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ECCLESIOLOGYTHE STUDY OF THE CHURCH

DEFINITION

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The word "church" as rendered in the New Testament comes from the Greek term ekklesia which is formed from two Greek words meaning "an assembly" and "to call out" or "called out ones." In summary, the New Testament church is a body of believers who have been called out from the world by God to live as his people under the authority of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23).

Ekklesia appears 114 times in the New Testament. In the gospels it appears only in Matthew 16:18 and 18:17 in a prophetic sense

ASPECTS OF THE CHURCH

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• Local (visible) church

• Group of believers identified as a local assembly

• Without a building, they met in homes (Rom. 16:5; Philemon 1:2)

• Came together for worship, prayer, fellowship and instruction (Acts 2:42–47; 4:31, 1 Cor. 11:18)

• The result was that people were continually being saved (Acts 2:47)

ASPECTS OF THE CHURCH

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• Universal (invisible) Church

• He promised to build it (Matt 16:18)

• The Body for whom Christ died (Eph 5:24; Acts 20:28)

• He is the Head and gives it direction (Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:18)

FORMATION OF THE CHURCH

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• Future in Matt 16:18

• Church began at Pentecost

• Began in Acts Chapter 2 (Read)

FIGURES OF THE CHURCH

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Body: illustrates unity and universality. Christ is the Head (Eph 1:22-23) Who gives diversity of gifts (members- jews or gentiles)

(1 Cor 12:13) and gifted leaders and Ministers (Eph 4:11-16).Bride (Eph 5:23) Illustrates the great affect of Christ and the exalted

position of the Church.Building: Foundation laid by apostles (Ephesians 2:19-20); Each piece

is fitted together (2:21); Grows as under construction (1 Pet 2:5)Priesthood: 1 Pet 2:9; As priests we can intercede with boldness

(Heb 4:14-16) and be dedicated to serviceFlock: Relationship of trust and fellowship (Jn 10:26-27; Acts 20:28;

1 Pet 5:3). Branches: Christ is the vine, believers are the branches in Jn 15:1-

16, which shows vital union with Christ

GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH

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CHURCH IS ORDAINED BY GOD 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11-12

THEOCRACY IS GOD’S FORM OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT The form of church government given in God’s Word is a

THEOCRACY. It is God ruling His people through God-called Holy Ghost ministry.

TWO EXTREMES IN CHURCH GOVERNMENT

Rule of the People – Democratic

Rule of the Priesthood - TotalitarianA THEOCRACY is a balance between these two extremes. The pastor is recognized as the

head of the church ordained by God and through whom God may lead His people. It does not make the pastor a lord over God.s heritage, but rather a spiritual father, a shepherd of the flock, a leader of the people of God. ( 1 Chronicles 16:22, 1 Tim. 5:1)

GOVERNMENT OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

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Episcopal: led by episkopos, “bishop” (Methodists, Anglican, Lutheran, Catholic). Arose in 2nd cent, based on image of James and Timothy/Titus

Presbyterian: led by presbuteros, “elder”, (Presbyterian and Reform) elected representatives of congregation with one teaching elder (1 Tim 5:17) and Acts 11:30; 15:2, 4; 20:17

Congregational: led by consensus opinion based on two principles: autonomy and democracy (Baptist, Bible, Congregational, Independent). Based on Priesthood of all believers, congregations elected deacons (Acts 6:1-6) and elders (Acts 14:23); church decided on discipline (1 Cor 5:12; 2 Cor 2:6-7); sent out missionaries (Acts 11:22), etc.

SPECIAL SERVICES IN THE CHURCH

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Water Baptism1. This service may be conducted at any time, night or day, whenever there is a candidate to baptize.

2. The minister should counsel with the candidate and explain fully the meaning of baptism, the manner of baptism, and question the candidate

Funeral ServiceThe funeral service itself should be simple, brief, and orderly. The purpose of the service is to calm and soothe the bereaved and to point them to Jesus Christ. Experience has proved that Scripture can bring great comfort. Next to scripture reading is prayer.

SPECIAL SERVICES IN THE CHURCH

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CHILD DEDICATIONIs a commitment of the parents to raise the child according to God's Word and submit him or her to God's will. It is also a commitment on the part of the church to support the parents and child in the process. Child dedication is consistent with Biblical principles to dedicate your child in the church/temple (1 Samuel 1:11,27 and Luke 2:22).

The WeddingOne of the most beautiful and joyful occasions that a minister of the church has the privilege of being a part of is the Christian wedding. The pastor must receive his appointment as a marriage officer and be authorized by the government to perform marriages.

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

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ARTICLE IV OF OUR CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS

MEMBERSHIP

SECTION I – This Church shall receive members in the following manner: 1.Upon profession of Faith in Jesus Christ and undergoing water baptism for believers; 2.By letter of recommendation from another church of like faith; or 3.By oral statement of the former Pastor when obtaining a letter of recommendation is not possible.

CHURCH DISCIPLINE

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JESUS GAVE US THE RIGHT STEPS TO TAKE FOR CHURCH DISCIPLINE – Matthew 18:15-17

•Privately: The pastor should first pray much about the matter and thendeal with the offender personally in the spirit of love. The whole matter should be kept as quiet as possible.

•Before the church board of elders or deacons: When the offending member will not listen to the pastor personally, he then can bring him before the church board of elders or deacons.

•Publicly: This is, of course, to be used only as the last resort. If he still refuses to repent, confess his wrong, and do right, there is only one thing that can be done. With aching heart, the pastor can disfellowship him. To be effective, this should be the act of the whole assembly. Caution and great wisdom are needed.

CHURCH FINANCING

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• The pastor receives all and finances all. He shoulders all responsibility and pays all debts. In this case, no report is needed. This method is used in the pioneering stage of establishing churches, and should not be followed once the church is established.

• Pastor receives all tithes for his own reward and all offerings should be handled in an understood manner and a regular report given to the church. This method is good in a self-supporting but small assembly.

• All tithes and offerings go into the church treasury with yearly auditing and report. From this treasury the pastor receives reward by either (a) a agreed salary (b) a stated percentage of the tithes.

FUNCTIONS OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

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Worship Proskuneo, proskuneo, which means “to bow down” Latreuo, latreuo, has a basic meaning of “priestly service” of sacrifice (Rom

12:1) Sbomai, sbomai, means “to reverence or fear God” (1 Tim. 2:10; 5:4; 2 Pet. 1:3;

3:11)Instruction: for maturity (2 Tim. 3:16–17); remedy to false doctrine (1

Tim. 1:3); produces love (1 Tim. 1:5); spiritual nourishment (1 Tim. 4:6); godliness (1 Tim. 4:6–16); submission (1 Tim. 5:17; 6:2); and a proper focus on life (1 Tim. 6:17). in order to reproduce himself (2 Tim. 2:2; cf. 1 Tim. 4:14, 16; 6:20).

Fellowship– koinonia: “sharing, participate”. Acts 2:42, sharing of goods(Ro 15:26); prayer (Acts 4:24-31)

Ministry: evangelism and mutual service (“one another”)Organization: Leadership responsible were elders and deaconsOrdinances: Baptism and Lord’s Supper

LEADERS OF THE LOCAL CHURCH:ELDERS – PASTORS AND DEACONSLEADERS OF THE LOCAL CHURCH:ELDERS – PASTORS AND DEACONS

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• Terms used:• Presbyters, presbuteros, 69 times in NT, “mature”– dignity of office

• Overseer, episkopos, 6 times in NT, “watch over”– function of office

• Deacons, diaconos, “minister” or “servant”

• Qualifications: 15 qualities (1 Tim 3:1-7; Tit 1:5-9)• Character, Family, Relationships, Ministry capable, Maturity

• Duties. The duties of the elder involve shepherding the flock (Acts 20:28), teaching (1 Tim. 3:2), ruling or general leadership (1 Tim. 5:17), and guarding against error (Tit. 1:9). Material obligations (Acts 6:1-6)

• Number. A plurality of elders is mentioned frequently (Acts 14:23; Phil. 1:1; Tit. 1:5), though one is leader or spokesman (Acts 15).

TWO “ORDINANCES” OF THE CHURCH TWO “ORDINANCES” OF THE CHURCH

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Water Baptism : obligated practice (Mt 28:19) which means IDENTIFICATION (Ro 6:4-5)

Views of baptism:1. Means of saving grace2. Sign and seal of covenant3. Symbol of our salvation

Mode of baptism1. Immersion from baptizo, “to dip, immerse” which best visualizes Rom 6 2. No Infant baptism

Communion or Lord’s Supper Memorial view: Elements are figurative only, objects to provoke an image of Christ’s real sacrifice.

The focus is memory (1 Cor 11:25-26); proclaiming His death (11:26)

Catholics have held to seven sacraments: baptism, the Eucharist (Lord’s Supper), confirmation, penance, extreme unction, holy orders, and marriage.

PURPOSES OF THE CHURCH

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Evangelism: a going to others with good news (Mt 28:19), practiced by all (Acts 8:4), resulting in many believers (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14; 8:12)

Fellowship: commitment to believers in church (Ro 12:5, 10, 16; 13:8) in unity (Acts 2:46; 4:31)

Teaching: essential to edification and maturity (Acts 11:26; 15:35; 2 Ti 2:2; He 5:12)

Worship: To love God with all, heart, soul, mind (Mt 22:37); church prayed (Ac 12:5); read Scripture (Ac 4:24); Singing (Eph 5:19)

Service to others: 41 commands are to be done to “one another”; spiritual gifts give purpose (1 Co 12-14)

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