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THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH

Lesson 3

l. JESUS IS THE HEAD (Eph. 1: 22)

A. He has "all" authority (Matt. 28:19-20)

	I.	Prophet (Jesus) (Deut. 18:15).
	2.	Priest (Jesus) (Heb. 7:17, 21, 28).
	3.	King (Jesus) (Rev. 17:14).

II. ELDERS-TO EXPEDITE CHRIST'S WORK,TOO OVERSEE,                 TO SHEPHERD, TO PASTOR

A. Number of elders

	I .	Plurality (Acts 14:23; Acts 15:2, 4, 6; Titus 1:5).
	2.	Each congregation governs self (1 Cor. 4:17).
	3.	Elders' outreach-their flock (Acts 20:17, 28).

B. Their Work

	I.	Watchman (Heb. 13:17; Ezek. 3:16-21).
	2.	Mature the congregation (Eph. 4:11-16).
	3.	Discipline the congregation (1 Thess. 5:12-15).
	4.	Shepherd (1 Pet. 5: 1-3; Acts 20:28).
	5.	Pray for the sick (James 5:13-18).

C. Our responsibility to them is to esteem them highly in love (1 Thess.5:12, 13; and to be subject to them (Heb. 13-.17).

D. Qualification......1Tim 3:1-7   &   Titus 1: 5-9

Ill. DEACONS-SERVANTS OF THE CONGREGATION

A. Appointed to take care of some business to be accomplished (Acts           6:3).

B. Qualifications were set forth (Acts 6:3) & (1Tim 3: 8-13).

C. Appointed to task (Acts 6:3, 5-6).

IV. PREACHER - EVANGELIST, MINISTER

A. Greek-KERUX, a herald of the king (1 Tim. 2:7).                                             Greek-EVANGELISTES-bringer of good tidings.

B. The preacher's work.

	1.	Evangelize-win souls-be a personal worker.
	2.	Edify the local church (Eph. 4:11-16).
	3.	Defend the faith (I Tim. 1:3; Titus 1:10-13).
	4.	Train preachers and teachers (2 Tim. 2:2).
	5.	Pray (Acts 6:1-6).

C. Preachers are not pastors unless they also serve as one of the elders of the local church.

D. All christians should be a miniater in some way.

Mission of the Church

I.    Local Mission

A. Personal evangelism by individuals (Acts 8; Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 16).

	1.	By Iife (2 Cor. 3:2).
	2.	In home (1 Peter 3:1-4).
	3.	Jesus did personal work (Jno. 3).

B. Why do personal work?

	I .	Value of a soul (Matt. 16:26)
	2.	The church is one generation away from apostacy (2 Tim. 2:2).
	3.	Christ's religion is teaching and learning (2 Tim. 4:2).
	4.	Because of joy, comfort, and blessings of Christian life (Eph. 1:3).
	5.	Because of coming judgment.
	6.	The world was evangelized in the first century by Christians like you and me.

II. Foreign Mission

A. Matt. 28:19-20 (Disciple every nation)

B. Points under local mission apply to every person in the world (Rom.           10: 14; Acts 17:30).

Ill. Benevolence (Matt. 4:23-24).

A. Help the sick (Matt. 25:36).

	1.	Hospital visitation.
	2.	Blood bank program.

B. Feed the hungry (Matt. 25:36)

	1.	Supply food to needy families (committee)
	2.	Homes For Fatherless

C. Clothe those in need (Matt. 25:36).

	1.	Clothes room
	2.	Children's Home (James 1:27) D. Foster child program.
	3.	Furniture for burn outs

IV. Edification (Matt. 28:20).

A. Bible classes

	I .	Bible Study for all ages
	2.	Ladies' classes
	3.	New Christian class
	4.	TLC program

B. Worship (Jno. 4:23-24).

C. Pulpit preaching

D. Home visits to encourage members and non-members

CONCLUSION: The church is not a democracy. It is a monarchy-Christ is our King. Elders lead us as they carry out the work that God has laid down for the church to do. The church recognizes God's appointed organization as we strive for the holy ideal life set forth in the scriptures. Such a body is the church of Christ today, having the same features laid down by the apostles guided by the Holy Spirit.

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