Introduction:

1. God has given instructions on how the church should function.

2. This is the first of several sermons on church organization.

THE CHURCH

1. Jesus built HIS church – Matthew 16:18

2. Jesus is the foundation – 1 Corinthians 3:11

3. He is the savior of the church – Ephesians 5:23

4. It was purchased with His blood – Acts 20:28

5. He is the head of the church – Colossians 1:18

6. The church is the bride of Christ – 2 Corinthians 11:2

7. The church is His body – Ephesians 1:22-23

8. We must examine how this church functioned and follow their example.

MEMBERS

1. On Pentecost 3,000 members were added to the church – Acts 2:41

2. More were added daily – Acts 2:47

3. These people were called:

   1. Christians – Acts 11:26

   2. Saints – Romans 1:7

   3. Priests – 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6

   4. Members – 1 Corinthians 12:12, 20

4. The NT includes instructions about how these members should behave.

5. From these members are chosen some leaders.

TEACHERS

1. All of us are to teach – one on one – share the gospel with others.

2. This is the command of the Great Commission – Mark 16:15-16

3. There were to be people who teach in a public way – Age specific classes, VBS, other times of teaching the Bible to groups

4. James 3:1 warns that they must know the Bible and teach it correctly

5. Teach the Word accurately – 2 Timothy 2:15

6. There are false teachers – avoid them – 2 Timothy 4:3-4

PREACHERS

1. There are several terms for this office

   1. Preachers – Romans 10:14

   2. Ministers – Colossians 1:23

   3. Evangelists – Acts 21:8

2. They have no obligation beyond that of other Christians.

3. However, making this their only source of income – gives them more time to:

   1. Prepare, study, teach

   2. Help the sick, grieving, lonely, shut-ins

   3. Minister – serve, meet the needs of people

4. Preachers are to study the Word, teach it clearly, help others to understand the will of God.

5. Preaching is aimed at:

   1. Saving the lost – first principle lessons

   2. Keeping the saved – saved – edify, strengthen, enhance the faith

DEACONS

1. Deacon – Greek word “deaconos” - minister, servant, one who serves, one who waits tables

2. Acts 6 is the first example of deacons appointed

3. Deacons have authority – “over this business” - Acts 6:3
   The word deacon comes from a Greek word meaning "servant." We find the first deacons being chosen because of a specific need in Acts 6. The needs and circumstances of a given situation in the New Testament church determined when deacons were appointed and how many were required. The deacons had authority only as they were assigned to be over some specific business.

4. There are qualifications for this work – 1 Timothy 3:8-13

5. Deacons and elders have different work to do – Philippians 1:1

ELDERS

1. Elders are to oversee the local church – 1 Peter 5:1-3

2. They are called:

   1. Elders – older, with wisdom and maturity

   2. Bishops – manager, overseer

   3. Pastor – shepherd, one who cares for and feeds the flock

3. Study Ephesians 4:11

4. Elders are:

   1. Local – not over territory or larger than local congregation

   2. Plural – not one man rule – no church dictator

   3. Appointed – not a church coup to take over

   4. Authorized – in matters of liberty, under the NT

   5. Caring, concerned – about the flock – pain, spiritual state, faith, physical health and physical needs

CHAIN OF AUTHORITY

1. Here is the “chain of authority” in the church

   1. God – Deity, the godhead

   2. Elders – local congregation

   3. Deacons – local congregation – specific work

   4. Ministers – local congregation – specific duties

   5. Members – including elders, deacons, minister, teachers

2. This is the plan of God for the local church.

From "Organization of the Church"; by Michael S. Cole, M.D.