The Organization of the Church
I. Some temporary positions or functions in
the church
A. Apostles - Rom. 16:7; 1 Cor. 9:5-6;
15:5-7; 2 Cor. 8:23; 11:5, 13; Phil. 2:25
1. An
apostle was one who was sent, so in a broad sense, many in the early church
were apostles. The word "missionary" is quite similar in meaning.
2. A more limited sense of "apostle" would be in reference to the twelve, sometimes the apostle Paul being considered equivalent - Mt. 10:2; 2 Cor. 12:12; Gal. 1:1; Rev. 21:4
3. In
the more limited sense of the word "apostle," what were some
distinctive features of an apostle's ministry or work which means that no one
alive today can fulfill this role? Acts 1:2, 8, 21-26; 2 Cor. 12:12
4. While
we do not have living apostles in the church today, we still have apostles
through their teaching which is contained within the New Testament. This means
that we can still be "apostolic" in that we continue to follow after
the teaching of those specially chosen by Christ who were witnesses to his
resurrection - Acts 2:42.
5. In
what way was Christ an "apostle" and an example for his apostles?
B. Prophets
- 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 2:20; 4:11
1. What
was the ministry of New Testament prophets? Acts 11:27-28; 1 Cor. 14; 1 Pet.
1:10-12
2. Why
are prophets considered as a temporary ministry or function?
3. Just
because we do not have living prophets alive today who are inspired by the Holy
Spirit, does that mean we have no prophetic guidance for the church today?
4. In
what way was Christ a "prophet" and an example for his prophets?
II. Some permanent or enduring positions or
functions in the church
A. Leaders, overseers or shepherds
1. What
different names or titles were used for these leaders? What were their duties
and responsibilities? 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; Phil. 1:1; Acts
20:28; Eph. 4:11; 1 Thess. 5:12; Heb. 13:17
2. In
what ways was Christ as a shepherd an example for his shepherds? 1 Pet. 5:4;
Jn. 10:1-18
B. Teachers, preachers, evangelists
1. Eph.
4:11; 1 Tim. 4:6, 11-16; 6:2; 2 Tim. 2:2; 3:10-4:5; Tit. 2:4
2. What
other position or function did some teachers hold in the New Testament church?
3. In
what ways were women involved in the role of teaching? What are the chief
responsibilities of teachers? Jas. 3
4. In
what ways was Christ as a teacher an example for his teachers?
C. Servants
1. 1
Pet. 4:11; Rom. 12:7; 16:6, 12; 1 Tim. 3:8-13; Phil. 1:1; 4:2-3
2. In what ways were women involved in the role
of serving? It is a disputed question as to whether or not some women received
appointment or recognition for special ministries within the church. If they
did, what two categories are the most likely in this regard? Rom. 16:1-2; 1
Tim. 3:11 (compare translations); 1 Tim. 5:3-16. What limitations were placed
on the ministry of women in the early church? 1 Cor. 14:33-35; 1 Tim. 2:9-14
3. What
are some of the specific types of service found in the New Testament?
4. In
what ways was Christ as a servant an example for his servants? Mk. 10:45; Acts
10:38
III. Conclusion
A. What overall goal was the organization
of the early church trying to attain? How is this sort of organization
adaptable to a variety of cultures over the centuries? Eph. 4:11-13
B. Memory verse - Eph. 4:11