The term was applied to Yahweh in the Old Testament. He is depicted as leading his flock to pastures (Jer. 50:19), and securing places for them to rest by the waters (Psalms 23:2; Isa. 49:9-10). He carries the lambs in his bosom (Isa. 40:11) and protects his flock with his staff (Ps. 23:2). Jeremiah also…
The simple plan that contains the “tradition of the apostles” requires a commitment of souls who give themselves as a living sacrifice, each committed to fulfilling their work of edifying the body of Christ. Where such souls are found in a community, the called-out class of people is in that community. Where such souls are…
With the results of Wycliffe’s translation of “ekklesia” being “congregation,” the Protestant influence did nothing to change the flawed concept of the “ekklesia.” The idea of “congregation” formed an additional relationship with a membership that included the common man and the professional clergymen who were more educated and knowledgeable than the common man. This is…
Not only are the modern-day elders or shepherds confused when their roles are blurred, but preachers can also be out of place, too. These men are dispensable outsiders who fit the pattern of modern “pastors” with all the trimmings. The demands and expectations are high and, often, impossible to meet. He is expected to be…
Our primary purpose in this section is to emphasize that the effect of professionalism is counter-productive. First, when applied to the first century, it would have hindered the role of shepherds whom God has given to equip the saints for service. Second, it would hamper the participation of other members in the body, both then…
With the institutional church mindset, people assume that if an elder or anyone else cannot stand before an audience and deliver a public speech, the elders should then choose a professional preacher or the church should hire a “pastor” who can do so while they sit and listen. So, a hireling is brought in who…
Making application of these principles today, we must not forget that we are not privileged to have apostles of Jesus Christ imparting a spiritual gift. Nor do we have prophets, evangelists, pastors/teachers endowed with the gift of teaching. However, because we are not limited to a gift of grace given to us through the laying…
We have looked at the word “minister” in connection with the role of an evangelist and have introduced the role of the Holy Spirit in the work of these gifted men listed in Ephesians 4:11. “Preacher” The word is translated from a Greek word that means “a herald” (Vine). As shepherds, it is descriptive of…
Matthew 10 records Jesus calling the twelve unto him to give them authority over unclean spirits and the power to heal all diseases (10:1). He then sends them forth with the commission to preach to the Jews only that the kingdom is at hand. They were to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the…
An apostle of Jesus Christ corresponds to the authority of an “ambassador” (cf. Ephesians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 5:20). Once again, this does not apply to anyone today. The word is translated from the Greek presbeuo, which suggests someone who has been given the authority to act and speak on behalf of and in the absence…