Thinking on Scripture with Dr. Steven R. Cook
Religion & Spirituality:Christianity
As an organization, the local church has historically adopted three forms of government. 1) Episcopalian - which recognizes bishops who organize the local functions of the church (Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist). 2) Congregational - where major decisions are voted by the church members (Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, Baptist). 3) Elder led - which is a representative form of church government with appointed persons to lead the church (Bible churches, Reformed, Presbyterian).
Church Leadership
The elder led model best represents the biblical teaching. Concerning the qualifications for church elders, Paul lists 15 qualifications in his letter to Timothy (1 Tim. 3:1-7), and 17 qualifications in his letter to Titus (Tit. 1:5-9). Though similar in most ways, the two lists differ, both in number and type of qualities mentioned. It would seem Paul was providing a general list of characteristics that one would like to see when considering a person as an elder in the church. The consideration of an elder in the church is something that requires time and observation. Certainly he must be “able to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2); however, much of what is set forth in Scripture relates to his character, home and public life. Biblically, it appears only God selects elders to serve in His church (Acts 20:28). The Bible does not specify how many elders may serve in a church, or even what process is to be followed concerning their appointment to office. The church has the liberty to follow a relaxed or formal policy depending on its membership. Below is a list of observations about elders:
Church Ordinances
Most Protestant churches recognize the two ordinances of water baptism and the Lord’s Supper, although a few add footwashing. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the only two ordinances given to the church. Both are symbolic acts that point to spiritual realities. Baptism is a picture of the believer’s spiritual union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-7; Col. 2:11-12). The Lord’s Supper is a picture of Jesus’ perfect humanity (unleavened bread) and substitutionary atoning death on the cross (shed blood) which is the basis for forgiveness of sins. Both symbols communicate the work of God on behalf of weak humanity. We cannot atone for our sins and redeem our life or the lives of others (Ps. 26:7-8), but Christ has born the penalty of our sins and paid the redemption price that was too costly for us (Isa. 53:10; Mark 10:45; 1 Pet. 1:18-19). When we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we are recognizing our weakness and celebrating what Christ accomplished for us. Baptism is also a picture of our weakness, for we cannot unite ourselves to Christ, but God the Holy Spirit accomplishes this for us when He places us into union with Christ at the very moment we trust Jesus as our Savior (1 Cor. 12:13).
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