Dictionary definitions are often selected by authors in an effort to support their views. I use them only to illustrate that the definitions do not disprove our use and meaning of the word. In The Community of Believers, I write, “Moulton and Milligan explain that the word ‘meant originally any public assembly of citizens summoned…
When I wrote a book entitled, Community of Believers, I made a mistake of using the word “church when talking about the ekklesia and “church institution” when talking about the organization. My rationale for that decision is based on a precendent set for the use of the word, “baptism.” It is a transliteration of the…
Of course, if one’s view of the church is an organization like the Synagogues, then leadership is narrowly defined as being those individuals who oversee or superintend the organization, especially when they gather into one place. Interestingly, the Greek word archon is used to define Jewish rulers, imperial Rome (Romans 13:3), Christ’s rule (Romans 15:12)…
Today’s leadership is unquestionably linked to collective churches. You can rarely find a book on leadership without seeing the word “church” attached to it in the title or sub-title. Andrew Clarke explains, “Towards the end of the twentieth century, the designation ‘leadership’ became increasingly widespread in many churches as a collective term to describe…
Synagogues are used by many church devotees as a justification for the church organization and model of forms in religious services. It is, no doubt, an influence being an organization. However, using the Synagogues as justification hardly offers any approval from God. That there were leading officials in the synagogues is seen by the…
Once again, the edification of the brethren was carried out by individual Christians. The obligations to “one another” in the New Testament are repeated over and over. Each one had a gift (1 Cor. 14:26) that contributed a part to the increase of the body (Eph. 4:16; Rom. 12; 1 Cor. 12). Teachers, prophets, evangelist,…
We read in the New Testament of brethren who were experiencing a famine and would receive contributions from other saints to supply their needs. The same brethren who supplied the need chose a carrier who delivered the supplies (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8-9, Romans 15:31). An early example is found in Acts 4:34-37. It…
Let’s examine the work of evangelism identified as a work of the church organization and explore how it is performed in Scripture. The pattern of evangelism was carried out individually. The preaching of the cross was the responsibility, yea, the privilege of every child of God. That this was accomplished without a pulpit by those…
Our discussion will primarily revolve around a study of 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. It describes the work of the ekklesia that points to individual obligation. This, too, has been usurped by the corporate church organization, where the collection of monies or supplies is stored for those in need and/or the support of preachers. Members of the…
One thing immediately stands out in illustrating Christians as enthusiasts. As children of God, we should all have a common interest to tell others of Christ. No one is exempt and all are expected to have grown to a point to be teachers (Hebrews 5:12). This is unlike certain individuals who are in a company…