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Scriptural Organization of the Church

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 NKJV. Synods. Presbyteries. Councils. Conferences. General Assemblies.

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Scriptural Organization of the Church

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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 NKJV

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

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

  4. What is a Pastor ? • Acts 20:28 - overseers • Titus 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. I. False ways of Organizing Deacon System • Deacons only • No elders • No record of a church with deacons and no elders

  6. II. 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 “...gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body,...”

  7. 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 • Eph. 4:11 - pastors Plurality

  9. Appointed a plurality of elders in every single church! • NOT one elder over one church • NOT one elder over many churches • NOT an eldership over many churches • TWO OR MORE elders over one church

  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 - minister- evangelist • Bible class teachers • Song leaders • All other members • Gal.3:26-29

  12. III. Questions Often Asked Should every congregation have elders ? Yes ! Acts 14:23 “in every church” Tit. 1:5 “in every city”

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

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

  15. 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 No

  16. What does it mean “Desire the office” ? 1 Tim. 3:1 “If a man desire” Desire = to reach out after, to stretch forward to, to wish for Not like a political office

  17. Scriptural Organization of the Church Many want to ignore God’s laws about organization Just as binding as any other law God’s plan is Best

  18. Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249 evanscoc@bellsouth.net www.evansgachurchofchrist.org Sunday Evening Dec. 7, 2008

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