Reformed Church Government
Foundation principles
StudentÕs Manual
by
Roger Smalling, D.Min
... the household of God, which is
the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. [1] 1Timothy 3:15 (ESV)
© Copyright, August 2, 2019. Permission granted to
Miami International Seminary for education use without transfer of rights.
Introduction to Reformed ecclesiology
Lesson One: What is ecclesiology?
Lesson Two: Forms of government
Lesson Three: What are Elders?
Lesson Four: The Old Testament origins of New Testament church government
Lesson Five: Elders and the representative principle in the Old Testament
Lesson Six: Elders and the representative principle in the New Testament
Lesson Seven: Are there two classes of elder?
Lesson Eight: Ordination of elders
Lesson Nine: Deacons
Lesson Ten: Ordination of women
Lesson Eleven: Church courts
Lesson Twelve: What Is reformed worship?
This study guide is based on the premise that the
reformed style of church government is the only one mandated by God in his
Word. The study of church government is called in theology, ecclesiology
Biblical government is representative but not democratic; authoritative but not authoritarian. In this lies its genius: It allows the people a voice in who leads them, without the chaos of majority rule. It gives authority for leaders to make decisions while avoiding the despotic rule of a single fallible man.
Our God-given human instinct desires freedom but with security. Freedom without form is anarchy. Form without freedom is bondage. The genius of biblical government resides in providing Christians with a balance of both.
We will see how reformed government is rooted in the entire history of the people of God, starting from the earliest times in the Old Testament and consistent in its fundamental principles in the New Testament.
Though these principles came through a culture, the Hebrews, they are not the product of a culture. Like all other teachings in GodÕs word, they are products of revelation and therefore primarily ethical in their essence, not merely administrative. We are not free therefore to discard them on the grounds of cultural issues. We make cultures conform to the word of God, not vice versa.
á
There exists
only one form of church government endorsed by God in the Bible.
á
The principles
involved are moral and not merely administrative and therefore mandatory,
regardless of culture.
á
Biblical
government reflects the eternal tension between law and grace as in other
aspects of Christian living.
á
The New
Testament principles are a simplification of Old Testament practices and
therefore church government is based on the whole Bible.
This study is intended for seminary students or those in preparation for church leadership. It assumes the student is a member of an evangelical church and familiar with foundational concepts of church life. These include such ideas as Christ the only head of the church, which is his body, and the difference between the visible local church and invisible universal church. This is therefore an intermediate-level study on biblical government.[2]
In the study of ecclesiology, an inferential approach is necessary. Certain biblical themes, such as the Trinity for example, lack a discourse in Scripture dedicated exclusively to that particular theme. We must deduce the truth by clues scattered through the Bible.
So it is with ecclesiology. The Bible teaches a form of church government we must deduce from clues and concepts scattered throughout both Testaments.
Here the teacher may explain the difference between a deductive versus an inductive approach to logic by comparing a detective to a prosecuting attorney. The detective gathers facts to arrive at a conclusion about a suspect. The prosecuting attorney, on the other hand, announces to the court that the suspect is guilty and that he is going to present evidence to prove it. The detective is basing his logic on inferences. This is a inductive logic. The attorney is deductive in his approach because he starts his reasoning with the presupposition that he intends to prove.
The writers of the Westminster Confession understood this about church government by declaring É
The whole counsel of God É is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: CFW Cap.1, Art.6
They also acknowledged the need for flexibility and tolerance in church government because of the variety of cultures, within limits established in the word of God.
É and that there are some circumstances concerning the
worship of God, and government of the Church, common to human actions and
societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian
prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be
observed. 14
Ecclesiology is the study of church government, based on the Greek work ekklesia, which means Òassembly.Ó The apostles applied this word to the Christian church. This word is used 67 times in the New Testament in a variety of ways. In the LXX, it is used about 100 times to translate the Hebrew qahal, which means congregation and sometimes refers to the people of Israel in general.
The term can refer to either a local congregation of believers or to believers in a region.[3] Because of the ambiguities, it is better to build our ecclesiology on the totality of Scripture than on a specific usage of the word.
Radical differences exist among evangelicals as to
when the church began. Reformed theology claims it began with the covenant of
grace God established with Israel and fulfilled in Christ. Therefore, there
exists one people of God in both Testaments, saved by grace but under different
administrations of the covenant. This view of the church is known as covenant theology.
Others, such as Baptists and Pentecostals, believe
the church started at Pentecost because the Old Testament in its fullness was a
dispensation that disappeared. As a logical consequence of this theology, they
assert that there exists two people of God; those saved under the law and those
saved under grace. In their way of thinking, Pentecost inaugurated a a covenant that did not exist previously. This view of the
church is call dispensational theology.
This brief study will not allow us to explore these theologies in depth. Nevertheless, it is essential that the student understands that the differences among evangelicals in their view of ecclesiology has their roots in these two views of the Bible as a whole.
In Acts 7:38, Israel in the time of the Exodus is called the congregation in the wilderness. This is the same Greek ekklesia, used by the apostles to describe the church in the New Testament.
In Hebrews 11:39-40, we see the saints of both Testaments unified and viewed as one inseparable people.
And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
The covenant of grace is inaugurated with Abraham in Genesis 17 and fulfilled in Christ in Galatians 3.
The Great Commission is the mission, the church is the method. Matthew 28:19,20. This means making disciples for Christ, plus nothing. Tragically many movements, especially liberals, have tried to add to the churchÕs mission, thus distracting from the gospel.[4]
A Presbyterian missionary theologian expresses it like this:
Making the world around us a better place is a good thing,
and is ordinarily to be expected when people are coming to Christ. But
that is not the mission of the church. The mission given to us in Matthew
28:18-20 is very specific: to make disciples of all nations through baptizing
and teaching. If it is not baptizing and teaching, it might be lawful, it
might even be commanded, but it is not obedience to the Great Commission. [5]
Feeding the poor is not the mission of the church. Social justice is not the mission of the church. Though these may be necessary at times, leaders must never allow them to detract from the mission of making disciples.
A church that preaches the gospel faithfully is the greatest social success the world has ever seen or every will see. No institution has the wisdom or power to change sinners to saints because this is the power of God working through the gospel. The church cannot allow itself to be deviated from this mission for anything else, however good it may be, unless it is a means to open a door for the gospel to be heard.
According to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19,20, what
is the one mission of the church? ______________________________________________________
According to the Great Commission, what is the method for
doing the mission? ____________________________________________________________
According to Ephesians 4:11-12, how is the church to
implement its mission? ____________________________________________________________
Protestant theology views the church in two ways: Visible and invisible.
The visible church refers to _________________________________________
The invisible church refers to ________________________(See 1 Corinthians 1:2)
The Roman Catholicism makes no distinction between the visible and invisible church because it considers membership in its church as a condition of salvation. So likewise, it considers itself the kingdom of God of on earth.
According to the following verses, what was the attitude of the apostles as regards discerning between
members of the local church who are saved versus those who are not? Does the
New Testament recognize there may exist such a condition in the church? (Matthew
13:24-30; Galatians 4:20; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 John 2:19)
How do we distinguish between a genuine biblical church and those that are apostate?
A church may err widely in minor doctrines or elements of worship and still be considered a valid church. However, if it lacks certain elements, then it is apostate and may not be viewed as Christian. That is the view taken in the 16th century by the reformers.
According to reformed tradition, three characteristics distinguish a true church:
This includes preaching the biblical gospel as opposed to false gospels disguised as genuine. This requires a certain amount of discernment.
According to
Galatians 1:6-9, false gospels were preached in some churches even in the days
of Paul. What was PaulÕs attitude toward those involved in such?
____________________________________________________________
Discussion in class: Sometimes a church may not be preaching a false gospel as such but moral principles or psychological issues may be its focus. May we consider such to be proclamation of the word of God?
What today may
be some false gospels that are being preached that try to pass as
Christian? _______________________________________________
What does Galatians 1:8-10 say about the preaching of a biblical gospel? ____________________________________________________________
According to 2
Timothy 4:1-5, what was recommended to Timothy to do?
____________________________________________________________
Jesus instituted two sacraments/ordinances: Baptism and the LordÕs Supper.
According to Matthew 26:26-28 and PaulÕs
instructions in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, is the LordÕs Supper optional or mandatory
in the practice of the church? ______________
According to Matthew 28:19,20, is baptism optional or mandatory. ____________
A key text on discipline 1 Corinthians 5. It features important points.
The purpose of discipline
á
The honor of
God
á
The purity of
the church
á
The
restoration of the sinner
Discussion on 1 Corinthians 5
When is tolerance a virtue and when is it sin, according to verses 1-2?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
What are the sins in this chapter that define a person as non-Christian?
____________________________________________________________
What must a church do that has these practices going on in the church, according to verses 6-8? ___________________________________________________
According to Revelation 2:18-24, what is a church risking if it neglects discipline? ________________________________________________
Who in the church is responsible for disciplinary procedures? Acts 20:28-30; Galatians 6:1; 1 Timothy 5:19-21 ___________________________________________
The three censures
A censure is an act of discipline taken by the church leaders for the purpose of restoring the sinner believer. These are in their correct order.
á
Admonition: _________________________________
á
Suspension: ______________________________________________
á
Excommunication:
__________________________________________
Which of the
three censures is found in 2 Timothy 4:2? _____________________
Which of the three censures is found in 1 Corinthians 5:13? __________________
Which of the three censures is found in 1
Corinthians 5:11? __________________
____________________________________________________________
Discussion: Procedure
against an elder: 1 Timothy 5:19-20
According to
these verses, upon whom is the burden of proof? _________________
____________________________________________________________
What must the accused elder prove?
__________________________________________
If an accused elder is not found guilty, what is the procedure regarding the accusers?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Discussion: A serious case. Acts 20:28-30; Romans 16:17-18; Titus 3:10
According to these verses, what is a type of very
serious disciplinary issue that may occur in a church and how is to be handled?
______________________________
____________________________________________________________
Discussion: When does Mathew 18:15-18 apply?
From
this lesson we learnÉ
á
Ecclesiology
is the study of church government.
á
The church
began with GodÕs covenant with Israel.
á
The mission of
the church is to make disciples for Christ and nothing else.
á
The church is
the kingdom of God on earth and nothing else is.
á
The marks of a
genuine church are the faithful preaching of the word of God, the
administration of the sacraments and church discipline.
Reading assignment: Is a Church Membership List Necessary? By Smalling.
The whole issue of church government revolves around the question of authority. Who makes final decisions in the church?
We recognize Christ is the sole head of the church. However, he is in heaven and we are on earth. Therefore his rule is through human agents. Who are these agents?
This form is like a ladder, with the rungs representing successive ranks of authority. In Catholicism, final authority resides in one man, the Pope, who is the head of a hierarchy with ranks of officials: Cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons. This form is called episcopal, based on the Greek word episkopos, which means ÒsupervisorÓ and translates in some versions as Òbishop.Ó The Catholic Church believes the Pope is the bishop of Rome.
In Protestantism, the Episcopal and Anglican churches use this form of government.
In some evangelical churches, final authority resides in the pastor like a local protestant Pope. Other leaders serve only to implement his policies. This is common among Baptists. In some Pentecostal or Charismatic churches, the pastor is viewed as the prophetic divine voice and therefore his authority is definitive and absolute. These churches may also therefore be classed as episcopal, although the hierarchy may differ from that of Catholicism.
This form of government is popular among many evangelical church. Final authority resides in the congregation which decides everything by democratic vote.
In reformed ecclesiology, authority resides in a committee of elders chosen by the church members. Government by elders is always plural, never by one man. This form of government is called Presbyterian, based on the Greek word presbiteros, which means Òelder.Ó
Positive
Decision-making tends to be simple and immediate because only one man has authority to make the decisions. Disciplinary cases can be dealt with expediently by not necessarily with justice because the issues depend on the criteria of one person.
Negative
It is essentially dictatorial. Many people feel uncomfortable under a dictatorship because they have no voice in the affairs of the church.
Hierarchies tend toward incompetence. In a hierarchy, employees tend to be promoted to a position higher than their abilities to function competently.
Episcopal-type governments tend to create an unbiblical distinction between the church officials and the laity, along with the spiritual concomitants inherent in that.
Positive
People feel the church truly belongs to them. They feel in control.
Negative
A lot of internal politicking, frequent rebellions, church affairs often run by rumor. Doctine because a question of opinion of the congregation as a whole, sometimes decuded by democratic vote by members who have not a shred scholarship.
The pastor is obliged to please the congregation to keep his job. Voting may take place every few years to see if they keep him as pastor. Such churches sometimes change pastors frequently because the pastor finds himself in power struggles for control of the church.
Discipline is weak; applied only when a case is so crass and scandalous because the pastor is afraid to provoke division. The case must be so serious that it is obvious to all.
Church splits are common.
Positive
People feel a measure of voice in their affairs because they have the right to vote for those who lead them.
The concept of a multitude of counselors is wise because the entire group of elders together can intervene in the case of serious internal disciplinary matters.
A church leader cannot be removed by the congregation; only by the ecclesiastical body that installed him. This avoids the dictatorship of the congregation over the leader when the congregation may be composed of people who do not know what they are doing. This sounds beautiful, but in practice things are rarely so simple. The Presbyterian pastor must please his congregation or he is an ex-pastor.
Negative
Presbyterian government is committee-based. Committees tend to be slow and inefficient.
Slowness in dealing with serious problems.
Presbyterianism may fail to deal expediently with disciplinary situations.
The slowness in the judicial process and the right of appeal by the accused to an endless string of committees and tribunals tends to hinder the process. Justice may eventually be attained but Satan knows how to take advantage of delays to create confusion, bitterness and loss of members.
Presbyterianism tries resolve spiritual problems by church laws and regulations.
When a local church becomes large and influential, the pastors tend to disregard the Presbytery. They may treat the Presbytery like a mere council of advisors not to taken seriously. Although attendance at Presbytery meetings is obligatory for all pastors, those of large churches may attend Presbytery meetings only when they sweet please to so.
Although each form of government has its strengths and weakness, this is not the criteria for deciding its value. The only question to consider is which is biblical. Issues of administrative efficiency are secondary. God is more interested in the sanctification of his people than administrative efficiency.
From this
lesson we learnÉ
á
The three
forms of ecclesiastical government areÉ.
o Episcopal
o Congregational
o Presbyterian
á
Biblical
standards have the final word as to practice of church government, not
administrative efficiency.
1.
The three
forms of church government practiced by different branches of Christianity are:
a.
_______________________
b.
_______________________
c.
_______________________
2.
_______ In
episcopal government, final authority resides in one man.
3.
_______ In
Congregationalist government, final authority resides in democratic vote by the
congregation.
4.
_______ In
Presbyterian government, final authority resides in committees of elders.
5.
_______
Administrative efficiency is a central question in choosing a form of
government.
6.
_______ A
noticeable benefit of reformed government is its promptness in dealing with
urgent problems or disciplinary situations.
7.
_______ A
typical problem in Congregationalism is internal politicking.
The word elder refers to church leaders in general. This general use is seen in 1 Peter 5:1,
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, É
In the text above, Peter uses the term elder to describe himself although he
was an apostle. However, Acts 15:2 distinguishes between the apostles and
elders in the local church. Éthe apostles
and eldersÉ
In the Old Testament, the term elder is used to describe a council of men who, along with the priests, govern the people under the authority of the Law of Moses.
This relationship between priests, elders and the people continued until the first century among the Jewish people and was adopted later by the apostles for the governing of Christian churches.
The Greek word for elder in the New Testament is presb’teros and occurs 67 times. The committee of elders, presbiterion occurs three times.
In the New Testament church, the term elder refers to spiritual leaders who have been ordained to govern the church and teach the word of God. This clear from 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1Matthew 5-7; Acts 14:23.
According to Acts 20:28, what should elders be
doing? _____________________
What
ministerial competence should they possess according to 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus
1:9? _________________________________________________________
According to Ephesians 4:11,12, who should be
doing the work of the ministry and who prepares them for it? _____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
In the entirety of biblical history, the term elder was always plural. The only time when one person was in authority over Israel was when the people of God were in a state of apostasy. Likewise in the local church. There is no such thing in the New Testament as one elder in charge of a congregation.
Notice the plurality in the following verses: Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17; Titus 1:5; James 5:14
Bishops and elders: Are these the same
office?
Are the terms bishop and elder interchangeable? See Acts 20:17,28; Titus 1:5-7; Phil.1:1 __________________________ [6]
According to Acts 20:28, what is a function in common with all elders? ______________________________[7]
Note: The Greek term for care for is poimaino, which means to shepherd.
The ruling elders are objects of the ministry
of the teaching elders, because the former are members of the congregation.
Note the teaching elders have this relationship with the ruling elders, not
because of superiority of rank, but because the ruling elders are members
of the congregation
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy
of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 1Timothy 5:17
Ruling elders must recognize the mentoring and discipleship function of the teaching elders toward them because:
á
They also,
like the members of the congregation, are recipients of the teaching ministry
of the teaching elder.
á
They are also
recipients of the administration of the sacraments, just as other members of
the congregation.
á
The minister
is to live of the gospel in a sense that they do not. ( 1 Corinthians 9)
What is due to elders in 1 Timothy 5:17? ________________________________
What is due to elders in 1 Timothy 5:19? ________________________________
What is due to elders in 1 Thessalonians 5:13? ____________________________
Conclusion: While both types of elder have spiritual authority over the congregation, the teaching elder has spiritual authority over the ruling elders when it comes to teaching ministry and administering the sacraments.
From this lesson we
learnÉ
á
The office of
elder in the church is always plural.
á
The terms bishop and elder are synonyms. The word elder
is the title of the office, whereas bishop,
meaning overseer, is a description of his function.
á
Both ruling
and teaching elders govern the church. But the teaching elder has a mentoring
function to the ruling elder because the latter is also part of the congregation.
á
The primary
function of all church leaders is to prepare other Christians for ministry,
especially training leaders.
á
Elders have
the right to the honor and respect of those they serve.
Reading assignment: Extraordinary Offices by Roger Smalling
New Testament church government is a fulfillment and simplification of Old Testament principles. First Corinthians Nine shows the apostles took this for granted because they appealed to the Old Testament as authority.
Some Corinthians were questioning PaulÕs apostleship and apparently doing so based on an argument having to do with his right to receive offerings. Paul argues his point by applying Old Testament principles governing the material support of the Levite priests as applicable to New Testament ministers preaching the gospel.
In 1
Corinthians 8-9, to what does Paul appeal as authority for his right to abstain
from secular labor? __________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
In verse 9-10, he quotes from Deuteronomy
25:4. For whom does he claim this text was written? __________________________________________________________________
In verse 10-11, Paul uses an illustration to justify his position. Why is that illustration logical? _______________________________________________________
In verse 11, to
what does he liken spiritual truth dispensed by ministers?
____________________________________________________________
In verse 11-12, what does the minister have a right to reap? ________________________
According to verse 11, should the support given
full-time ministers be regarded as charity or as earned? See also Matthew 10:10
and 1 Timothy 5:17-18 ___________
____________________________________________________________
In verse 13, from what Old Testament command does Paul draw his conclusion about the right of support without secular labor? _____________________________
Lev. 6:16, 26; 7:6; Num. 5:9, 10; 18:8-20; 18:1
In verse 14, is PaulÕs statement a command or a
suggestion? __________________
____________________________________________________________
In verses 13-14
who were those who served at the altar? See Numbers 18:8-20
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Discussion
question: What are the practical consequences of understanding First Corinthians Chapter Nine?
á
There exists a
category of ministers called to full-time preaching of the gospel as distinct
from any other ministerial calling.
á
Their support
is to be derived from offerings.
á
This support
is to be regarded as earned, not as charity.
á
The Old
Testament support of the Levite priests is a fore-type and pattern for the
support of gospel-preaching ministers in this dispensation.
Circle the letter with the correct answer.
1. The origins of New Testament ecclesiology are found inÉ
A. The Old Testament
B. A
special revelation of Paul, independent of any other source.
2. The concept of a gospel minister dedicated to full time Christian service has its antecedents inÉ
A. The Old Testament priesthood
B. A special revelation of Jesus in the gospels.
3. The financial support of a minister isÉ
A. Charity from the church.
B. Earned salary
4. PaulÕs requirement for the support of gospel ministers wasÉ.
A. A
good suggestion.
B. A command
We saw there exists a category of ministers appointed over the people of God for spiritual oversight. In this section, we will see a body of spiritual leaders who exercise government over GodÕs people but who are not full time ministers. [8]
The first mention of elders in the Bible as a governing body over the people of God is in Exodus.
When God wanted to talk to the people of Israel, who did he tell Moses to gather? Elders of Israel.
When God said
he had observed the sufferings of Israel, to whom was he speaking to?
______________________________________________________________
God made a
promise in this text. What was the promise and to whom was it addressed? [1]
______________________________________________________________
Who did Moses and Aaron gather together? ______________________________
Who spoke the words of the Lord? _________________________________
Who is counted
as having seen the signs Moses did and believed? _______________
______________________________________________________________
(Hint: Was the entire congregation present or not?)
In this incident,
who represented God and who represented the people? ____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________.
(Fill in the blanks)
Then all the
_______________gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. [9]
And the LORD
said to Samuel, ÒObey the voice of the _______________in all that they say to youÉ[10]
From these texts, what can we conclude about representation in the Old Testament?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Did elders have judicial functions also? _________________________________
To whom was the law, the
Word of God, committed for safekeeping? _______________
______________________________________________________________
Were the elders sometimes allowed to participate in the sacrifices? If so, by what authority? ___________________________________________________
Note: In the Bible, the phrase, priests of the Lord occurs about ten times, never as priests of the people. The phrase elders of the people, is also found about ten times, never as elders of the Lord. The representative principle is clear: The priests represented the voice of the Lord to the people. The elders represented the voice of the people to the Lord.
Did the same structure among the Jews carry over to New Testament times?
Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, Mat. 26:3
In some churches, elders treat the minister as their employee. This is an abomination. IN the New Testament, elders do not rule over ministers.
In the Old Testament, such an attitude of elders trying to rule over priests would be seen as presumptuous and arrogant. Elders did not tell priests how to teach or offer sacrifices.
The minister is not an employee of the church, except for income tax purposes. He is an employee of Jesus Christ.
The minister holds a position of mentoring and discipleship toward elders which elders do not have toward him.
Discussion question: Compare the representative principle with hierarchical government and one-man rule. Discuss the practical consequences on the church.
From this
lesson we learnÉ
á
From earliest
times, there has been a category of leaders among GodÕs people called elders who represented the people and
were not priests.
á
The decisions
of the elders decisions were considered the voice of the congregation.
á
Under the authority of the priests, elders
participated in sacerdotal functions, including sacrifices and reading of
Scripture to the people.
á
Jews practiced
this form of government into New Testament times.
Circle the letter with the correct answer.
1.
The representative principle refers toÉ
a.
The right of
the people to choose who will be their prophet.
b.
The
representation of the people to God through the office of elder.
2.
In relation to
the right to offer sacrifices, the eldersÉ
a.
Had the same
authority as the priests.
b.
Always
functioned under the authority of the priests.
3.
The voice of
the people before God was expressed byÉ
a.
Decisions of
the elders.
b.
Popular vote
of the congregation.
So I exhort
the elders among you, as a fellow elderÉ 1Pet.5:1
In the above text, Peter uses the term to describe himself, although he was an apostle. From this we see the term elder refers to spiritual leaders in general in the New Testament.
The functions of elders must logically be connected to the mission of the church which is the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. This means making disciples for Christ. It is questionable if elders unwilling to do this should be elders.
According to 2 Timothy 2:2, what is the principle
product that leaders should be producing?
Other leaders
The first mention of Christian elders in the New
Testament is Acts 11:28-30 when Antioch Christians sent famine relief to
believers in Jerusalem. Where in this text do we find a representative
principle? ____________________________________
__________________________________________________________
The next mention of elders is in Acts 14:23.
And when they had appointed elders for them in
every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom
they had believed. Acts 14:23
How many elders were appointed in each
church?
____________________________________________________________
With what activity was
their appointment associated?
____________________________________________________________
According to
Acts 16:4, who has authority to make decisions regarding doctrine? Is it the
elders, the congregation or a combination of the two?
____________________________________________________________
What is the word used to describe them and what does it mean?
____________________________________________________________
Who does Paul say appointed them and how does this square with the democratic principle in Acts 14:23? ____________________________[11]
Did elders have a
judicial function as well according to Acts 20:28-30?
____________________________________________________________
At first, these verses may seem ambiguous for defining distinctions among elders, their roles and means of support. When we take into account that Paul and Timothy were heirs of 1400 years of Jewish history and custom, these verses become strikingly clear. Paul could assume Timothy understood what he was talking about without going into details of Jewish history. Under this light certain aspects of the New Testament elderÕs life and ministry become evident.
If the apostles meant something new by the term elder, they would have clarified it.
What does Paul assume to be the function in common to all elders? Ruling
What two classes of spiritual leaders are implied here?
____________________________________________________________
Did Paul assume an overlapping in functions among elders? If so, what was the overlapping? __________________________________________________
To what aspect
of ministry does Paul give priority of importance? _________________________________________________________
How does the quote about muzzling oxen
relate to what Paul said in 1Corinthians 9:9? ____________________________________________________________
In the statement, The laborer deserves his wages, who is Paul quoting here and in
what context? Mt.10:10 cf Lev.19:13
____________________________________________________________
What is required to bring a charge
against an elder? What is the background for this injunction? See Deuteronomy 19:15
____________________________________________________________.
The Greek word presbiterion is used three times in the New Testament.
Luke 22:66; Acts 22:5; 1Timothy 4:14
In Luke 22:16, the assembly of elders (presbiterion) gathered
together. Of what people did this assembly consist? _____________________________________
In Acts 22:5, who possessed the judicial authority to send Saul of Tarsus to Damascus? ____________________________________________________________
In the New Testament
church, who had authority to ordain? 1Timothy 4:14
____________________________________________________________
á
The apostolic
mindset regarding Christian elders is rooted in their Jewish background and
practices under the Law of Moses.
This is shown by:
o Recognition of two kinds of spiritual leaders, one
of which is the high calling to teach and preach, as in the Old Testament.
o There is overlapping in the functions of different
kinds of spiritual leaders.
o The teaching elder in particular is to be both
honored for his work of preaching and teaching and amply supported. Paul quotes
from Deuteronomy 25 to substantiate this.
o Paul quotes from Jesus for demonstrate the material
support of teaching elders.
á
A council of
elders, called a Presbytery, makes decisions as a committee, not rule by one
man.
Circle the letter in front of the correct answer.
1.
The representative principle refers toÉ
A.
The right of
the people to choose who shall be their prophet.
B.
The
representation of the people before God through the office of elder.
2.
As regards the
right to offer sacrifices, the eldersÉ
A.
Have the same
authority as the priests.
B.
Always
function under the authority of the priests.
3.
The voice of
the people before God was expressed byÉ
A.
The decisions
of the elders.
B. Democratic vote by the congregation.
The purpose of this section is to show there is one office of elder, divided into two distinct classes, ruling and teaching. Overlapping of functions does not indicate equivalence.
The latter are also called ministers or pastors and
alone have authority to administer the sacraments and the word of God to the
people in public worship. In this sense, teaching elders have a discipleship
function toward ruling elders that the latter do not have toward them, even
though both ÒruleÓ over the congregation.
To whom was committed the
word of God? Priests alone? Priests and elders together? If both, to which was it
given first? Deut. 31:9; Ex. 19:7
____________________________________________________________
Did elders participate in offering the sacrifices? If so, under what
authority? Lev. 4:13-17
________________________________________________________________________
What implications does this have in the New
Testament church? _______________
____________________________________________________________
The manner in which the Bible uses the word minister underlines the concept that there exists two different classes of spiritual leaders because the teaching elder is a minister in a sense the ruling elder is not.
The term minister is used about 40 times in the Old Testament in conjunction with priests and never in reference to elders. An example is,
Éthe Levites the priests, my ministers. Jer. 33:21
Does the Old
Testament concept of priests as ministers, carry over to New Testament gospel
preachers? Romans 15:16 Yes
To what does
Paul compare himself in this text? ___________________________
____________________________________________________________
Paul also sent two men, Timothy and Titus in his place with authority to perform certain functions.
What does Paul
call Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:6 and what were his duties toward the congregation?
________________________________________________________________
What did Paul
send Titus to do in Titus 1:5? Does this imply he was a pastor?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
What was the relationship of these men to other
elders in the church?
Note: In Presbyterian denominations, these two classes of elders are called teaching elder, referring to the ordained full time minister, and ruling elder, usually laymen. The combination of these two is what other denominations call the church board.
The teaching elders (ministers) have a mentoring relationship to the elders since the latter are members of the congregation. The ministers have this function, not because of a superiority of rank but because of the nature of the relationship of the elders as part of the ministerÕs flock.
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 1 Timothy 5:17
The ruling elder should acknowledge the function of discipleship on the part of the teaching elder (minister) because:
á
Like other
members of the congregation, they are recipients of the teaching ministry of
the ministers.
á
They are
recipients of the sacraments administered by the minister, like other members
of the church.
á
The minister
lives from the gospel in a sense that the elders do not. (1 Corinthians 9)
From this lesson we learnÉ
True or false questions
1.
______ In the
Old Testament, the preservation of the word of God was entrusted to the priests
alone.
2.
______
Sometimes the word minister in the
Bible is used to describe ruling elders.
3.
______ The
term elders of Israel was used frequently
in the Old Testament to describe priests.
4.
______ In the
New Testament, the teaching elders (ministers) have the right to ordain ruling
elders.
5.
______ Both
classes of elder have authority with regard to the governing of the
congregation.
6.
______ Both
classes of elders have the same authority with regard to mutual discipleship.
Three aspects must combine for a man to be ordained: Call, character and competence. These are in order of importance. A man may very well be of good character and capable and still not be called to the office. Or, he may be called but needs training in character and competence. The question of call is supremely important. A pastor looking for leadership candidates must never forget that competence and character alone is no proof of a call to the office of elder.
Example: The Old Testament priesthood was reserved for Levites. There may have been many men from other tribes who could have done the work of the ministry as well or better than the Levites. That was not the issue. The only issue was GodÕs call and appointment.
The concept of call to ministry is found throughout both Testaments. With regard to the priesthood we seeÉ
And no one
takes this honor for himself, but only when _________ [12]
just as Aaron was. Heb. 5:4
From who did the call to ministry come? The Holy Spirit
To whom did the Holy Spirit speak about that call? The other leaders
Who set Paul and Barnabas apart for the ministry and how?
____________________________________________________________
What would be a first indication to an individual that he may be called to the office of elder, according to 1 Timothy 3:1? ____________________________________
What is a key quality for calling to ministry in 1 Timothy 1:12? _________________
Much has been written on this chapter in the context of Christian leadership, so we will not elaborate here, except for a couple of points often misunderstood.
Discuss the meaning ofÉ
And let them also be tested first then let them serve. 1Timothy 3:10.
If a person has the character qualities in this chapter, does this automatically qualify him to be ordained? ______________________________________________
Discussion question: According to 1Timothy 3:6, what is likely to happen if a new convert is ordained to the office of elder? ______________________________
Some think that the character qualities in 1 Timothy 3 are sufficient for ordination. If that were correct, there would not be other necessary qualities mentioned.
What is the one ministerial skill in 1Timothy 3 required of all elders? ____________.
According to
Titus 1:9, what must an elder able to do? ______________________
____________________________________________________________.
According to 2
Corinthians 3:4-6, from where does our competence come?
____________________________________________________________
Discussion: Have we found in 1 Timothy 3 the three elements; call, character and competence?
In Acts 6:1-6, who chose
the deacons and who laid hands on them?
____________________________________________________________
In 1 Timothy
4:14, who laid hands on Timothy for ordination? _________________
____________________________________________________________
What is the
Greek word used here for the group that laid on hands? Presbyterion:
____________________________________________________________
Who set apart Paul and Barnabas and by what authority?
____________________________________________________________
In Acts 13:1-3, what two actions accompanied the ordination of Paul and Barnabas? ____________________________________________________________
The Old Testament ordination of priests was a complex and ritualistic affair, requiring two weeks of preparation, involving fasting, anointing with oil, bathing, laying of hands and highly decorative garments reserved only for the priests. [13]
The psychological effect on the Jewish congregation must have been profound. Such elaborate proceeding was apparently designed to communicate the sacred nature of ordination. Both the office and the person holding it must be treated with reverence.
In this lies a psychological problem in the way people today may perceive New Testament rites. If the rite is less complex, then perhaps it is not as sacred.
For example, the LordÕs Supper is both a fulfillment and simplification of the Passover feast. The complexity is left behind. Is it less sacred for that? Apparently certain Corinthians took that attitude and Paul had to correct them. If it were less sacred, then why did God threaten Christians who partake of the LordÕs Supper in an unworthy manner? [14]
Ordination to gospel ministry in the New Testament is simple. Does this mean it is less sacred? If the Old Testament priesthood was a fore-type, the answer is no. The complexity is left behind, not the sacred nature of it.
From this
lesson we learnÉ
True and false questions
The outline for this
lesson on deacons, along with certain comments, has been taken from a sermon
delivered by Dr. Nathan Parker at Pinelands Presbyterian Church in Miami,
Florida on May 3, 2015; used by permission of Dr. Parker.
There exists a need to alleviate the minister from whatever would distract him from teaching, administering sacraments and supervision of the church. Works of mercy and administration of the material aspects of the church are deacon functions. [15]
What was the problem? ____________________________________________
Who chooses the deacon candidates? _________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Who laid hands on them in ordination? _________________________________
What were the
primary qualifications of Stephen? __________________________
In this list of
qualifications, what is the one absent from those found in elders?
_________________________________________________________
Which verse
shows that deacons must have a minimal of theological understanding and how is
this expressed?
____________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
According to verse
10, what must take place first before they are ordained?
Discussion:
What is meant by verse 13? Why does serving as deacons, in particular, result
in a good standing and great confidence in the faith. [16]
á Choosing men just because they are good with their hands. [17]
á Choosing because they are popular and well liked.
ÒThe qualifications are high enough so that not everyone can do it. Yet not so high that no one can. It requires being Ôfull of the Holy Spirit.ÕÓ
1.
______ The
office of deacon has to do with the material aspects of the church, along with
works mercy.
2.
______ Deacons
were chosen and ordained by the congregation.
3.
______ The
only qualification that a deacon does not need, in comparison with elders is
the ability to teach.
4.
______ Deacons
must have the same character qualities as those of elders with the exception of
the ability to teach.
5.
______ Deacon
must be sound in doctrine as qualification for ministry.
The question of womenÕs ordination boils down to the difference between creation and culture.
Those who hold to the ordination of women to ecclesiastical office, point out that women are equal to men. From this they assume that excluding them from ministerial office is based on outmoded cultural norms of the past. This view is called egalitarianism.
Since women today have competed successfully with men in such domains as business and politics, egalitarians see no reason for excluding them from leadership within the church. Refusing them, it is argued, is simply discrimination, based on bygone prejudice.
Those who reserve ordination solely for men, base their thinking on GodÕs purposes in creation before cultures existed. This view is called complimentarianism because they say the woman was created to compliment man in his created purpose, that of caretaker of the earth for GodÕs glory.
To overthrow 3500 years of Jewish and Christian practice, egalitarians must show from the biblical text itself that the reason for excluding women from authority in the church was cultural. Merely affirming it was cultural, is not proof. Accusing complimentarians of chauvinism or prejudice is not proof either.
In this study, we will see that the apostles were very conscious of cultural considerations, yet paid no attention to that when it came to themes that looked back at creation before cultures existed.
Egalitarians affirm the equality of women with men on the ground of the concept of the image of God in man. They point out such texts as Genesis 1:27 and Galatians 3:28. If women are equally the image of God and with equal status before God as his children, why then may they not be viewed as equal in the question of ordination.
Our equality as images of
God does not annul the gender differences between male and female. 1 Peter
3:1-7; Ephesians 5:22,23. (Dissertation of Knight. See Additional Readings.)
The differences exist because the woman has a created purpose different from man— to be his helper. This is a creation-based difference that defines her purpose without changing her value as the image of God. This transcends any cultural considerations. This is clear from PaulÕs explanation in 1 Corinthians 11.
Are they separate? Or, does the male headship in the household carry over to the church? LetÕs see what Paul says:
Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 11 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 12 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 13 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor 14 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. 1 Timothy 2:11-15
What are the two things Paul does not permit women to do in the church? Verse 12
_________________________________________________________
What is the
first reason Paul gives for this prohibition? Verse 13 Man was created first.
___________________________________________________________
What is the
second reason Paul gives for this prohibition?
___________________________________________________________
Discussion: Discuss what is mean by she shall be saved through
childbearing—É
From these verses, what can be deduce about the relationship between the home and the church as institutions? Are they totally independent of one another or not?
In verse 3, what is the original creation
hierarchy? _________________________
What is the manÕs calling in verse 7?
___________________________________
What is the womanÕs calling in verse 7?
_________________________________
Is there a difference between the image of God in the man and the image of God in the woman? See verse 8. ______________________________________________
In light of this,
how does that relate to the question of authority? ________________
____________________________________________________________
How does AdamÕs call of God to be caretaker of the earth reflect on the question of authority? _____________________________________________________
Does the
authority of the man in the church imply that he is independent of the woman?
See verses 11,12. _________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Does Paul show he was conscious of cultural
issues? See verse 16. ______________
____________________________________________________________
From this
lesson we learnÉ
á
The authority
of the husband over the wife in Genesis 3 extends also to the masculine authority
in the church. The reasons are:
o
Although the
home and the church are different institutions, they are not separate.
o
Man is the
glory of God, while woman is the glory of man.
o
Creation
order. The woman was derived from man, while the man was created directly from
God.
o
The woman was
made to be manÕs helper.
á
The question
of the ordination of women is a creation theme, not a cultural one.
á
Although man
has authority over the woman, both in the home and in the church, this does not
make him independent of the woman.
á
Placing women
in positions of authority in the church, exposes them to the same kind of
temptations to deception as Eve confronted in the garden.
á
The apostolic
prohibition regarding women teaching in the church or exercising authority over
the man has a protective purpose, not discriminatory.
Reading Assignment: Ordination of Women by Knight and Ordination of Deaconesses by Smalling
True and false questions
According to apostolic teaching,
In this lesson we will see how the different committees of elders in reformed government relate to one another in a system of mutual accountability.
Two assumptions about the local church and its accountability exist among evangelicals.
This teaching asserts the local church has within it all that is necessary for its own government, without reference to any other entity outside it. The church and its officers are its own final authority. The church decides doctrine and procedure for itself and discipline its own members and officers.
This view is held by Baptist churches, most Pentecostals and charismatics. The Independent Baptist denomination takes in name from commitment to this doctrine.
This teaching says the church has within it all that is necessary for normal functions but is interdependent on a wider body of believers for accountability as to doctrine, discipline of its officers and questions of procedure in worship.
Which is correct?
In Acts 15, representatives from churches or groups of churches met in Jerusalem to consider a controversial doctrinal question.
Were Paul and
Barnabas representatives of the churches to the council? verse 2-3.
____________________________________________________________
According to verse 6, who met and decided the
question? _____________________
According to
Acts 16:4, was this decision a suggestion to the churches or an authoritative
decree? ______________________________
What can we conclude about the question of accountability of the local church?
Biblical government, as we have seen, is a system of committees of elders. We call these committees ÒCourts.Ó
In this part, we will use the PCA as the model to explain the courts because the author of this manual is more familiar with that. Other reformed denominations use different names for these courts but they function the same.[18]
In Presbyterian and Reformed government, there exists three and sometimes four of these committees: The General Assembly, the Synod, the Presbytery and the Session. Each of these could be called a presbytery because they are composed of presbyters. To avoid confusion, three of these committees are called by other names.
Various reformed denominations use other names than those of the PCA but the principles are the same. In the Christian Reformed Church for example, the Presbytery is called Classis.
The courts below are listed in ascending order. The higher court has jurisdiction over the lower.
The governing body of elders of a local church, consisting in both types of elders. That means the pastors and the ruling elders have equal voice and vote in Session meetings. The pastor is normally the moderator. They have final authority over all church matters, govern the deacons and have authority to ordain other deacons or ruling elders. They cannot ordain pastors.
The Session has authority to discipline its ruling elders and deacons but not teaching elders (pastors).
In Presbyterian government, this is a council of pastors of the churches associated within a large city or region. It deals with matters in common relating to those churches. It is accountable to the General Assembly and must submit its decisions each year to a committee thereof for review.
In the Christian Reformed churches, this is called the Classis.
Presbyteries meet three or four times a year, or more if a meeting is called by the Stated Clerk.
All pastors are permanent members of the Presbytery. Each church has the right to send a certain number ruling elders as temporary members during a Presbytery meeting, according to the number of members in the church.
Pastors are ordained by the Presbytery, are members of Presbytery and are not members of a local church. They represent the Presbytery to the church and are installed by representatives from the Presbytery in a special church service.
Discipline of pastors resides with the Presbytery. The local church has no authority to discipline a pastor.
Officers of the Presbytery: Stated Clerk keeps records of the decisions and has authority to call emergency sessions of Presbytery or appoint committees or commissions. The Moderator directs procedures during the meetings. There is also a Treasurer and Secretary.
The Presbytery operates by a series of committees or commissions appointed by the Stated Clerk to conduct business between Presbytery meetings. A committee has only the authority to make recommendations to the Presbytery to decide on. Commissions have plenipotentiary authority to make decisions for the Presbytery in its absence. Most pastors are members of a committee of Presbytery and therefore have duties outside their own local church.
This is committee of representatives of Presbyteries in a large region that meets to decide issues in that region. The PCA does not have synods.
In the PCA, the General Assembly meets once a year and deals with issues presented to it by the Presbyteries.
The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) has three documents that govern it: The Bible, the Westminster Standards and the Book of Church Order.
This is the final authority in all matters of doctrine and practice and alone is inspired scripture.
These are the statements of faith that the PCA believes the Bible teaches. It consists of three documents: The Westminster Confession and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
This deals with rules of operation of the denomination, such as limitations on how worship is to be conducted, procedures for ordinations and disciplinary matters.
1.
The three
church courts of the PCA are:
a.
The General
Assembly
b.
The Presbytery
c.
The Session
2.
The
constitution of the PCA consists in:
a.
The Bible
b.
The
Westminster Standards
c.
The Book of
Church Order
True and false questions
3.
______ In the
reformed movement, each church is completely independent.
4.
______ In the
reformed movement, the local church is interdependent with other associated
churches.
5.
______ Each
church has the authority to decide for itself what is good and bad doctrine.
In this lesson we will show the purposes, content and limitations of reformed worship, in contrast with other movements.
Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Discussion: Who is the
audience in biblical worship? 2Chron.7:1 and Ezek.44:4. God is the audience.
The edification of believers
So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. 1 Corinthians 14:12
In a formal public worship, someone must decide what is permissible. One of two presuppositions must be our starting point. Either we do only those things God commands in Scripture or we do whatever we wish as long as God does not forbid it. Which is correct?
The first presupposition is called the regulative principle. The second is non-regulative.
The reformed movement reveals its choice with:
But the acceptable way of
worshipping the true God is instituted by Himself, and so limited by His own
revealed will, that He may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and
devices of men,É Westminter Confession, Chapter 1,
Article 1
Since the Holy Scriptures are
the only infallible rule of faith and practice, the principles of public
worship must be derived from the Bible, and from no other source. Book of
Church Order, PCA 47-1
According to Deuteronomy 12:32, what did God command Israel to do
regarding worship when they came out of Egypt?
_________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
In context, this verse was in contrast to pagan worship around Israel.
Inference from the
Pentateuch
God regulated how he was
to be worshipped. New Testament ecclesiology is an extension of Old Testament
principles. Those who would abandon the regulative principle completely as
applicable to New Testament worship should show apostolic precedent to do so.
See also Neh.8:18;9:3
According to
Revelation 1:3, what was done in the seven churches that John addressed?
______________________________________________________________
What did Paul
command Pastor Timothy to do in the church, according to 1 Timothy 3:15 and 2
Timothy 4:1-2? _______________________________________________
What were the Ephesians commanded to do as a church, Ephesians 5:19?
______________________________________________________________
What did Jesus
call the house of God, Matthew 21:13? _________________________
Why did Peter and John go to the temple, Acts 3:1? ___________________________
See also Acts 12:5; 14:23.
Prayer may also include confession of sin. This is found throughout the Psalms.
What did Paul command the Corinthians to do during services the first day of the week in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2? _______________________________________
When and where was the LordÕs Supper to be celebrated? Can it be done privately or in the family? 1Corinthians 11:17-26? ____________________________________
We conclude
that the things commanded in New Testament worship are:
_____________________________________________________________
Refer again to CFW 1-6 there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the Church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general
rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.
The view that says only Psalms may be sung in formal public worship.
Some associate traditional hymns with faithfulness to biblical worship. This is doubtful logic, more emotional than rational.
Others feel contemporary worship is best because unchurched people can relate better to it.
Reading assignment: Two thesis by Smalling, Psalmody; Music
in Worship.
¥ The view that we can do in worship only those things commanded in Bible is called the regulative principle.
¥ The purposes of worship are the glory of God and the edification of believers.
¥ God is the audience in biblical worship.
¥ New Testament worship is broader and freer than Old Testament worship, although it incorporates the same basic elements.
¥ The elements included in reformed worship are the reading of scripture, preaching of the word of God, prayer, music, offerings and sacraments.
1.
The purposes
of a worship service are:
a. ________________________
b. ________________________
True or false
2. ______ The view that we can do in worship anything not
prohibited in Scripture is called the regulative
principle.
3.
______ We may set aside ordinary
principles of worship if we think we have a special impulse of the Holy Spirit
to do so.
4.
______ The
LordÕs Supper may be celebrated only as an expression of corporate church
worship.
5.
______
Psalmody is the view that only psalms should be sung in worship services.
[1]
English Standard
Version. All texts quoted in this document are from the ESV.
[2] In advanced ecclesiology, we
study the details of the Presbyterian Book of Church Order, the structure of
congregationalism and episcopal forms of government and their history. The
intermediate level hopefully provides the framework for evaluation of these
other forms.
[3] Acts 9:31, the church
(singular) throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria. In this sense, used as the
totality of all believers in a wide region. In Galatians 1:1, used of
individual churches throughout a region.
[4] The social gospel is one of
these.
[5] Schweitzer, William,
Ph.D. A church planter in England
with the Presbyterian Church in America. From an article, on the Aquila Report,
June, 2010.
[6] They are interchangeable,
one and the same. The difference is that elder is the title of the office,
while bishop is a description of the function. ÒBishopÓ means overseer, Greek- episkopos.
[7] Care for the church, i.e.,
shepherding. Ruling elders have a pastoral function also. This does not make
them pastors any more helping with the LordÕs Supper makes them ministers. It
is an overlapping.
[8] I am indebted to Dr. Morton Smith of the Western Carolina Presbytery, PCA, for the proof texts on the representative principle as displayed in an excerpt from his paper, Biblical Polity. A Spanish translation of the excerpt is found at: http://smallings.com/spanish/Ensayos/smith.html
[9]
Elders
[10]
People
[11]
Though the people choose the elders, it
is assumed that this process was the work of the Holy Spirit. Therefore it was
the Holy Spirit who is viewed as the one having appointed them, not the people.
[12] Called by God.
[13] Exodus 29
[14]
1 Corinthians 11:29
[15] It has been argued that this
chapter does not refer to deacons because the word diakonos
ÒdeaconÓ does not occur in the original Greek. They say this is a unique event
and is not a proof text regarding deacons. This view is easily refuted because
the verb form of deacon occurs twice. Though the Greek word diakonos
does not occur, the term diakonia ÒserviceÓ is found
in verse 1. The verb form diakonein Òto serveÓ occurs
in verse 2. This, along with the context of the situation, is sufficient to
establish that these were ordained as diakonoi,
Òservants.Ó
[16] Asking this question of the
students at this point is good to help generate feedback and give the teacher
the opportunity to see where they are in the grasp of the essentials. One
answer is that the service nature of this ministry gives a man the opportunity
to experience the spirit of Christ in a way in which other ministries may not.
A deacon often performs services beyond the view of others and receives no
accolades such as minister might receive for a good sermon. The deaconÕs
service is frequently hidden, though vital, and he can learn much about the
spirit of Christ this way. God rewards this, apparently, not only in the life
to come but presently, with a depth of character that is truly the mind of
Christ. The teacher may refer to Philippians 2, to elaborate this point. Let
this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.
[17] Discuss the difference
between being capable in areas church maintenance versus good with people. We
have seen examples of deacons good with their hands but who relate poorly to
people. They may repair a door properly but not be able to counsel a widow.
These are not deacons.
[18] The Christian Reformed Church, the United Reformed Churches in America and Reformed Church in America use the term Synod to describe the General Assembly and Classis or Regional Committee to describe the Presbytery. They use Consistory [consistorio] for the local church leadership. The Mexican Presbyterian Churches use the same names as the PCA except they have Synods between the Presbytery and the General Assembly.