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The Organization of the Church Part 1
Ecclesiology The Organization of the Church Part 1
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Organization or Organism
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The simple analogy of the human body (a picture often used in the New Testament of the church general) indicates that the church is both. The human body is a highly organized organism. In fact its viability demands the complex organization. This is no less true in the church. The high degree of organization is also indicated by the diversity of spiritual gifts bestowed upon the church by the Holy Spirit and differences of function within the body. (1 Cor. 12:4-26)
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Organization Patterns
Autocratic – Power vested in a person – Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches Episcopal – System of Bishops – Anglican, Methodist, Episcopalian Presbyterian – church session (pastor and elders), presbytery (district), general assembly of the denomination Congregational – independent, self-governing
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Which system conforms to the New Testament Pattern?
In the beginning of the church age, every church was independent and self-governing. Even in the apostolic era, the authority of the apostles was limited to receiving and communicating direct revelation, hence the writing of Scripture. With the death of the apostles and the closing of the canon of Scripture, it became the responsibility of the local congregation to apply the Word of God to every situation in self-governance.
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Surely no one could have been more in the position to exercise authority over the churches than the apostle Paul. After all most of the extant churches were the result of his efforts. His care for them was compassing. (2 Cor. 11:28) The reason that the New Testament is largely composed of epistles (letters) lies in the process of communicating revelation to these churches. Paul explained this dynamic to the Corinthians which was the most carnal of the churches and most rebellious against apostolic authority. (2 Cor. 10:1-11)
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From God Through the Apostle To the Church
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Apostolic authority was given for edification, not self-vindication
Apostolic authority was given for edification, not self-vindication. The application of the truth from the Word of God was the exercise of apostolic authority. That Paul knew he was writing Scripture is verified by Peter. (2 Pet. 3:15-18) It was then as it is today, the responsibility of the local congregation to learn the Scriptures, to propagate an understanding of their application, and to govern the affairs of the assembly in the light of the divine authority of Scripture. (Acts 13:44-52)
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Even in evangelism and church planting, Paul did not resort to personal authority but to the authority of Scripture! No one is more adamant about the absolute authority of Scripture than convictional Baptists. What then is the New Testament pattern for the organization of the church? It all begins with the head of the church. (Acts 4:10-12; 1 Cor. 11:1-3; Eph. 1:15-22)
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Even in Paul’s discussion of the critical nature of the doctrine in the growth and development of believers, the headship of Christ is emphasized. (Eph.. 4:14-16) Paul emphasized the order of the church as he taught the authority structure of the home. (Eph. 5:23-24; Col. 1:18)
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It is impossible for the organism to survive without its head. (Col
All the plan of God for all of the ages consummates in the person of Christ. All authority is vested in Him. The word translated power in Matthew 18:18 is the Greek word exousia which is appropriately translated in other contexts as “authority.” (Col. 2:9,10)
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