The Pastoral Ministry

Study notes

Chapter 5. Church Government

These are times for committed members to meet together to consider the issues both practically and spiritually that will need to be decided by the church. These gatherings should commence with prayer and be guided by the Spirit as a basis of love and submission Acts 1:1-8, Acts 13:1-3, Acts 15:6-22.

Church Membership

It is impossible to join the church. The Lord adds to His church as it pleases Him. Acts 2:47, 1 Cor.12:13.

Guidelines for New Members joining the Church

Each local church may want to have some guidelines which new converts may wish to consider before joining a local church. This may avoid difficulty later when certain issues in their lives come into conflict with the biblical based views of the established church.

To this statement could be added:

The current purpose and vision of the church in its local function.
A Statement of Faith.

Here is a sample guide:

The church here acknowledge that its members have been led by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Saviour and with profession of faith have been baptised in the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit. We have, in the presence of God, solemnly and joyfully entered into covenant with one another as a local congregation of the body of Christ.

We have committed, therefore, by the enabling of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian unity and love; to strive for the advancement of God’s Kingdom and the spiritual growth of its church, to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines, to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of its ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor and the fulfilment of the great commission to go into all the world and preach the gospel which we support by giving to those who are working overseas.

We have also committed ourselves to maintain family and personal devotions: to biblically educate our children: to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances, to live righteously in the world, to be just in our dealings, faithful in our agreements, and exemplary in our lifestyle, to avoid all gossip, rumour, criticism or anger. To abstain from all things which would cause any one of our members to grieve his conscience or which are prohibited by Scripture or deemed to be harmful to the healthy development of body, soul and spirit such as drugs, drink and tobacco: to be zealous in our efforts to share the gospel of our Saviour and proclaim the glory of God.

We have further committed ourselves to care for one another in brotherly love, to remember each other in prayer: to aid each other in sickness and distress: to promote Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech to be slow to take offence but always ready for reconciliation and to encourage counsel and admonish one another.

We have further committed ourselves to carry out the ministry of this church in the power of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the principles of Holy Scripture never allowing traditions or culture to nullify the truth of the Word.

Leadership and the training of others

To have a leader in the church seems consistent with the whole of Scripture Ex.3:1-10, Jos.1:1-9, Luke 4:1-32, Acts 2:14-40, Acts 13:1-3, Acts 14:12. A leader will:

Develop a team of men and women around him Matt.4:17-22, Matt.9:9
Setting the standards furthermost of the church in his spiritual life, ministry, family, leisure time and hospitality.

Church Leadership in the light of the Philippian Church

The introduction to the letter of the apostle Paul reveals 5 areas of ministry, leadership and responsibility, central to the five is the Lordship of the Lord Jesus Christ who is the head over all things to the church Eph.1:17-23. The first two leaders mentioned are the apostles Paul and Timothy and then the saints. The apostles and prophets are the foundation layers of the truth 1Cor.3:5-11 Eph.2:19-22. The saints are those separated out by God to reveal the life and character of God so that the world can see Him for themselves 1Cor.6:20. The last two mentioned are the bishops and deacons who under the direction of the Head of the church oversee and care for its life.

The Church was born

Four men visited this town of Philippi after receiving a remarkable vision from God Acts 16:9-12. They were the apostle Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke who wrote the account in the Acts of the Apostles. Their first contact was to a woman called Lydia, a seller of purple, Lydia and a group of ladies met for prayer by a riverside. Then on to the Philippian jailer who had been given charge over them after delivering a young girl from the power of the devil. The letter to the Philippian church was written by the apostle some 20 years later and it is obvious by his introduction that they had now recognised and appointed elders and deacons.

Leadership Established

It is important to note that God intends that the church functions under the direction of clear leadership. In the Ephesian letter is revealed that God gives gifts to men Eph.4:8-13 and every local church an autonomous fellowship under the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ and overseen by men who have been qualified by the Lord’s calling. These men who oversee church life and seek to bring men into the things of God are known as elders, and it is our purpose to consider the qualifications of such men and the role of deacons in relationship to them.

Scriptural basis of Leadership

It is clear that an overall view of the Scriptures indicates that God raises up men to lead His people Numbers 11:16,17 1Tim.3:1. It’s interesting to note that there is very little or no specific guidance on church organisation. The elders are the official oversight body of the local church which is open to all men of the congregation who meet the Scripture’s qualifications and have a Spirit imparted desire to jointly oversee the spiritual welfare of God’s household. Acts 20:17. The appointment and responsibility of deacons is also clear 1Tim.3:8-13.

Who is an Elder

As has been mentioned earlier in looking through the Scriptures there are two words, which for me clearly define the term elder. The first is bishop and the second is overseer: Acts 20:28. An elder is therefore a man appointed by God to oversee His church.

Hebrews refers to ‘those who watch for your souls’ Heb.13:7. He must, therefore, be essentially a pastor or shepherd if he is to care for God’s sheep.

Eldership and Leadership

It is also clear from the whole cannon of Scripture that these responsibilities are entrusted to men. Pastoral oversight was committed to a council of elders but among these men of God were always those who were leaders, either by gift or calling – Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Gideon, Peter, Paul. Paul exercised his authority over the Corinthian church as he had ‘laid the foundation’ (1Cor.3:10).

The Pastors Qualifications

It is to be noted that in the Scriptures 1Tim.3:1-7 and Titus1:6-9 no mention is made of normal standards by which the world selects its men such as appearance, ability to speak well, successful in business, financial prosperity or power and influence.

God is looking for servant leaders ministering ruling and teaching the church who meet His criteria not the worlds. To be considered as a pastor from a biblical prospective a man must meet all the qualifications. If a man does not meet all these then he should not be an elder or pastor. Disqualification from eldership does not prohibit the member from serving in the church or moving in the gifts of the Spirit.

Biblical qualifications should be met at the time of appointment of elder and/or pastors and must be maintained throughout the ministerial life. An elder or pastor who fails to continue to meet the biblical standard should be confronted, rebuked, disciplined or removed from office by the church depending on the circumstances or severity of the offence or sin 1Tim.5:17-20.

Qualifications are therefore:

Desire a good work. Desire to serve and know a call from God 1Tim.3:1, 1Tim.1:12. A pastor needs to know that God has called him out for the ministry.
Blameless, above reproach 1Tim.3:2. He must have no flaw in his character, conduct, conversation or serious indiscretion, moral failure or wrongful attitudes or habits, which could bring shame on Christ or the church. He must maintain personal integrity by doing what he says and by saying what he means and meaning what he says.
The husband of one wife 1Tim.3:3. It seems that God compares His church to that of a relationship that exists between husband and wife and that the pastor should portray that relationship in his home and with his wife.
Vigilant, temperate 1Tim.3:2. The pastor should exercise control in all areas of his life.
Sober, self-controlled – 1Tim.3:2. The pastor is disciplined and acts wisely. Although there may be things that are permissible for others they may not be permissible for him or his family – 1Cor.10:23.
Of good behaviour, respectable – 1Tim.3:2. The pastor gains respect by his good behaviour, his attitudes, actions and appearances as those you would expect from the life of Jesus Christ.
Given to hospitality – 1Tim.3:2. The pastor loves to have an open home with visitors at all times day and night. He is always ready to provide a meal for those who call in.
Apt to teach – 1Tim.3:2. Through his study of the word and ministry he is able to teach – Eph.4:11, 2 Tim.4:2.
Not given to wine, drunkenness – 1Tim.3:3. The balance of Scripture does not indicate that the drinking of alcoholic beverage is wrong but the pastor must be aware of the example he sets and the consciences of those he has in his congregation – 1Cor.8:7-13, 1Tm.5:23. There are special calls on the people of God to give up alcohol – Luke 1:15 wealth – Matt.19:24.
No striker, not violent – 1Tim.3:3. The pastor must not be known for any form of physical aggression or verbally seeking to resolve disputes angrily but in a peaceful and soft spirit.
Not greedy of filthy lucre. Not a lover of money – 1Tim.3:3. The pastor is a man who is not directed in his ministry to those that have financial resources which can be used to further the ministry of the church but to those who do not have the means to repay the love and kindness revealed – 1Tim.6:11.
Patient not a brawler, not quarrelsome – 1Tim.3:3. The pastor is not one who has to argue about issues or desire that his personal opinion is accepted.
One who ruleth well his own household – 1Tim.3:4-5. He demonstrates by the life in his home the biblical life of the man of God. His children are his example worked out in practical ways. His children are his fruit and a picture of Christ and His church.
Not a novice, a new convert – 1Tim.3:6. The pastor is one who has experience.
A good report of those who are without – 1Tim.3:7. A good reputation among believers in the community.
Having faithful children – Titus1:6. The pastor is one who has raised his children following the guidelines of the Scriptures. They are not rebellious even though they may not as yet given their lives personally to the Lord.
Not self-willed. Not overbearing – Titus1:7. The pastor must not be selfish or self-centred or domineering over his flock.
Not soon angry, not quick tempered. A pastor must not have a quick temper, which is easily roused.
A lover of good men – Titus1:8. The pastor loves what is good and hates what is evil. In the world he has honest values, in the church he is quick to stop gossip that could easily come from those who are discontented – Phil.4:8.
Just, upright – Titus1:8. Is honest in his conduct in the church and in the world.
Holy – Titus1:8. He is morally pure and separated from the things of the world and separated apart unto God.
Holding fast the faithful Word – Titus1:9. Is always ready to share the truth of God.

Elders Responsibilities

According to the Acts of the Apostles, God’s Holy Spirit has placed elders in his flock as overseers to shepherd his church Acts 20:28. God has established government in every area of life, in the family, the husband is the head, in the church all believers are priests and ministers or servants, but not all are leaders, pastors and teachers. Elders are church leaders.

Submission

Submission is a word, which in today’s Christian community speaks of men having power over another and modern man reacts to such a concept, and with it undermines the whole basis of the truth in God. The Scripture gives instruction on authority: ‘Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you’. Heb.13:17. They are also to guard against false teachers. ‘For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them’. Acts 20:29-30.

Paul exhorts every member to know all who labour hard at leading and admonishing and to esteem them very highly. The natural tendency of the flock is to take elders for granted forgetting what they have done for them, complain rather than be thankful, accentuate the bad and disregard the good. ‘And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves’. 1Thess.5:12-13. During difficult times the people of Israel were prepared to stone Moses and David to death. Love is the divine glue that holds elders and congregation together through conflict and disagreement. No council of elders is perfect. All elders have problems, weaknesses and each believer has a unique perspective of how elders should operate.

The work in the local church

Elders will be appointed to oversee the spiritual work:

The basis of the ministry
The details of its weekly life i.e. Bible studies, prayer meetings, Sunday gatherings
Its evangelism and work amongst the young people, children and old folk
Its pastoral care
Its missionary work
Its practical work undertaken by the deacons

Deacons

Deacons are men appointed by men to serve in a more practical way. Although the word deacon appears for the first time in this letter, the historical work of deacons appears first in Acts Acts 6:1-8.

In the early church a job needed doing which was too much for the apostles and was a distraction to them committing themselves to the word. So men were chosen by the people ‘for the task’ and were appointed by the apostle. Initially, the apostles handled the money distribution in early church life, in Jerusalem, the work increased so much that a group of men were chosen by the congregation for this one specific purpose thus relieving the apostles. Approximately ten years later, money is sent to the Judean church which, was received by elders (not deacons). Approximately twenty years later Paul writes to ‘the deacons’ at Philippi. Presumably during this intervening period, the church realised it needed a group of men who were prepared to serve the church, and relieve its eldership of as much practical serving responsibility as possible. They cannot, however, move in that which God has laid on elders shoulders, ‘they care as those that must give account’.

Decision making

The church is not a democracy, but neither is it a dictatorship. The Scripture encourages us to keep in fellowship and to sit regularly under the ministry in the meetings. This helps the Lord keep us in the truth and in a place where He can speak to us.

The church is the family of God. God is the Father, but the Scripture says other men are fathers. In more important decisions in our lives it is good to seek the Lord and to speak with the elders for their thoughts. This gives a greater place of security, not that we are to set up some consultative/submissive system, but rather to keep in touch with our shepherd elders that the Lord has graciously provided for us. Normally an elder should not ‘interfere’, but he may and should speak out strongly were needed. 1Thess.5:12&14 grants them leave to deal with unruly behaviour.

Qualifications

The qualifications for deacons are similar to that of elders but adding that they must hold the divine truth of the faith, men who combine a clear conscience with a firm hold on the deep truth of their faith. Likewise must deacons be grave, worthy of respect, dignified, of serious outlook and demeanour, high principled, honourable. Not double-tongued, sincere in what they say (the word sincere means without wax) not false in word, strait-forward. Not given to much wine, not given to excessive drinking, not addicted, temperate. Not greedy of filthy lucre, of ill gotten gains, questionable money making, money grabbing, craving wealth and resorting to dishonest methods in getting it. Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience, knowing the secrets of the faith. Let them first be proved, tested, examined, undergo probation. Being found blameless, unaccusable, without reproach, in whom no fault to be found. Faithful in all things, trustworthy, those who can be trusted. Let the deacons be the husband of one wife, married only once. Ruling their children and their own lives well, they must manage their children and their households properly, they should have happy obedient families. Those that have used the office of a deacon well, who have ministered well or rendered good service will have a good reward. Purchase to themselves a good degree, gain themselves a good standing, gain honourable position and great boldness in the faith, which is in Jesus Christ. 1Tim.3:8-13

The role of the wives

It would appear from the Scriptures that wives have an integral part to play in the work and ministry of their husbands. Although there is no actual statement to wives as regards elders, it is clearly referred to in the section relating to deacons: Even so their wives must be grave, dignified, worthy of respect, serious in behaviour. Not slanderers, who talk scandal, not gossips, saying no evil of others, women of discretion, controlling themselves in all things, 1Tim.3:11. The apostle Peter gives further instruction on the nature of wives seeking to follow the Lord. They are exhorted to fit in with the work and ministry of their husbands, and so reveal by the character of their lives the truth. Not adorning themselves outwardly, but the hidden personality of the heart, the imperishable ornament of a quiet and gentle spirit, a beauty which springs from the inner loveliness of the heart 1Peter 3:1-5.

The Deacons Practical Responsibilities:

Looking after the practical fabric of the building.
Assisting in the practical care of those members who do not have fathers and husbands.
Caring for those who need to be taken home safely.
Organising the cleaning, washing up and clearing of chairs and tables.
Making provision for the supervising of children.
Maintaining and organising the office and its supplies
Working with the eldership in the planning of programmes of meetings and outreach.
Regularly participating in the meetings.
Encourage strangers and seeking to draw them into the hub of the church.

Office in the Church

Although some translations use the word office, the word does not actually appear in the original Greek. The emphasis is rather on the action of oversight (for elders) and ministry/serving well (for deacons).

Finance

The call of God is to give up all our wealth to serve Him. Matt.19:16-26. Church life is a life of faith Luke 10:1-11, Matt.21:1-3, 17:24-27, John 21:1-14, Matt:6: 25-34.

Giving

Members of the church are asked to give sacrificially Luke 6:38, 2 Cor:8:2,4-5. Provision was made by tithes and offerings - Mal.3:8-10, Deut.14:22-27, Lev.27:30-34, Lev.1:1-9, 1 Cor.16:1-3.

Giving is an attitude of heart

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly or of necessity for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Cor.9:7) Ex.25:2.

Giving is systematic and spontaneous

It is always good to move as the Lord leads, there are many opportunities to give. 1 Cor.16:1-2.

The Church’s Responsibility

To the poor - John 13:29, James 2:1-5, 14-20, Rom.15:26, Gal.2:10
To the elders - 1 Tim.5:17-18, 1 Cor.9:6-16
To the work overseas - 2 Cor.8:1-4, 2 Cor:9:1-15.

Church Discipline

The neglect of church discipline over the years has led to a weak, sin-filled church.

What is Church Discipline

Church discipline is the process of dealing with known sin in the church by confronting, chastising and correcting a sinning member for the purpose of restoring that member to fellowship with God and the church. Matt.18:15-20, 1Cor.5:1-13, Gal.2:11-14, Gal.6:1, 1Tim.5:1, 19-20, 2Thess.3:6-15.

Why Should Church Discipline Be Used

The purpose of church discipline is to confront sin in the body so that it can be corrected, the church purified and the sinning member restored to fellowship. It is not for retributions, punishments, revenge or simply to expose a member’s sin - it is remedial and restorative, Heb.12:5-11. It is also for the purpose of training in righteousness, purging sin to keep the church pure is the basic purpose of discipline. 1 Cor. 5:6-7.

When Should Church Discipline Be Used

When one member sins against another, Matt. 18:15.
When there is open, flagrant, unconfessed serious sin in the church.
When a member either rejects the church’s teaching or lives in clear contradiction to it, 2Thess.3:6-1.
When the conduct of a member amounts to clear hypocrisy, Gal.2:11-13.
When a member is caught in a sin, Gal. 6:1.
When accusation is brought against a church leader, 1 Tim.5:19.

Church discipline should apply to both sinful attitudes and actions which adversely impact the church and are a reproach to the name of Christ.

How Should Church Discipline Be Exercised

The people involved should be kept to a minimum.
If the sin is against one member then he should go to the sinner and confront him if one or more members catch another in sin they should rebuke and restore if possible.
Only if the sinning member is unresponsive and unrepentant should others be involved. Confront with two or three spiritually mature Christians first, only after the sinning member refuses to listen should it be taken further.
The church should publicly be involved only when it is absolutely necessary and appropriate and no more details should be shared than are absolutely necessary.
Church leaders should not be accused lightly or too quickly.
The pastor and/or elders should carefully and prayerfully investigate the matter and evaluate it confidently before proceeding.

What Form Should Discipline Take

Dependent on the nature or extent of the sin:
Personal warning;
Private rebuke, confession and correction wherever possible;
Counselling and corrective action and teaching should be part of the process where needed;
Restoration should be made to those offended where appropriate;
A probationary period for the offender under someone’s supervision may be wise;
Denial of fellowship in the church.