Fundamentals of Christianity

Series Overview

Purpose of this series Scope

Core Beliefs The Bible Biblical Positions Corporate Worship Protestants/Catholics Other Religions

Fundamentals of Christianity –Biblical Positions (NT)

Ministry Purpose

The purpose of our ministry is to Bring people to Jesus Christ and membership in the body of Christ, Develop them to Christ-like maturity, and Equip them for their ministry in the church and life-mission in the world, in order to Magnify God's name.

Fundamentals of Christianity

Objectives

Identify the purpose of the Biblical Positions section in the Fundamentals of Christianity Series

Define the various positions referenced in the New Testament church elder, bishop, deacon, minister (Five -fold) apostle, prophet, teacher,

evangelist, and pastor. Identify and examine the roles of the

positions referenced in the New Testament church

Fundamentals of Christianity

Purpose

The purpose of this section is to examine what the bible states regarding the positions of the New Testament church. Particularly, we will examine the role of the elder, bishop, deacon

Fundamentals of Christianity

Bible Position References The Bible's teaching on the subject

of two church offices is found in 1 Timothy 3:1-16 and Titus 1:5-9.

Although there are three terms used for the offices of the church: bishop, elder, and deacon, analysis of these terms indicates that bishop and elder are used interchangeably.

Fundamentals of Christianity

Bishop

an overseer a man charged with the duty of

seeing that things to be done by others are done rightly, any curator, guardian or superintendent

the superintendent, elder, or overseer of a Christian

Fundamentals of Christianity

Elder

a term of rank or office among the Christians, those who

presided over the assemblies (or churches) The NT uses the term bishop, elders, and presbyters interchangeably

the twenty four members of the heavenly Sanhedrin or court seated on thrones around the throne of God

Fundamentals of Christianity

Deacon

to be a servant, attendant, domestic, to serve, wait upon to minister to one, render ministering offices to

to be served, ministered unto to minister i.e. supply food and necessities of life

to relieve one's necessities (e.g. by collecting alms), to provide take care of, distribute, the things necessary to sustain life

to take care of the poor and the sick, who administer the office of a deacon

in Christian churches to serve as deacons to minister

to attend to anything, that may serve another's interests

to minister a thing to one, to serve one or by supplying any thing

Fundamentals of Christianity

Minister

one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master, a servant, attendant, minister the servant of a king a deacon, one who, by virtue of the

office assigned to him by the church, cares for the poor and has charge of and distributes the money collected for their use

a waiter, one who serves food and drinkFundamentals of Christianity

Elder Qualifications

Not addicted to wine

Able to teach Respectable

Above reproach

Manage own household

Not antagonistic Prudent Uncontentious

Husband to one wife

Not a new convert

Hospitable Temperate

Free from the love of money

 

Fundamentals of Christianity

Titus 1:6-9 NKJV

Elder Duties

The elders' primary responsibilities include: Doctrine - Ensuring that the doctrine of the

church is biblical. Direction - Ensuring that the direction of the

church is consistent with the Abundant Faith & Integrity Worship Ministries statement of purpose.

Discipline - Administering in love and humility the process of church discipline as outlined in Matthew 18:15-20; Galatians 6:1-4; Titus 3:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; 1 Timothy 5:17-25; 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, and Romans 16:17.

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Plurality of Elders

The Scriptures teach that a plurality of elders governed individual New Testament churches—Acts 14:23; Acts 20:28; Titus 1:5; Philippians 1:1.

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Deacons

The Bible teaches that deacons lead by serving—Acts 6.

The qualifications for elders and deacons are the same regarding an individual's character, but they differ in aptitude.

The elders are to be able to teach while the deacons are to be able and proved as servants.

Fundamentals of Christianity

Deacon Qualifications

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1 Timothy 3:8-12 NKJV

• Individual of dignity

• Above reproach• Not double tongued

• First tested as servants

• Husband of one wife

• Temperate• Not addicted to wine

• Spouses must be faithful

• Not fond of sordid gain

• Manages household well

• Holding to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience

Five-Fold Ministry

Ephesians 4:11 NKJV; 11 And He Himself gave some to be

apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.

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Apostle

Apostles established churches (Rom. 15:17-20), exposed error (Gal. 1:6-9), and defended the truth of the gospel (Phil. 1:7,17). Some were empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform Miracles (Matt. 10:1,8) and they were to preach the gospel (Matt. 28:19,20). (www.carm.org)

Fundamentals of Christianity

Prophet

Someone who is the mouthpiece of God. He stands between God and man to communicate to man the word of God.

When the prophet spoke as the mouthpiece he was inspired and without error.

The prophet, though, is not a puppet or a mindless repeater of what he hears. Instead, he retains his own will, mind, and thoughts as he speaks for God. God would put His words in their mouths (Deut. 18:18; Jer. 1:9).

A prophet was God's servant (Zech. 1:6) and messenger (2 Chron. 36:15). (www.carm.org)

Fundamentals of Christianity

Evangelist

Someone who brings good tidings (gospel).

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Pastor

Presiding officer, manager, director, of any assembly whose care and control others have committed themselves, and whose precepts they follow

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Teacher

In the NT one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man as one who showed men the way of salvation

Fundamentals of Christianity

Next Week’s Lesson

Corporate Worship

Fundamentals of Christianity

Passion of the Christ –Series Introduction Friday February 27th 7:00 pm

A film detailing the final hours and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Fundamentals of Christianity