June 15, 2008

What We Believe
About the Church: Church Structure
Steve Lane

A. Introduction/Review

Hosea 4: 6 My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge.

Pragmatism: If it works it must be good; if it doesn't work it must be bad.

1 Timothy 3: 14 - 15
2 Timothy 4: 3 - 4

What is the church?

You have taken on a new purpose with a new power and a new joy.
Are you leaving a trail of those into whom you've invested your life and the gospel?

B. Structure and Organization of the Church

1. Introduction: God's Word :: Authority Acts 17: 11
Colossians 3: 16
Acts 2: 42
Ephesians 2: 20
2. The body is a living organism -- not an organization. 1 Corinthians 12: 12,27
Acts 2: 41
Colossians 2: 19
3. Goal Matthew 28: 18
Ephesians 3: 21
Acts 2: 47
4. Holy Spirit-powered Acts 1: 8
1 Thessalonians 1: 5

I. Jesus Christ
1. Jesus is Head of the Church Ephesians 1: 22
Colossians 1: 18

II. Apostles and Prophets
1. Foundation builders Ephesians 2: 20
Offices [given to the church] Ephesians 4: 11 - 13
2. Direct revelation Ephesians 3: 5
3. Unique rulers Luke 22: 28 - 30
Acts 1: 21 - 22
1 Corinthians 12: 12

III. Elders ( Ephesians 4: 11 Shepherd (poimen))
1. Overseers
Bishop, elder (episko), shepherd (presbuteros) 1 Peter 5: 1 - 2
Acts 20: 28 - 31
2. Plurality
An office within an office of teaching/shepherding Acts 14: 23
Acts 20: 17
Philippians 1: 1
1 Timothy 5: 17
Titus 1: 5
Ephesians 4: 11
2 Timothy 2: 2
3. * Unanimous Philippians 2: 1,13
Acts 6: 5
Acts 15: 22
4. Equippers / Disciple makers Ephesians 4: 12 - 13
Colossians 1: 28
Matthew 28: 18
5. * A primary focus Acts 6: 4
6. Some are paid 1 Timothy 5: 17
7. Accountable to God first. Body also. 1 Timothy 5: 19 - 21
James 3: 1
Acts 20: 28
8. Authority Hebrews 13: 17
1 Timothy 5: 17
9. Must qualify 1 Timothy 3: 1 - 7
Titus 1: 5 - 9
10. * Elders appointed Acts 14: 23
1 Corinthians 12: 28
11. Empower each part of the body. Ephesians 4: 11 - 16
12. Shepherd the flock 1 Peter 5: 2
Acts 20: 28
1 Thessalonians 5: 12
Colossians 1: 28
It takes passionate spirituality.
Is God first in everything?
Is your prayer time inspiring?
Titus 2: 9 - 14 True leadership is found in giving yourself in service to others.

Spiritual Leadership - "Knowing where God wants His people to be and taking the initiative to get them there by God's means in reliance on God's power."