So far, in our Biblical Church series, we have defined the words ekklesia and church, and we have examined the roots of a biblical church. This evening we are going to look at the structure of a biblical church. Of what is a biblical church made and how is it governed?

Transition

I want us to learn what the Bible says about a church’s members, officers, and government.

Its Members

The meaning of ekklesia expects membership

  1. Ekklesia does not include all believers everywhere, but only those who are called out to a particular assembly.
  2. It only included believers who were baptised under water after salvation and added to the congregation.
    Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
  3. Membership is necessary for church discipline to work.
    Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Biblical requirements for membership

  1. A clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 2:41)
  2. Biblical baptism after salvation (Acts 2:41)
  3. Harmony with our church doctrine and practice
    Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
    2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

Its Officers

The Bible only mentions two official church officers, pastor and deacon or three if we include the evangelist. This does not forbid the election of other lower officers like clerk, treasurer, etc., but it does forbid electing higher officers.

Pastor

  1. Titles for the pastor
    1. He is called a pastor (shepherd) and teacher.
      Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Apostles and prophets no longer exist. Evangelists still work through biblical churches as travelling preachers or missionaries.
    2. He is called a bishop or overseer.
      1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
    3. He is called an elder
      1 Peter 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
    4. Elder and bishop are the same person
      Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
      Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Compare Titus 1:5 and Titus 1:7
  2. Pastoral qualifications, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9
  3. Pastors ordained or chosen
    1. By church “to vote by stretching out the hand”
      Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Also see 2Co 8:19)
    2. By missionary guidance (does not rule out a vote)
      Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
  4. Pastor’s duties include shepherding, willingly overseeing, and being an example not a dictator.
    1 Peter 5:2-3 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (I Pet 5:2-3, Tit 1:9, Ac 6:4, 2 Tim 4:2, Jas 5:14, 2 Tim 4:5,)
  5. Pastors supported and honoured
    1. a) The title “pastor” is a respectful biblical term.
      Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Used 8 times in Jeremiah, once Ephesians 4:11)
    2. b) A faithful pastor deserves honour and pay
      1 Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. (1Co 9:7-14, Heb 13:7, 17)

Deacons

  1. The title means “servant”, “minister”, or “waiter”
  2. The office probably began in Acts 6:1-6, though they were not called deacons. They were chosen by the congregation.
  3. Deacons were chosen when needed and when qualified.
  4. Their duties were to care for secular matters so the pastors could spend more time with spiritual matters. Their work was more manual and the pastor’s more mental. They never formed a “board”. They were never the pastor’s advisers or counsellors.
  5. Their qualifications, 1 Timothy 3:8-13

Its Government or Polity

Unbiblical forms of church government

  1. Many so-called churches are ruled by leaders and are formed into denominations.
    1. Autocratic – hierarchical in structure ruled by a pope with cardinals and bishop under him
    2. Episcopal – governed by bishops of the denomination
    3. Presbyterian – governed by presbyters, through synods and general assemblies of the denomination
  2. These do not follow the Bible pattern.

The Biblical form of church government
In each biblical church, Jesus Christ is the head (Eph 1:22, 5:23, Col 1:18), the Holy Spirit is the administrator (Ac 1:8, 4:31, 13:2, 20:28, Re 2:7), and the congregation governs. Biblical churches are not an organized denomination.

  1. Every member has an equal vote and the majority decides. Their decisions are final.
    Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
  2. Each congregation calls their own pastor.
    Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained [vote by raised hands] them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
  3. Each church may send or support missionaries of their own choosing.
    Acts 13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
  4. All cases of church discipline are settled by the congregation.
    Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
  5. Each church is autonomous. It has no right to control another congregation and no other congregation may control it. Each church operates separately.
  6. Each church is self-supporting. They do not depend on funds from a denomination for purchases or payment of their pastor.
  7. All church affiliation with Baptist associations is voluntary.

Conclusion

While there is much more that could be said about the structure of a biblical church, we have covered the basics. Briefly restated a biblical church consists of saved, baptised, members; its officers are pastor and deacons; and its congregation governs its own affairs. May the Lord help our church always to follow these biblical guidelines!

Song: Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord – 337

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A Biblical Church’s Structure

3 November 2013 PM – Acts 2:41 – Biblical Church – Scott Childs