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…
(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…
Preachers and evangelists of today do not compare to the examples of preachers in the New Testament. Paul leaves a clear example of work to provide for himself and others while still preaching the gospel. There is no example of the church support of Timothy or Titus, especially a salary from a local church. If…
The text reads, “For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. For our appeal…
Today, one’s view of the Holy Spirit’s work will greatly influence one’s thinking about evangelism, especially as it relates to the purpose and method of preaching. If we espouse the view that the Holy Spirit continues this work, then the work of evangelists must be explained as the intervention of the Holy Spirit in the…
private)Paul’s charge to Timothy in preaching the word was to be ready to convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Tim. 4:2). Paul is not speaking of congregational oversight for the evangelist any more than he does for the elders. God did not put me in charge of a congregation or a particular…