10 MIKE MAZZALONGO Church Organization Review 11 of

10 MIKE MAZZALONGO Church Organization

Review • 11 of 12 Religious / Philosophical systems based on Law / Works.

Review • Christianity is the only religion where the burden for salvation rests with God not man.

Review • Christianity’s salvation systems is superior

QUESTION What is meant by “Congregational autonomy? ”

Church Organization Models: A. Roman Catholic – Roman Empire

Church Organization Models: A. Roman Catholic – Roman Empire B. Protestant – R. C. without the Pope

Church Organization Models: A. Roman Catholic – Roman Empire B. Protestant – R. C. without the Pope C. Evangelical – American Government

Church Organization Models: A. Roman Catholic – Roman Empire B. Protestant – R. C. without the Pope C. Evangelical – American Government D. Sectarian (Mormons, JWs, etc. ) – Patriarchal System

Churches of Christ • Bible = Inspiration and Authority • New Testament Christianity (Restorationism)

A New Testament Church is Comprised of: 1. Baptized believers - Acts 2: 38 -47

A New Testament Church is Comprised of: 1. Baptized believers 2. Apostles

A New Testament Church is Comprised of: 1. Baptized believers 2. Apostles 3. Prophets

A New Testament Church is Comprised of: 1. Baptized believers 2. Apostles 3. Prophets 4. Elders/Pastors/Bishops (Presbyters) (Shepherds) (Overseers)

A New Testament Church is Comprised of: 1. 2. 3. 4. Baptized believers Apostles Prophets Elders/Pastors/Bishops 5. Evangelists (Preachers/Ministers)

A New Testament Church is Comprised of: 1. 2. 3. 4. Baptized believers Apostles Prophets Elders/Pastors/Bishops 5. Evangelists 6. Deacons

A New Testament Church is Comprised of: 1. 2. 3. 4. Baptized believers Apostles Prophets Elders/Pastors/Bishops 5. Evangelists 6. Deacons 7. Teachers

All members are “saints” Not all saints have appointed roles

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; - II Timothy 3: 16

In the New Testament church each congregation is autonomous and led by its own leaders.

In the New Testament church each congregation had a plurality of elders. (Acts 20; Philippians 1: 1)

New Testament Congregational Organization: 1. Met in homes, public places – Acts 19: 9

New Testament Congregational Organization: 2. Had a variety of “appointed” roles including elders, deacons, evangelists and teachers. – I Timothy 3: 1 -14; Titus 1: 5 -16

New Testament Congregational Organization: 3. Evangelists, teachers, prophets served many congregations. – Paul and Barnabas –Agabus - Acts

New Testament Congregational Organization: 4. As the Apostles passed away and the New Testament record was completed and preserved, it replaced the Apostles and Prophets in providing the church with God’s word.

New Testament Congregational Organization: 5. This organization and approach to ministry remained in force until the third century as the Roman Catholic model displaced it.

One goal of the Restoration movement (Churches of Christ) is to restore this New Testament model for church organization and function.