1. 10
Church Organization

2. Review
11 of 12 Religious / Philosophical systems based on Law / Works.

3. Review
Christianity is the only religion where the burden for salvation rests with God not man.

4. Christianity’s salvation systems is superior
Review
Christianity’s salvation systems is superior

5. QUESTION What is meant by “Congregational autonomy?”

6. Church Organization Models:
Roman Catholic – Roman Empire

7. Church Organization Models:
Roman Catholic – Roman Empire
Protestant – R.C. without the Pope

8. Church Organization Models:
Roman Catholic – Roman Empire
Protestant – R.C. without the Pope
Evangelical – American Government

9. Church Organization Models:
Roman Catholic – Roman Empire
Protestant – R.C. without the Pope
Evangelical – American Government
Sectarian (Mormons, JWs, etc.) – Patriarchal System

10. Bible = Inspiration and Authority
Churches of Christ
Bible = Inspiration and Authority
New Testament Christianity (Restorationism)

11. A New Testament Church is Comprised of:
Baptized believers - Acts 2:38-47

12. A New Testament Church is Comprised of:
Baptized believers
Apostles

13. A New Testament Church is Comprised of:
Baptized believers
Apostles
Prophets

14. A New Testament Church is Comprised of:
Baptized believers
Apostles
Prophets
Elders/Pastors/Bishops (Presbyters) (Shepherds) (Overseers)

15. A New Testament Church is Comprised of:
Baptized believers
Apostles
Prophets
Elders/Pastors/Bishops
Evangelists (Preachers/Ministers)

16. A New Testament Church is Comprised of:
Baptized believers
Apostles
Prophets
Elders/Pastors/Bishops
Evangelists
Deacons

17. A New Testament Church is Comprised of:
Baptized believers
Apostles
Prophets
Elders/Pastors/Bishops
Evangelists
Deacons
Teachers

18. All members are “saints” Not all saints have appointed roles

19. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
- II Timothy 3:16

20. In the New Testament church each congregation is autonomous and led by its own leaders.

21. In the New Testament church each congregation had a plurality of elders. (Acts 20; Philippians 1:1)

22. New Testament Congregational Organization:
Met in homes, public places – Acts 19:9

23. New Testament Congregational Organization:
Had a variety of “appointed” roles including elders, deacons, evangelists and teachers. – I Timothy 3:1-14; Titus 1:5-16

24. New Testament Congregational Organization:
Evangelists, teachers, prophets served many congregations. – Paul and Barnabas – Agabus - Acts

25. New Testament Congregational Organization:
As the Apostles passed away and the New Testament record was completed and preserved, it replaced the Apostles and Prophets in providing the church with God’s word.

26. New Testament Congregational Organization:
This organization and approach to ministry remained in force until the third century as the Roman Catholic model displaced it.

27. One goal of the Restoration movement (Churches of Christ) is to restore this New Testament model for church organization and function.