7. Book of Acts • Each local church is “self-governing” - Autonomous • Make decisions and act on them as a free and independent body • Doesn’t need authority from another congregation to act • Never independent from the law of Christ

  8. Oversee Feed Watch Elders • Acts 11:30 • Qualifications – 1 Tim. 3:1-7 • Acts 20:28 – overseers • Tit. 1:5-7 – bishops • Acts 20:28 - pastors

  9. Book of Acts • Appointed a plurality of elders in every single congregation • NOT one elder over one church • NOT one elder over many churches • NOT an eldership over many churches • 2 OR MORE elders over one congregation

  10. Deacons • Phil. 1:1 • Qualifications – 1 Tim. 3:8-13 • Not the same as elders - Serve - Minister to - Wait on

  11. Members • “Saints” Phil. 1:1 • Preacher or Minister or Evangelist • Bible class teachers • Song leaders • All other members • Gal. 3:26-29

  12. Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23) Elders 1 Pet. 5:1-4 Preachers 2 Tim. 4:1-4 All Members Heb. 10:22-25 Deacons Acts 6:1-6

  13. Bishops over a plurality of congregation’s Elders A Bishop over a plurality of congregation’s Bishop Organization of the Church in the Bible Organization of Denominations Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23) Elders 1 Pet. 5:1-4 Deacons Acts 6:1-6 Preachers 2 Tim. 4:1-4 All Members Heb. 10:22-25

  14. A group over a plurality of congregation’s Council Organization of the Church in the Bible Organization of Denominations A single man over a single congregation Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23) Pastor Elders 1 Pet. 5:1-4 Deacons Acts 6:1-6 Preachers 2 Tim. 4:1-4 All Members Heb. 10:22-25

  15. Organization of the Church in the Bible Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23) • Apostasy often begins with changes in organization... • We want to be united upon the scriptural pattern. • The organization of a local church is a means of identification. • Organization reveals purpose... Elders 1 Pet. 5:1-4 Deacons Acts 6:1-6 Preachers 2 Tim. 4:1-4 All Members Heb. 10:22-25

  16. Organization of the Church in the Bible Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23) • A failure to respect the divine pattern of church organization: • Reflects our attitude toward the Lord & His pattern. • Fails to respect its divine purpose • Opens the door for widespread apostasy. Elders 1 Pet. 5:1-4 Deacons Acts 6:1-6 Preachers 2 Tim. 4:1-4 All Members Heb. 10:22-25

  17. 3. Questions Often Asked Should every congregation have elders ? • Yes • Acts 15:6 • Acts 14:23 “in every church” • Tit. 1:5 “in every city”

  18. Suppose there are no qualified men ? • Cannot appoint • Better to be scripturally unorganized than unscripturally organized!

  19. Must a congregation obey its elders ? • Yes - Heb. 13:17 • Some not qualified discourage appointment • Members must submit

  20. Is it Necessary to appoint elders ? • Is he an elder when he does the work of an elder? • In N.T. they were appointed • Qualifications given

  21. Scriptural Organization of the Church Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23) • Many want to ignore God’s laws about organization • Just as binding as any other law • God’s plan is Best Elders 1 Pet. 5:1-4 Deacons Acts 6:1-6 Preachers 2 Tim. 4:1-4 All Members Heb. 10:22-25

  22. GOD’S SIMPLE PLAN FOR SALVATION • Hear John 12:48 • Believe John 8:24 • Repent Luke 13:3 • Confess Matt. 10:32-33 • Baptized Mark 16:16 • Faithful Matt. 24:13

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