It is the intention of this section to introduce that the emphasis of the text of scripture is on the oversight of souls (individuals) not the oversight of an organization as one would expect in a business corporation. Unfortunately, some translations use the word “ordained” which is used today in an ecclesiastical sense. In 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…
It’s always amazed me to find such little evidence in the Scriptures that support what we believe. The text of our heading is such an example where a majority find a local church that Paul joined. Once again, there is little doubt that saints lived in the city; as many as five thousand plus were…
Since we have raised the bar and described the working of a living organism spread throughout the world, this living body and all the parts that make it up contribute to the edification of the body. Don’t place that statement in an application of local church work. Envision it as the work of every individual…
The truth is that most church members are not willing to spend and be spent for their brothers and sisters. Most are not spiritually-minded and would be insulted or angered to be admonished without having thoughts of retaliation. Some are willing to put in their time by coming to the church house and allowing for…