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THE CHURCH AND ITS MINISTRY

ORDER AND STRUCTURE IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH

We will look at the order and structure of the church. We will see that their is NOT a strict hierarchy of power or privilege in the church, but neither is it a free-form.

PATTERNS AND PRINCIPALS

In the NT we find patterns of order and structure. We also find descriptive lists of those who serve with their responsibilities and practices. Their is order and structure to the lists but they are not uniform. We will look at a number of examples in a moment or two.

There are a few things we need to take note of first.

THE MINISTRY OF ALL BELIEVERS.

In the NT we see that the HS has given EVERY member in the church a part and place in ministry. (Acts of service). All are called to serve - how different the church would be if every member practiced this. Dr Greg Williams in his writing is emphasizing that a healthy church is one that is vibrant, alive and dynamic. This happens when all the members are involved in ministry. When that happens we will not have 20% doing all the work.

FOUNDATIONAL MINISTRY OFFICES

Though all members of the body are called to ministry, some are placed by the Spirit in the church to have a part in what can be termed, “ foundational ministries” . Those called into foundational ministry contribute to the order and structure of the body. Those called and gifted by the Holy Spirit for foundational ministries are given several designations in the NT.

Called, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, deacons, and so forth.

We will look at the order and structure of the church. We will see that their is NOT a strict hierarchy of power or privilege in the church, but neither is it a free-form.

PATTERNS AND PRINCIPALS

In the NT we find patterns of order and structure. We also find descriptive lists of those who serve with their responsibilities and practices. Their is order and structure to the lists but they are not uniform. We will look at a number of examples in a moment or two.

There are a few things we need to take note of first.

THE MINISTRY OF ALL BELIEVERS.

In the NT we see that the HS has given EVERY member in the church a part and place in ministry. (Acts of service). All are called to serve - how different the church would be if every member practiced this. Dr Greg Williams in his writing is emphasizing that a healthy church is one that is vibrant, alive and dynamic. This happens when all the members are involved in ministry. When that happens we will not have 20% doing all the work.

FOUNDATIONAL MINISTRY OFFICES

Though all members of the body are called to ministry, some are placed by the Spirit in the church to have a part in what can be termed, “ foundational ministries” . Those called into foundational ministry contribute to the order and structure of the body. Those called and gifted by the Holy Spirit for foundational ministries are given several designations in the NT.

Called, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, deacons, and so forth.