New Testament Church 2017 Those Who Lead

Leadership within a Congregation The next few lessons we will examine: What is the office of elders? Responsibilities, qualifications, etc. What are deacons? What is the work of an evangelist? What about teachers? What is our responsibility toward these?

Philippians 1:1 – Saints in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons Those who lead Philippians 1:1 – Saints in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons Ephesians 4:11 – God gave: Apostles – God’s “ambassadors” Prophets – inspired messengers of God These were inspired men who delivered God’s message orally, then written. Their work was completed with the written word – Jude 3, 1 Cor. 13:8-10, etc.

Those who lead Ephesians 4:11 – God gave: Evangelists – proclaimers of the gospel (2 Timothy 4:5, Acts 21:8) Pastors – elders (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2) Teachers – those who impart knowledge (Acts 13:1, Hebrews 5:12) These do NOT require inspiration to fulfill!

A Scripturally Organized Church There are four different conditions churches find themselves in: Scripturally organized – a congregation with qualified elders in place. There may also be deacons (qualified), evangelists and teachers

A Scripturally Organized Church There are four different conditions churches find themselves in: Unscripturally organized – a different organizational structure. The “pastor” system, super-organizations, women as elders and deacons, etc. - A congregation with unqualified elders

A Scripturally Organized Church There are four different conditions churches find themselves in: Scripturally unorganized – a congregation without elders but they understand and genuinely desire to develop and appoint qualified leaders.

A Scripturally Organized Church There are four different conditions churches find themselves in: Unscripturally unorganized – a congregation without elders because of: 1) qualified men who are unwilling; 2) members who refuse to accept qualified men; 3) expectations of the preacher to do the elders work; 4) refusal to acknowledge their need for elders.

A Scripturally Organized Church God’s intent – scripturally organized Elders in every church – Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5 A plurality of elders (Acts 20:17, 28, 1 Peter 5:1-3, Philippians 1:1, Acts 14:23, Hebrews 13:7, 17, etc.) This prevents a one man rule (eg. 3 John 9-10 – Diotrophes) and a system of checks and balances

A Scripturally Organized Church What about deacons? Can only be appointed when there are elders A qualified servant (1 Timothy 3:8-13) Their responsibilities IMPLIES they are under elders. A plurality. Always mentioned WITH elders – Phil. 1:1, 1 Timothy 3. What about Acts 6:1-7? While this could be “deacons” there are many unanswered challenges.

Congregations without elders? Such are “scripturally unorganized” They do not have elders for proper reasons - a young congregation, (cf. pre-Acts 14:23) OR due to circumstances, there is no plurality of qualified men to serve Often, as an expedient, such might have “business meetings” with the men of the congregation.

Congregations without elders? Such are “scripturally unorganized” This system has many concerns because: 1) there are no clear examples of this in scripture; 2) it should be a temporary circumstance. “Business meetings” are an EXPEDIENT way to conduct that business that MUST be done, but should NOT considered permanent!

Congregations without elders? Such are “scripturally unorganized” “Business meetings” can work if: 1) There is proper love for God, His word and one another; 2) All is done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40) 3) Respect and deference should be given to the spiritually mature (cf. 1 Peter 5:5, 1 Timothy 5:1, etc.) “Any congregation of God’s people who prefer, or are satisfied with, the business meeting approach to church leadership, is in sinful rebellion against God”

What about pastors? A common system in the denominational world “Clergy-laity”, the “pastor” oversees the church, perhaps with a “board of deacons” or “directors” “Pastor” in scripture is a Greek word for shepherd. In NT, when addressing a congregation, the “pastor” is another term for elders (bishops) – 1 Peter 5:1-2, Acts 20:17, 28 These elders oversee the flock, NOT the preacher! (unless he also is an elder)

What about pastors? The “pastor system” While there is overlap between the work of the preacher (evangelist) and elders (pastors) (e.g. evangelism, teaching the body, etc.), their tasks are CLEARLY distinguished. Often, the denominational “pastor” does NOT fit the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-10 Many “pastors” are given responsibilities reserved for elders.

May we strive to respect God’s pattern in those who rule over and teach us!