2. Distinct Organization As the Church is distinct in its Worship and Origin, so too it is with regard to its Organization. Simply put: The Biblical Principles set forth in the N.T. by which Jesus expects His Church to be governed make it truly distinct. Understanding the Church by Its

3. First we must understand the terminology.  “Church” is used in 3 ways: 1. of the Church Universally. -“Church” in the aggregate sense -the “Saved” of all the world of all time >Christ is the “Head” Eph.1:22-23 >It manifests God’s wisdom, Eph.3:10 >It is subject to Christ, Eph.5:24 >It is His because He built it! Mt.16:18 -It is therefore the Body of Christ, the Kingdom of Christ, and the Family of God. Eph.4:4; 1Cor.12:12-13; Col.1:13; 1Tim.3:15 The Distinct Organization of the Church

4. First we must understand the terminology.  “Church” is used in 3 ways: 2. of the Church Regionally. -“Church” in a region or country -Thus it is descriptive of perhaps many individual congregations separated to some degree by geography from others. >“the churches of Galatia” Gal.1:2 >“the churches of Judea” Gal.1:22 -Therefore we would speak of the “the church in Texas” (or “East Texas”) as meaning all the congregations of the Lord’s people in that particular geographic region. The Distinct Organization of the Church

5. First we must understand the terminology.  “Church” is used in 3 ways: 3. of the Church Locally. -“Church” in a specific locale who work and worship together for the Cause of Christ: >“to the church of God which is at Corinth” 1Cor.1:2 >“to the saints who are at Ephesus” Eph.1:1 -In all 3 senses of the word, Christ is the “Head” and the inspired New Testament is the guiding authority. -In the first two (Univeral & Regional), that is all that there can be to the Organization, for the N.T. authorizes none other. However… The Distinct Organization of the Church

6. First we must understand the terminology.  In the last connotation, the “local church”, the Eldership is delegated by Christ to exercise local authority: >Acts 14:23, appointed in every church >1Pet.5:2, exercise local control only >Titus 1:5, It was God’s order of authority! The Distinct Organization of the Church

7. The Necessity of Organization  Jesus and His Gospel Demands It >Matt.28:18-20 It begins with Him. >2Pet.1:3 & 2Tim.3:16-17 reveal His authority through the Word. >And the Word requires organization of local churches, Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5. >Therefore if local churches refuse to submit to this plan (either by refusing to appoint qualified men or do nothing to prepare them to qualify), Christ’s authority is rejected! >Likewise, if organization is accepted which is more or less than this, Christ is being rejected. 2John 9 The Distinct Organization of the Church

8. The Necessity of Organization  Common Sense Demands It >While this is not proof itself, it reinforces Truth. >When two or more people (and therefore personalities) join together to work toward a common task, organization is necessary to provide the fullest accomplishment. >Lack of good organization is the greatest hinderance to the efficient operation of any company, group, or church! >Talent may abound, enthusiasm may overflow, but if organization is lacking the success will be severly limited. The Distinct Organization of the Church

9. Different Kinds of Organization  There are 3 Basic Kinds of Organization: 1. Monarchy- all power or authority, legislative, judicial, and executive, are invested in one King. 2. Democracy- all powers are shared equally by all subjects. Absolute democracy is impossible for more than a few people. It is self-rule. 3. Republic- power is vested in chosen representatives who then make, execute, and judge laws for and over the people. People can still impeach. The Distinct Organization of the Church

10. Different Kinds of Organization  Only one of these scriptural, Mt.28:18; Eph.1:22-23. >Christ, as King, left commands to organize, Acts 14:23 & Titus 1:5 >The Church is not a democracy and therefore there is nothing on which to vote. >Elders are neither elected as in a republic, and certainly have no legislative power. 1Pet.5:3 >They are to direct and control that which belongs to Another, Acts 20:28-30 & 1Pet.5:1-4. And must meet qualifications for office, 1Tim.3 Titus 1. The Distinct Organization of the Church

11. There are basically 5 Conditions of Organization for the Church 1. Scripturally Organized- qualified men appointed and performing in a scriptural way. 2. Scripturally Unorganized- having no men scripturally qualified, none exercises oversight- scriptural, but unorganized, cf. Titus 1:5. 3. Unscripturally Organized- men serving as Elders who are not qualified. 4. Unscripturally Unorganized- having qualified men who have not been appointed as Elders. 5. Super Organized- any organizational structure which is in addition to scripture. The Distinct Organization of the Church