The Organization of the Local Church

Lesson 9

Our purpose in this study is to set forth a general picture of the organization of the local church in the New Testament.  This will help correct any misconceptions that might be in our minds.  This lesson will also help you to see where you fit into the congregation and what your responsibilities are.  We will see the duties of elders, deacons, preachers and teachers, and show the relationship of the new member to each.

I.    THE NEED FOR ORGANIZATION.

A.  There Is A Need For Organization In Every Field.

1.   Success in business, armed forces, schools, and in civil government all depend upon an efficient and well-planned organization.

B.  The Local Church Needs Organization.

1.   It is no different from other entities, in that in order for it to function and carry on its work it must be well organized.

2.   However, the organization of the church is different from other institutions in that it has been planned and executed by the wisdom of God, Ephesians 3:8-10.

II.   HOW GOD GOVERNS THE LOCAL CHURCH.

A.  God, The Father Is Supreme, 1 Corinthians 15:24-27; 1 Chronicles 29:11-12.

B.  Christ Has Been Given All Authority To Govern Man In This Age, Matthew 28:18.

1.   He has legislative, executive and judicial authority, John 12:48.

2.   Jesus Christ reigns over all, Matthew 17:5; Ephesians 1:20-23.

C.  Apostles, Guided By The Spirit, Exercise Christ’s Authority.

1.   They are ambassadors for Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:20.

2.   The word spoken and written by the apostles is authoritative, John 14:26; 16:13; 1 Corinthians 14:37.

D.  Elders Have Delegated Authority In The Local Church.

1.   They oversee the congregation, Acts 20:17,28.

2.   Their authority is limited to the local church, 1 Peter 5:1-3; Heb 13:7,17.

3.   Terms used to describe this office:

a.   Elder. presbvter - “presbuteros,” Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 4:14.

b.   Bishop, overseer- “episcopos,” Acts 20:28; Titus 1:5-7.

c.   Pastor. shepherd - poimano.” 1 Peter 5:1-4; Ephesians 4:11.

d.   Each of these terms is used to describe the same office. The various words are used to describe the different phases of responsibility the overseer has. Remember, the shepherd’s authority is limited to the local flock as indicated by the chart above.

E.  Deacons Are Special Servants To The Church.

1.   They serve under the bishops, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

2.   Though deacons may be assigned any number of duties, they often serve in seeing to temporal needs of brethren, Acts 6:1-6.

F.  Preachers Serve As Proclaimers Of God’s Word.

1.   As With all others in a local congregation, they serve under the overseers.

a.   Even in the absence of elders, the preacher does not have oversight of the congregation.

b.   It is improper to call the preacher a “pastor,” unless he has been appointed to that office by the congregation. One may serve as both an elder and preacher, 1 Peter 5:1-4.

c.   It is always improper to call a preacher “reverend,” Psalms 111:9.

2.   A preacher is also called an evangelist, 2 Timothy 4:1-5.

a.   An evangelist is one who carries the good news. He is an evangelist whether he travels in his work or whether he stays in one community.

b.   His primary work is to preach the word

G.  All Other Saints Help To Make The Body Function.

1.   Christians serve under the presbyters, Philippians 1:1; Hebrews 13:7,17.

2.   Every disciple is important to the working of the church, Ephesians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 12:27.

III.  OUR DUTIES TO THE BISHOPS AND TO THE LOCAL CONGREGATION.

A.  We Are To Know And Respect The Elders And Be Subject To Them.

1.   They are to be respected for their work’s sake, 1 Thessalonians 5:12,13.

2.   We are to be subject to them, for they watch for our souls, Hebrews 13:17.

3.   We are to honor them, and in some cases, support them financially, 1 Timothy 5:17-19.

4.   We are to call them when we are in need, James 5:14-16.

B.  We Must Have A Sense Of Responsibility To The Local Congregation.

1.   We are all to function together, Ephesians 4:16.

2.   Every member should be a working member, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

3.   We should stand together as an army, Ephesians 6:1-18; Philippians 1:27.

Conclusion: God designed the organization of the church by his wisdom, Ephesians 3:9-11.  God’s pattern must be maintained and must be kept free from corruption. We are admonished to do as Moses did, Hebrews 8:5.  Let each of us find his place in the local church and work for the good of God’s cause.

Questions

1.      Who are the elders in this congregation? List their names below.

2.      What are some of the specific things our elders do?

3.      Who are the deacons in this congregation? List their names and their duties.

4.      What are some responsibilities you have in (or to) the congregation?

 

 

Page last revised January 19, 2008 by Bob Sarrett.