I read a section from a book entitled Word, Spirit, and Power written by several authors. The area on “Women as Founders and Leaders of Congregations” was an interesting explanation of women in leadership. The first sentence appears to be the theme of the article. It reads, “Historians of early Christianity generally fail to notice…
The English word “ordain” is used is from another word found in Acts 14:23 and 2 Corinthians 8:19. The later use finds Luke being “chosen of the churches to travel with Paul and his companions.” His selection was no more an official position in an institution as is the shepherds or evangelists. Albert Barnes commenting…
Decisions of local churches are often thought to be in the hands of its leadership – some board or eldership. From our text in Ephesians 4, the leadership of first-century saints was placed in the hands of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and shepherds. The shepherds of the cities would extend their watchful eye to the entire…
(5) Problem with Elders in Local Churches All churches have a leading body. It may be a body of deacons or some other leading board who make business decisions for their church. Once again, these decision-making boards are necessary in a church organization. The fact that no such ruling boards are found in the Scriptures…
(4) Encourages an employee/employer relationship. We know what the Bible teaches about the work and role of an evangelist. But typically, a preacher, looking for a place to preach, goes to a congregation, preaches one or two sermons, and sits behind closed doors with an eldership who decides whether or not they will hire him. …
(3) Ignorance of the Hireling and Membership In addition, the preachers of the organizations do not know the members and problems of the past or present. They are immediately placed in a position of leadership without any knowledge of their needs. In some cases, the customary practice and advice given by the local leaders are…
(2) Master of the Pulpits Among many Protestant churches, more time is allotted to the sermon than any other element of the “worship service”. The importance given to it in word and deed sounds like the sermon is the most important source of spiritual teaching. While preaching the Word is unquestionably the work of God’s…
Today, some may call people evangelists and shepherds, but they have to modify their roles to fit their local church structure but still justify their existence by appealing to their presence in the first century. Consider the results of this mistake. (1) Role Confusion One resulting problem among at least one tradition of which I’m…
We have been posting much about the alternative to “church-life.” By “church-life”, we mean the activities that revolve around the membership of an organization, the required activities to be in good standing with that organization, and the amount and type of fellowship inherent in that arrangement. The alternative has been the focus of this chapter….
Regarding the divine intention to have elders today, we must be fair with our treatment of Ephesians 4:11-16. The list of gifted men stands or falls together, for they were given for the same purpose and during the same period of time. If we have one, we have them all. If we do not have…