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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 Conferences Councils General Assemblies Men make their own rules and laws of organization

False ways of organizing Pastor System Preacher – minister – elder Overseer Ruler of the church

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

False ways of organizing Deacon System Deacons only No elders No record of a church with deacons and no elders

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,...”

God’s Way of Organizing 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

Elders Oversee Feed Watch Plurality Acts 11:30 Qualifications – 1 Tim. 3:1-7 Acts 20:28 – overseers Tit. 1:5-7 – bishops Eph. 4:11 - pastors Oversee Feed Watch

Elders 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

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

Members “Saints” Phil. 1:1 Preacher - minister- evangelist Bible class teachers Song leaders All other members Gal.3:26-29

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

Suppose there are no qualified men ? Questions Often Asked Suppose there are no qualified men ? Cannot appoint Better to be scripturally unorganized than unscripturally organized !

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

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

What does it mean “Desire the office” ? Questions Often Asked 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

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

Nelson Chapel Church of Christ 5039 Six Mile Road Maryville, Tn. 37803 www.nelsonchapelchurchofchrist.org April 15, 2018 Sermon by Arthur Pigman 2705 Druid Hill Dr. Maryville, Tn. 37804 art65ann@gmail.com CCL11325562