New Testament Church Government by Bro Dale

New Testament
Church Government
 A Comprehensive Bible Study On             New Testament Elders

Contact Information:

Bro Dale & Sis Debbie Rude

2300 Ridge Road

Springfield, Ohio 45502

Phone: (937) 324-0889

E-Mail: Back2theBible@aol.com

Bro Joe & Sis Joanne Coons
2628 Merritt St
Springfield, Ohio 45503

Phone: (937) 399-7614

E-Mail: JJCoons@sbcglobal.net

Opening Comments

First introduced to this concept in June, 2001

–        Early Church of God Reformation Movement book

–        Initially dismissed, but the seed was planted

We readily acknowledge that the conclusion of this study is different than what we are accustomed to

–        Some differences are in terminology, some are in the subject matter and overall concept

–        We ask that you judge this study not by it differences to the present, but by its scriptural merits and the spirit in which it is given

Attempt to build this study by line upon line, precept upon precept

–        Logical pattern flow, five part series

Some definitive comments will be made

–        Not our intent or desire to hurt or injure any person

–        We too believed differently before this study

Some comments, if taken out of context might seem radical

–        The whole study must be considered to properly understand

Introduction

                The Standard for the New Testament Church is the New Testament Church as described in the books of Acts through Revelation

                From the time of the great apostasy, God has incrementally revealed truth that is a restoration of what was lost during the apostasy and Dark Ages

–        Examples: Justification, Sanctification, & Unity

Dark and Cloudy Day

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Proverbs 4:18

“But it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.” – Zec 14:7

Progression of Revealed Truth

Characteristics of the “True Church”

“Disposition to obey all Scripture and to let the Spirit have His way and rule.  This constitutes her safety in matters of doctrine and government.”

“An attitude receptive to any further truth and light.  This safeguards against dogmatism and a spirit of infallibility and intolerance, against interpreting Christianity in the light of traditions and old ideas.”  -- Andrew L Byers, Birth of a Reformation

                “Any tendency to establish traditions, or to regard a past course as giving direction in all respects for the future… and bar the door of progress against the entrance of further light and truth…would itself be sectarian” -- Andrew L Byers, Birth of a Reformation

    Tradition is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, obstacle to the progression of truth

“Don’t rock the Boat”

”It’s Always Been This Way”

No….It has not “always been this way.”

Women: Notice the dress length, sleeve length, collar height, color of clothes, hairstyles, etc…

This study will be an introduction of a church government concept that is somewhat new to us, but not new to the New Testament church

We will refer to this governing concept as a “model” – by this we mean a replica of the New Testament church

 In this initial study, we will only be addressing the scriptural & historical facts surrounding this governing model

–        The practical implementation of this governing model requires that the elders and congregation prayerfully work together, which would follow this initial study phase

We ask that careful consideration be given to this entire study before judging this governing model as either truth or error

Problem Statement

   History repeatedly shows that when a leader errs; the congregation usually follows in that error as well.

                               

   Let’s look at some recent examples…

Legalism –

Church of God, Restoration (Founded by Danny Layne)

                               

                “Regardless of what Daniel Layne said {that the Church of God, Restoration is congregationally structured}, here he seemed to indicate it was a hierarchical thing.” - Judge Moynihan, Whatcom County Superior Court, State of Washington, July 26, 2001

Pastoral Influences

Family members and personal friends

Congregation members

Financial considerations

Pastoral Authority Abused

Fear Tactics Employed

–        Intimidation and manipulation

Dictatorship

–        “One man calls all the shots”

–        “The buck stops here”

Power leads to Pride

Kingship – Empire Building

–        Sectarian spirits

Substitutional advocate between God and man

Hierarchy Class Distinction

Suppression of Spiritual Gifts – Reserved for the “Ministry”

Clearly,          

We Have A

Chronic Problem!

Part 1, New Testament Church Government

How was the New Testament Church of God Governed?

Part 1, New Testament Church Leadership

A Look at NT Ministry Gifts

Words of Jesus & Early Church Elders

A Look at Elders

Ordination of Elders

   “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: … Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.”

                                                                                                -- Isaiah 9:6-7

A Look at New Testament Ministry Gifts

Definition of the Term “Minister”

Traditional: One who is authorized to perform religious functions in a Christian church, especially a Protestant church.

–        Roman Catholic Church. The superior in certain orders.

Biblical: To attend and serve the needs of others; To afford supplies; to give things needful; to supply the means of relief; to relieve.

The focus of ministering is not a position, but rather an action

1Cor 12:1, 28 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not
have you ignorant…And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Eph 4:8,11  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men…And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.

First (1^st), second (2^nd) and third (3^rd) reference does not refer to prioritized or hierarchical positions, but rather to a sequence of events

Lets take a look at the “ministry gifts”

Apostles

The first twelve ministers chosen by Jesus Christ to be the first propagators of his kingdom among the lost sheep of the house of Israel were called apostles.

    “And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles”

                                                     --Luke 6:13

The gift of apostleship

Men who were specially endued with the various gifts of the Spirit, which qualified them to enter new fields of labor and plant the truth, plant churches.

They were gifted so that they could confirm and establish such assemblies in faith, truth, and holiness, and lead them into the various gifts necessary to make their local work effectual. 

We have clear proof of at least twenty who possessed the gift of apostleship in the early church. It is evident from a careful reading of the New Testament that there were many more in whom the gift of apostleship was manifested.

                Has the gift of apostleship been withdrawn from the body of Christ today?

Quote from early Church of God Pioneer

    “Were there to be elders in the church in these last days qualified with the gifts to do the work of apostles? Yes.  "Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her."  Rev. 18: 20. Down in this evening time when Babylon falls there were to be apostles who would rejoice over her downfall. “ -- The Cleansing of the Sanctuary, by H. M. Riggle & D. S. Warner

The gift of prophesy

One aspect of a prophet’s calling was foretelling events. (Ex: Agabus in Acts 11: 27, 28 )

A gift enabling one to be able to unraveled deep mysteries of truth and impart knowledge to the listener. Those who possessed this gift were able to interpret prophecy by the Spirit of God. (Ex: I Cor. 13)

To speak forth the Word of God with the anointing of the Spirit of God

                Has the gift of prophesy been withdrawn from the body of Christ today?

Quote from early Church of God Pioneer

   “Since we have returned in these last days to the mount of holiness and truth, the spirit of prophecy is again manifest among his ministry. We sit with awe and listen to God's prophets as they unravel the mysteries of prophecy and revelation.” -- The Cleansing of the Sanctuary, by H. M. Riggle & D. S. Warner

The gift of teaching

The gift of teaching was the ability to impart knowledge to the listener and was  required for both local and traveling elders, i.e. pastors and evangelists (A bishop must be… “apt to teach” 1Tim 3:2)

Unlike preaching, which was generally for the benefit of sinners to see their need of repentance, the gift of teaching was given for the edification of the body of Christ.

The gift of teaching was primarily for the purpose of establishing (perfecting, equipping) the saints for the work of their own individual ministries, and for the overall edification of the body of Christ.

Comparison of Preaching and Teaching

Ex: John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. --Mark 1:4

Ex: Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. - Luke 11:1

Elders who were gifted teachers were classified into two categories; traveling and local

   Evangelists provide continuity between churches in different locations

The gift of evangelism

The ability to labor among churches already established, to stir up the spirit of revival among them, and to water the saints —refresh them.

Ex: The real work of an evangelist is seen in I Cor. 3:6: "I {Paul} have planted {apostle}, Apollos watered {evangelized}, but God gave the increase."

    Evangelist denoted a function rather than an office (position); there was little difference between the day to day traveling activities of apostleship and of evangelism. All the apostles did the work of an evangelist, but not all evangelists had the gift of apostleship.

The gifts of pastoring and teaching

The responsibilities of pastors and teachers were feeding the local church, ministering to the local body of Christ the word of life, providing the oversight, caring for the little ones, and protecting them from the impositions of the devil through heresy of false teachers.

The gifts of pastoring and teaching were not the same, but were closely interrelated.

                The distinction between the two gifts, teachers & pastors, is made in Rom. 12:6-8

    "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth {pastoring elder, bishop}, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. "

Gifts and Talents

Gifts are given by God through the Spirit

–        God-given gifts edify the body of Christ and bring glory to God

Talents are abilities that are developed by personal choice and practice

–        These must be given completely to God for His use

–        We should never use talents to glorify self

Summary of Ministry Gifts

Given to the church to edify the body collectively

For the perfecting of the saints to carry out their own ministry

To bring mankind into a loving and personal relationship with God so that he may know and understand the character of God

  “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”                                                          -- Rom 11:29

Hard Questions to Answer

Where are all of these ministry gifts today in the body of Christ, i.e., apostleship, prophecy, etc…?

Is it possible that the existing governmental system has contributed to the suppression or loss of such ministering gifts?

   A look at the equality and humility of the early church, as outlined by Jesus and Peter

                Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.  And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand {position}, and the other on the left {position}, in thy kingdom… And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. -- Matt 20:20-21, 24

–        "They had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest." -- Mark 9:34

The Words of Jesus

    “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes {title} of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them {position}, and they that are great {title} exercise authority upon them {position}. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.”

Matthew 20:25-27

The Words of Jesus

    “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat {position}… But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts {position}, and the chief seats in the synagogues {position}, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi {title}. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth {title}: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters {title}: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”

                                                                -- Matt 23:2-12

Can We See Eye-to-Eye Today?

The Words of Peter

    “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: 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… Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder {older ones}. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” – 1 Peter 5:1-5

“It shall not be so among you” - Jesus

“All ye are brethren” - Jesus

“All of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility”- Peter

A Look at Elders

Elders

Bishops, Overseers

Pastors

Elder

G4245 Πρεσβύτερος (presbuteros)

pres-boo'-ter-os

Jewish: (elderly); older; as noun, a senior

Christian: “presbyter”: person who is mature in faith and sound in wisdom

Elder

Used 69 times in the New Testament

“Apostles and elders” used frequently….

–        And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. -- Acts 15:6

Multiple elders per city

–        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. -- Titus 1:5

Elder

Multiple elders per local church

–        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. -- Acts 14:23

–        Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church. -- James 5:14

    “One elder may excel in one area and the other elders may seek his guidance in humbleness. But in another area that same elder who was sought out before may seek the guidance of another elder. God may raise up someone new to the eldership and he may be very gifted in an area that another elder previously stood out. The older elder should be humble enough to praise God for His providing to the congregation the giftedness it needs to function and be able to humbly learn from this new elder.” -- REDISCOVERING THE PAST by Patrick J. Brennan

Quote from Polycarp, an elder at Smyrna   

    "Let the presbyters (elders) be compassionate and merciful to all, bringing back those that wander, visiting all the sick, and not neglecting the widow, the orphan, or the poor, but always providing for that which is becoming in the sight of God and of man; abstaining from all wrath, respect of persons, and unjust judgment; keeping far off from all covetousness, not quickly crediting an evil report against any one, not severe in judgment.“ -- Polycarp

Ordination of Elders

    The practice of ordaining elders after churches had been established was the standard in Paul's missionary journeys.

     In Acts we read that after Paul and his companions had evangelized Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra (13:13-14:20), they later returned to those cities (14:21), encouraged and strengthened the churches (14:22), and ordained elders (14:23).

Ordination of Elders

Paul and Timothy, with the help of some others, had started the Church of God at Philippi. Years later they could write and address the church as follows:

"Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons" --Philippians 1:1

Evidently this church had reached the stage of maturity and had been placed into the hands of qualified local elders, i.e., the bishops (overseers).

The Source of Elders’ Authority

                “It is a fact, that the Spirit of God never appeals to our human ordination as the source of authority to teach the Word of God, admonish the erring, and rebuke the subverted, and thus rule, and “take care of the Church of God;” but such services flow naturally from the inner light and power of God, the blessed anointing of the Spirit.” -- D. S. Warner, Elders and Deacons, Aug 15, 1886

Part 1, New Testament Church Leadership Summary

A Look at NT Ministry Gifts

Words of Jesus & Early Church Elders

A Look at Elders

Ordination of Elders

Part 2, Deacons, Bishops, and Pastors

Part 2, Deacons, Bishops & Pastors

Two Offices in the NT Church

–        The Office of Deacon

–        The Office of Bishop

The Gift of Pastoring

Pastors in the Old Testament

New Testament Gift of Pastors

Leaders of the Local Church

Offices in the NT Church

Bishop

Deacon

Romans 12:4,6 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office…Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us.

Office - Strong's 4234, praxis; practice, i.e. an act; by extension a function: — deed, office, work.

The Office of Deacon

G1247 διακονέω (diakoneō)

To be an attendant, that is, wait upon;  minister unto, serve

Those who ministered in the temporal affairs of the church were officially termed "deacons."

Qualifications for a Deacon

    "Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." -- 1 Tim. 3: 8-13

The office of a deacon was a separate office from that of elders.

–        Deacons were also ordained (Acts 6:6)

Some deacons also ministered in the Word, as did Stephen at Jerusalem.

 Today, we typically call them “Trustees”

   Biblically speaking, women may serve as a Deaconess, as did Sister Phebe of Cenchrea

The Office of Bishop

G1984 ἐπισκοπή  (episkopē)

Appears to have roots among the Gentile nations

Means to be an overseer, to provide oversight

Qualifications for a Bishop

    “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” – 1 Tim 3:2-7

Qualifications for a Bishop, cont

    “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: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” -- Titus 1:5-9

Bishop

“Episkope”, including its various forms, is  found eleven (11) times in the NT. Five (5) times it is translated as “bishop”

–        visitation (2), overseers (1), oversight (1), bishoprick (1), looking diligently (1)

Multiple bishops per church

–        Philippians 1:1  Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.

–        Obey them that have the rule over you -- Heb 13:17

Bishop

Jesus is referred to as the “Shepherd and Bishop” of our souls

–        1Peter 2:25  For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

A Deeper Look at 1 Tim 3:1

  This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

Other Translations

Faithful is the Word: If anyone reaches out to overseership, he desires a good work. (MKJV)

Stedfast is the word: If any one the oversight doth long for, a right work he desireth; (YLT)

This saying is trustworthy: The one who would an elder be, A noble task desires he. (ISV)

This is a statement that can be trusted: If anyone sets his heart on being a bishop, he desires something excellent. (GW)

Bishop Summary

The “office of bishop” is described in Greek with the word episkope, which is used to describe a responsibility (to provide oversight). The “job description” of this office is expressed with the word episkopos (an overseer).

The Gift of Pastoring

                Pastors are absolutely essential to the body of Christ.

                The church can only successfully function when all of the ministering gifts are in operation, including the gift of pastoring.

Can anyone name the Pastor of the church of God at Corinth? ….. Philippi? ….. Thessalonica? …… Rome? …. Colosse?... Antioch?

   How many times is the word “pastor” found in the New Testament (KJV)?

Answer:

   We refer commonly today to the Pastor in making reference to a particular congregation, i.e., … Bro Smith’s congregation, Bro Jones’s congregation, Bro John Doe’s congregation. etc…

Even Pastors innocently refer to the local congregation as “my people”

–        “I tell my people back home…”

The expression “my people” is reserved for God.

–        God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. – 2 Cor 6:16

Pastor

   The gift of pastors is used in conjunction with “teachers”

–        Eph 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers

–        1Cor 12:28  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, …

   These references are to gifts, not positions to be vacated and filled, i.e., a teacher is a teacher because he has been given the ability (gift) to teach. The focus is on the verb (action, his teaching), not the noun (person or title).

The expression; “Apostle Paul” cannot be found in the Bible.

When referring to Paul, the scriptures refer to him as; “Paul, an apostle”

“Pastor Jones”, “Elder Smith”, “Deacon Johnson”, “Prophet Mills”, “Evangelist Edwards”, “Bishop Fox”, “Saint Peter” are misuses of titles

“Reverend Ray”, “Doctor Dave”, “Father Frank” are similar abuses of titles

1Tim 3:1  This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good ……….???  Position? Title? 

                                                No, he desireth a good work.

    A pastor is not a pastor because of his position or title, but rather because of his gifting, i.e., his gifted ability to feed, minister to, provide oversight, care for, protect the local flock.

Pastors in the Old Testament

All references to pastors are found in Jeremiah

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. -- Jer 3:15

–        Other references to pastors tend to be negative

Since the gift of pastoring existed in the OT, clearly it is more than a NT position in the Church

–        It was a responsibility similar to that of a shepherd

New Testament Gift of Pastors

G4166

Ποιμήν,  poimēn

Noun - A comparative expression; one that tends to or gives care for a local flock (congregation), that is, pasture it; used with the sense of metaphor as a shepherd: make friendship with.

Translated as both “pastor” and “shepherd”

New Testament Gift of Pastors

G4165

 ποιμαίνω, poimaino

Verb - To tend a flock as a shepherd; to feed, to pasture and to rule

Translated as both “feed” and “rule”

The Greek word “poimēn” is translated as “pastors” only once in the New Testament (KJV), Eph 4:11.

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers”

There are 18 instances in the N.T. of the Greek word “poimēn” being used.

–        It is singular in 13 instances. All other uses are in the plural.

The singular uses are as follows:
Matthew 9:36, 25:32, 26:31, Mark 6:34, 14:27, John 10:2, 10:11 (used twice), 10:12, 10:14, 10:16, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25

In these verses, “poimēn” does not refer to a shepherd as one who is over a congregation (i.e. as a pastor). They are general metaphors, often used as Jesus being our Shepherd.

Examples of Jesus as Shepherd

I am the good shepherd. --John 10:11

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. -- John 10:16

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant. -- Heb 13:20

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. -- 1Pet 2:25

The plural uses are as follows:
Luke 2:8, 2:15, 2:18, 2:20

These verses all refer to the literal shepherds who were present during the birth of Christ.

The only other plural use is in Ephesians 4:11.

–        Eph 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers

   As pastoring is a ministering gift given to the church, as is teaching, evangelizing, prophesying, etc… can we find any restriction in the New Testament that limits this gift to only one person in a local congregation?

Now, here comes a key observation…

We will attempt to show that the office of a bishop (episkope) and elder (presbuteros) are sometimes interchangeable expressions and that bishops are overseers (episkopos) of congregations and they are also gifted by the Spirit of God as pastors (poimen), i.e. one who feeds, tends, cares for.

Bishop & Elder Used Interchangeably

                For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders (presbuteros) in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop (episkopos) must be blameless,…     

                                                                                --Titus 1:5-7

Leaders of the Local Church

And from Miletus he {Paul} sent to Ephesus, and called the elders {presbuteros} of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them…. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers {episkopos}, to feed {poimaino} the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

                                                                                                - Act 20:17, 28

Leaders of the Local Church

    The elders {presbuteros} which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, … Feed {poimaino} the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight {episkopeō} 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.

                                                                                                - 1 Peter 5:1-3

“Three in one”

“Elder” refers to their maturity and wisdom

“Bishop” refers to their duty and responsibility to provide oversight

“Pastor” refers to their God-given gift to feed and to tend the flock

General oversight of a local congregation

All elders are to be in submission one to another (1 Peter 5:5)

All elders are equal and on the same level (Matt 23:8, Matt 20;25-26)

All elders are contributing members to the spiritual oversight of the congregation

However, all elders are not equal in their gifting, biblical knowledge and understanding, leadership ability, & experience

There were twelve apostles that Jesus chose, but there were certain apostles who stood out among the others

–        Examples: Peter, James & John

–        Among these three apostles, Peter stands out

This did not make them the “Superior Apostles”, nor did it make Peter  the “Senior Apostle” or “Head of the NT Church”

–        Unlike the Catholic Church teaches, Peter was NOT the first Pope!

None of these apostles were elevated above the rest of the apostles in position or title

We can make the same observation with Paul

Paul labored with other apostles such as Barnabus, Silvanus, & Timothy, yet he clearly stood out among them

This was the result of his special calling and gifting from God

Among local elders, we believe this same principle applies

There will undoubtedly be one elder who stands out among the others

This elder will have more responsibilities than the others because of spiritual gifting, biblical knowledge and understanding, leadership ability, & experience

–        God will give this elder the ability to maintain order in the local assembly, i.e., the gift of government (1 Cor 12:28)

–        The spiritual members of the congregation will recognize and respect the calling and gift that God has given this servant elder

However, we find no evidence in the NT church that this elder is to be assigned or voted into a formal position

–        A man's gift maketh room for him -- Proverbs 18:16

Words of Caution

The other local ruling elders are not subordinates to this elder

–        Matt 20:25-28

They are not his staff

They are not “rubber stampers”

All elders are to be in humble submission one to another

–        1 Pet 5:5

Accountability to each other is required

–        Acts 20:28, 1 Thes 5:15

                “It is God’s business to do all the calling, the appointing of gifts and offices, in short it is God’s business to do all the organizing of the body as it pleaseth Him; and it’s simply our business to acknowledge His arrangements, and carry out His plans… When it is God that worketh all things in all the members, there will be perfect harmony, cooperation, fellowship, and organization of the body.  God working all things in one man, will not conflict with another in whom God works all things; for God is not the author of confusion.  Christ is not divided.  So in… the perfect scriptural organization it is but necessary to get a pure heart, cease from your own works and let God work in you, and wholly control you.” –D. S. Warner, October 15, 1883 issue of The Gospel Trumpet

Part 2, Deacons, Bishops & Pastors Summary

Two Offices in the NT Church

–        The Office of Deacon

–        The Office of Bishop

The Gift of Pastoring

Pastors in the Old Testament

New Testament Gift of Pastors

Leaders of the Local Church

Part 3, The Development of Hierarchy

Part 3, The Development of Hierarchy

The Church of God at Antioch

Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch

Quotes from Letters from Ignatius

Pictorial View of the Hierarchical Development

Six Steps to Total Apostasy

Objections Considered

The Church of God at Antioch

We will use it as our model as we have a fairly complete picture of this church

Facts about Antioch

3rd largest city of the Roman empire, with a population of about 300,000

Many Jewish converts fleeing the persecution in Jerusalem came to Antioch, and they told the good news about Jesus, not just to Jews, but to Gentiles from varied cultural backgrounds.

Facts about Antioch

A strong church of both Jews and Gentiles was formed there

–        First called "Christians."

–        It was at Antioch that Paul, publicly disagreed with Peter regarding the acceptance of Gentiles (Galatians 2:11,14).

In the book of Acts, only Jerusalem is more closely related to the spread of early Christianity.        

It was the place where Paul (with Barnabas and John Mark) set out on his first commissioned missionary journey. It would also be the starting point for his second and third missionary trips.

A Look at the Local Leadership at Antioch

    Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. -- Act 13:1-3

   The local leadership consisted of humble brethren with varying gifts.

–        Simeon, Lucius & Manaen – teachers and prophets

–        Barnabas – teacher and exhorter (Acts 11:23), also later sent later out as an evangelist (Acts 13:3)

–        Saul (Paul) – apostle

–        Agabus – prophet (Acts 11: 27-28)

Upon return to Antioch from 1st Missionary Trip:

–        Acts 15:35  Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Resolution of Ceremonial Law Issue

Antioch Letter Greeting:

–        Act 15:22-23  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: And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia…

No reference is made to a single Pastor or Bishop at Antioch.

We find references to:

–        local “prophets and teachers”

–        “the brethren”

–        “many others” who were teaching and preaching the word of the Lord

However, they did not continue with this church government model!!

Warning!!!

“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” – Paul, Acts 20:29 - 30

    “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all {position} that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God {position}, shewing himself that he is God {title}. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let (restraineth, will restrain), until he be taken out of the way.”

                                                    – Paul, 2 Thes 2:3-7

Notice the wording:

“…of your own selves shall men arise…”

“man of sin …exalteth himself above all…”

Enter…. Ignatius

Bishop of Antioch

Born in Syria, around the year 50; died at Rome between 98 and 117 AD

Recognized as a “Church Father” by all formal branches of Christianity, i.e., Catholic, Protestant & Orthodox

Wrote 7 surviving letters

    “The first sign of subjection to a bishop and of a monarchial system is seen in the writings of Ignatius (1 -2nd century A.D.) He was one of the Apostolic Fathers and stressed in his writings subjection to the bishop. He was the first to contrast the office of bishop with the presbyter {elders}. He subordinated the presbyters to a monarchial bishop and the members of the congregation were subordinate to both the presbyters and bishop. However, he did not subordinate other bishops to the bishop of Rome… This subordination and monarchial rule was only within the local congregations at this time. This is the first sign of the plurality of eldership changing to a monarchial system.” -- From Christianity Through the Centuries

Seven Letters of Ignatius

Ignatius to the Ephesians

Ignatius to the Magnesians

Ignatius to the Trallians

Ignatius to the Romans

Ignatius to the Philadelphians

Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans

Ignatius to Polycarp

   "There is but one altar for the whole church, and one bishop with the presbytery and deacons." — Ignatius to the Philadelphians, Chap. IV

   "Give heed to the bishop, and to the presbytery, and deacons." —Ignatius to the Philadelphians, Chap. VII.

   “As therefore the Lord does nothing without the Father, . . . so do ye, neither presbyter, nor deacon, nor layman, do anything without the bishop."—Ignatius to the Magnesians, Chap. VII

    “The bishop sits in the place of God, and the presbyters in the place of the synod of the Apostles, and the deacons, who are most dear to me, have been entrusted with the ministry of Jesus Christ” — Ignatius to the Magnesians, Chap. VI

   "And do ye also reverence your bishop as Christ himself. . . . For what is the bishop but one who beyond all others possesses all power and authority, so far as it is possible for man to possess it, who according to his ability has been made an imitator of the Christ of God?” — Ignatius, To the Trallians, Chap. VII

                “Let no man do anything connected with the church without the bishop.” — Ignatius to the Smyrnians, Chap. VIII.

                "He who honors the bishop has been honored by God; he who does anything without the knowledge of the bishop, does in reality serve the devil." — Ignatius to the Smyrnians, Chap. VIII, Honour the Bishop

   "Nor is there any one in the church greater than the bishop…He who honors the bishop shall be honored by God…Let the laity be subject to the deacons; the deacons to the presbyters; the presbyters to the bishops."—Ignatius to the Smyrnians, Chap. IX

   “If he reckon himself greater than the bishop, he is ruined. But it becomes both men and women who marry, to form their union with the approval of the bishop.“

                 -Ignatius to Polycarp, Chap. V

    “Furthermore: the more anyone observes that a bishop is discreetly silent, the more he should stand in fear of him. Obviously, anyone whom the Master of the household puts in charge of His domestic affairs, ought to be received by us in the same spirit as He who has charged him with this duty. Plainly, then, one should look upon the bishop as upon the Lord Himself.“— Ignatius of Antioch to the Ephesians, Chap. VI

                “Let governors be obedient to Caesar; soldiers, to those that command them; deacons, to the presbyters, as to high priests; the presbyters, and deacons, and the rest of the clergy together with all people, and the soldiers, and the governors, and Caesar himself, to the bishop; the bishop to Christ, even as Christ to the Father. And thus unity is preserved throughout.” --Ignatius to the Philadelphians, Chap. IV 

Pictorial view of the
hierarchical development

Selected Quote

     “Thus we have given a few quotations from the early writings to show how soon the humble equality of the apostolic government was overthrown and man exalted. This kept working more and more. The bishop was lifted up higher and higher, until about the third century; then a higher office was created. After that date we have a class of officers called archbishops—bishops over other bishops. Sometimes one bishop would rule over the bishops of a score of churches. This was forming the man of sin. In the church of God there is but one chief Shepherd, one chief Bishop—Christ— but at this date there was an exalting of man to this lofty position. This kept on working and fomenting {causing trouble}, man being exalted higher and higher until finally the pope was elected head of the church—so-called. Instead of Christ's working all in all, in all the members, man power-ruled the church.”

                     -- H M Riggle, The Christian Church, 1912,  pg 153

Seven steps of the Early Church to total Apostasy…

Objections Considered

We welcome any scriptural based objections

–        We understand that there will be legitimate questions

–        We will look for scriptural answers to any scriptural based objections

We have attempted to address seven common objections

Objections Considered

Was James the Bishop/Pastor of the Church of God in Jerusalem?

What we KNOW about James

He was the half-brother of Jesus (Mat 13:55)

He had the gift of apostleship (Gal 1:19)

–        James became an apostle after the original 12

–        He was an apostle to the Jews (James 1:1)

He was one of the three “pillars” in Jerusalem (Gal 2:9)

    What scriptural evidence is there that James was the sole Bishop/Pastor in Jerusalem?

 No scriptural evidence!

We cannot find where any of the early historians refer to James as the Bishop of Jerusalem, including 1st century Jewish historian FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS

Reference to James as being the “Bishop of Jerusalem” does not occur until after the apostasy in the NT church

–        James was dead by the time he was given this title

It is assumed that because he is mentioned separate from the Jerusalem elders that he must have been the Bishop/Pastor

–        Act 21:18  And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present

James is specifically mentioned because he was gifted as an apostle to minister to the Jews

–        The elders mentioned here were local leaders

    Paul listed him along with others “pillars” in Jerusalem and did not refer to him as having sole pastoral responsibilities.

     Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also…. And when James, Cephas {Peter}, and John, who seemed to be pillars {who were widely believed to be leaders}, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. -- Gal 2:1, 9

The “Ministers Meeting”

Acts 15:1-30

Issue of circumcision - Act 15:2  When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them {Jews from Judaea}, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

Purpose: “Go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.”

“The apostles and elders all gathered”

Two opposing views

The Pharisee Christians spoke

Peter spoke

Barnabas & Paul spoke

James spoke

At this meeting, James was a mediator between the two opposing views because of his apostleship to the Jews, his relationship with Paul and Barnabas and his gift of wisdom.

As a local Pastor/Bishop, James would have had no ruling authority over other congregations.

–        James also would have been the Pastor/Bishop of Peter, John, and possibly other apostles living in Jerusalem.

There is no way that one man could have been the single pastor for the entire body of saints at Jerusalem which numbered in the thousands (Acts 21:20).

–        James: Is any sick among you? Call for the elders of the church

The results of the “ministers meeting” were letters written to the Gentile brethren in Antioch and Syria  and Cilicia.

–        “Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church”

–        “The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren….”

“Did the church at Antioch send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to consult the bishop, the apostles, and the elders about circumcision? No; they simply sent them " to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question" (Acts 15:2). Nothing is said of the bishop. When they reached Jerusalem, "they were received of the church and of the apostles and elders " (verse 4). The bishop was left out. Why? They did not have such a high officer over them. That church was pure from the mystery of iniquity. "But," says one, "James was a bishop." James was an apostle (Gal. 1: 19); hence he was no more a bishop than was Peter or any other of the apostles. Who came together to consider the matter? The bishop (James), the apostles, and the elders? No; it does not read that way. "And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter." Acts 15: 6. No mention is made of a bishop presiding in this apostolic assembly. Only apostles and elders are mentioned... Peter and James spoke in this assembly, as they were looked upon by the church as "pillars" (Gal. 2:9). But James was only an apostle or elder in the church at Jerusalem.” – H. M. Riggle, The Christian Church, 1912

                This objection, which is sometimes used in defense of the “one-Pastor position” system is a patent example of reading the Word of God through the distorting lens of tradition.

Objections Considered

                Was Timothy the Bishop/Pastor of the Church of God in Ephesus?

What we KNOW about Timothy

Evidently the local elders in Lystra were involved in his being sent forth to work with Paul (Act 16:1-3)

He had the gift of apostleship (1 Thess 2:6)

He had the gift of an evangelist (2 Tim 4:5)

He was a fellow-worker with Paul in his extensive traveling (Philippians 2:19, 22)

The church at Ephesus was governed by the local elders

–        And from Miletus he {Paul} sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church…Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers (bishops), to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Act 20:17, 28

–        Also see; Acts 18:27, Eph 1:1 

Timothy was in Ephesus on a specific mission and entrusted with a concrete assignment according to the need of the hour

–        “Charge some that they teach no other doctrine” -1Tim 1:3

“The apostle {Paul} had seen that a bad seed had been sown in the Church; and, as he was obliged to go then into Macedonia, he wished Timothy, on whose prudence, piety, and soundness in the faith he could depend, to stay behind and prevent the spreading of a doctrine that would have been pernicious to the people’s souls.” – Adam Clarke on 1 Tim 1:3

A quick reading of the New Testament will show that Timothy was not permanently stationed in Ephesus

–        As with Paul’s other fellow labors, Timothy traveled all over the Roman world.

Specifically while at Ephesus, Paul gave Timothy extensive instructions about church teaching, practices, and the qualifications that elders should have.

–        1Tim 3:2  A bishop then must be …

1Tim 5:17  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

–        The elders were ruling in Ephesus

1Tim 5:22  Lay hands suddenly on no man….

After Timothy was finished dealing with the problem in Ephesus, he was to leave there and join Paul in Rome

–        2 Tim 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist...

–        2 Tim 4:9  Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me…

                This objection, as with the previous, is another example of reading the Word of God through the distorting lens of tradition.

Objections Considered

                Since there may have been multiple congregations in some cities, scriptural references to multiple elders/bishops could be references to the pastors of these individual congregations.

Multiple Elders in Every Church

“And when they had ordained them elders in every church (ekklēsia)” - Acts 14:23

–        ekklēsia; called out or assembly

–        We have no biblical or historical evidence that more than one congregation existed in every referenced city

“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church” - James 5:14

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves” - Acts 20:28

Timothy was sent by Paul to Ephesus to ordain elders, not to become the pastor nor to install a pastor

–        Neither was he replaced by a single pastor when he left

Given no guidelines in filling positions, but we are given qualifications for elders

Multiple Elders in Every Church, con’t

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation…

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you…

Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. -- Heb 13:7, 17, 24

                Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren {the saints}, to know them {overseeing elders, i.e., bishops} which labour among you {local assembly}, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them {overseeing elders} very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

               

                Now we exhort you, brethren {overseeing elders}, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves {eldership}, and to all men {the saints}.                                                                                                                 -- 1 Thes 5:11-15

Objections Considered

Are the Angels in Rev 2 the pastors?

Rev 2 Angel of the Church at Ephesus…

–        NT letters were addressed to the church as a whole or the bishops and deacons

•          To the saints that are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. --Eph 1:1

–        We do not find one NT letter addressed to “the Pastor”

There were multiple ruling elders in Ephesus (Act 20:17, 28)

–        And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. --Acts 20:17

Corinth had problems like 5 of 7 churches in Rev 2, yet Paul addressed his Corinthian letters to the church

Sampling of Paul’s letters greetings

1 Thessalonians 1:1: Paul, Silas and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians . . .

1 Corinthians 1:1-2: Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God . . . to the church of God in Corinth, …

2 Corinthians 1:1: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia.

Colossians 1:1: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse.

Ephesians 1:1: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:1: Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the bishops and deacons.

Quote from Early Church of God Pioneers

    “But," says one, "was not the angel of the church at Ephesus, a bishop over the rest?" Rev. 2:1.   No; for had they had an officer above the common elders, called the bishop, when Paul called them together, as recorded in Acts 20:17, he would have mentioned the bishop.   But he simply called "the elders." They were all elders—overseers. – H. M. Riggle & D. S. Warner, The Cleansing of the Sanctuary

    “When Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, he addressed all the saints, "with the bishops and deacons." He did not say with the bishops, elders, and deacons; but recognized only two classes of officers —bishops and deacons. A plurality of elders were ordained in "every church." Acts 14:23. Therefore Paul terms these elders, bishops. Bishop and elder then is the same in Scripture. But two classes of officers in the church at Philippi: bishops —the  ministers of the word of truth, and overseers of the flock-and deacons—the ministers of the temporal affairs of the church. I emphasize! Anything more than this is apostasy.” -- The Cleansing of the Sanctuary, by H. M. Riggle & D. S. Warner

The angel is symbolic of the collective ministry during the individual church ages

For example “angel” in Rev 2:1 is the same “angel” Rev 8:6-7.

–        “And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The first angel sounded…”

Objections Considered

Is it biblically correct to compare pastors to Moses?

    “O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!”

                                                                --Deuteronomy 5:29

   “And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”

                                                --Exodus 20:18-19

    “Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.”

                                                --Deuteronomy 5:27-31

    It was never God’s perfect will to speak solely to one man and he in return tell the people what to do. God has always sought for a personal relationship with His creation, even in the OT.

                It is a rebellious people who will not listen when God speaks directly to them.

Moses’ Desire and Attitude

   “I would that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!“

 Old Testament Relationship With God

God said: “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people.”                                    - Jer 7:23

“And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us…”

                                                                                -Exo 20:19

The Results….

No Personal Relationship with God

No Heart-felt Convictions

Out-of-sight, Out-of-Mind

Repeated rebelliousness

Idolatry

Ultimately, God divorced Israel

New Testament Relationship

    “And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.”

                                                                                --Hebrews 8:11

   Even with Moses as Israel's leader, there were those who God sanctioned and were called to be helpers. 

Moses and the 70 Elders

   “And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people …  And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone”. - Num 11:16-17

Moses was:

Why would we want to incorporate an OT governing model that clearly did not work?

–        It did not bring man into a loving relationship with his Creator

Why would we not want to incorporate a NT governing model that clearly did work?

–        Apostolic church and early Church of God Reformation periods

Objections Considered

   Through the years God has mightily blessed many Pastors and churches who have used the one-Pastor position system. Why would He change now?

No one would think of denying this. Yet the chronic problems mentioned at the beginning of this study cannot reasonably be denied either.

Who would claim that the present picture of the Church of God as a whole is anywhere near the divinely intended level?

It is a mistake to think that because God graciously blesses someone operating under a certain set of beliefs or practices, that He thereby endorses all those beliefs or practices. He does not require us to be perfect in knowledge of the Scripture before He will use us.

–        Church history validates this observation

As we are given further light on the Scriptures, it is our duty and our joy to conform our beliefs and practices to the Word of God. Past blessings will not suffice.

Objections Considered

   A congregation must have a head, much like the husband is the head of the home.

                To this objection we agree,……but who is the Head of the Church?

                “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.”

                                                                                 -Eph 5:23

   The Head of every local congregation must be the same Head of the universal church, as a congregation is a representation of the universal church.

  

    This Head is not a man. It is not a group of men.

    It is Jesus Christ, and Him only.

With Christ as the Head of the body, we all are equal contributing members

–        “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.” –1 Cor 12:12

–        “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” - Eph 4:16

                As Head and Husband, Christ has given His Church two witnesses, His Word and His Spirit, to guide and to govern us.

Objections Summarized

                No doubt there are other objections that might be raised against leadership by a plurality of elders. For the sincere Bible-believing Christian, however, the real issue is this: is leadership by a plurality of elders biblical? What does the Word of God teach?

Part 3, The Development of Hierarchy Summary

The Church of God at Antioch

Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch

Quotes from Letters from Ignatius

Pictorial View of the Hierarchical Development

Six Steps to Total Apostasy

Objections Considered

Part 4, The Development of Apostasy

Part 4, The Development of Apostasy

The Apostasy

Key Observations

The Deeds and Doctrine of the Nicolaitans

Protestant – Image to the Beast

Modern Examples From The Gospel Trumpet Paper

Pictorial View of Today

Summary

The Apostasy….

What was it?

Where did it begin?

What were the results?

A quick look at sample letter greetings reveals the development of apostasy in the morning church

James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

Eph 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

3 John 1:1 The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

Clement (? - Martyred in 96A.D.):  The Church of God which sojourned in Rome to the Church of God which sojourneth in Corinth, to them that are called and sanctified by the will of God through the Lord Jesus Christ....

Barnabas  All hail, ye sons and daughters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us in peace.

 Polycarp (A.D. 69-155A.D.):  Polycarp, and the presbyters with him, to the Church of God sojourning at Philippi:

Ignatius (A.D.98-117A.D.):  Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to  Polycarp, Bishop of the Church of the Smyrnaeans, or rather, who has, as his own bishop, God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ: wishes abundance of happiness.

John Chrysostom (A.D. 347-407A.D.) To my Lady, the most reverend and divinely favored deaconess Olympias, I John, Bishop, send greetings in the Lord.

Gregory the Great (A.D.540-604A.D.) first Pope of Rome,  Gregory to his most reverend and most holy brother and fellow-Bishop, John

    "The church was in the beginning a community of brethren. All its members were taught of God and each possessed the liberty of drawing for himself from the divine fountain of life. The epistles, which then settled the great questions of doctrine, did not bear the pompous title of any single man or ruler. We find from the Holy Scriptures that they began simply with these words: ' The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren.' Acts 15:23. But the writings of these very apostles forewarn us that from the midst of these brethren, there shall arise a power which shall overthrow this simple and primitive order."—D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation, Book I, Chap. I.

    “Not discerning the true spiritual character of the church, they (Babylon ministers) have also made the fatal mistake of perpetuating ecclesiasticism by organizing their followers into human systems patterned after the kingdoms of the world.”   

                                       --F. G. Smith November 2, 1922  

                                          issue of The Gospel Trumpet

                Quote typifying how many think today….

   “In the corporate world… there's got to be somebody, one person,  that leads the way.  It has to be.  It can’t be no other way.  Our nation could not exist with five or six presidents.  God sets his hands to a man.  And He leads that man.  And that man leads God’s people.”

What lead to the Apostasy?...

   “Men, accustomed to the associations and political forms of an earthly country, carried their views and habits into the spiritual and everlasting kingdom of Jesus Christ.” – H. M. Riggle, The Christian Church

                “The government of the Church of Christ is widely different from secular governments. It is founded in humility and brotherly love: it is derived from Christ, the great Head of the Church, and is ever conducted by his maxims {sayings and general rule} and spirit.”

                                                                                – Adam Clarke

This decline of truth has permeated our thinking on how the church is governed.

We must never lose sight of the original pattern. All the opposition of hell is against it.

Our pattern must be built on the foundation.

Second Seal (270 – 530 AD)

Once the Bishops had position, they sought power, and  exercised that power over the people

The Development of the Eucharist

                Speaking of heretics: “They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they confess not the Eucharist to be the flesh of our Saviour Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins, and which the Father, of His goodness, raised up again.“                                                                                 – Ignatius,

                Let Us Stand Aloof From Such Heretics, Chapter VII

The Catholic Church's
teaching on the Eucharist

                The holy Catholic Church teaches that at the moment of the Consecration of the Mass, the bread and wine on the altar truly become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ.  The bread and wine cease to exist, though the appearances and properties, or accidents, of bread and wine remain.  This momentous change is known as transubstantiation - change of substance.

First Council of Nicaea

First Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church

Held in 325 AD

318 Bishops were present

–        Including every Eastern Bishop of importance, four Western Bishops, and two Papal legates

The Bishops became the spokesman for God

Withhold the truth from the people to control them

Burned the Bibles

Man forgiving the sins of another man

The Eucharist

Penance – Controlling the destiny

Infant baptism

Selling of indulgences – money making schemes

Conducted services in Latin

Killed Martyrs

Dark Ages

The Deeds and Doctrines of the Nicolaitans

Rev 2:1,6; 12,15

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write…But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. -- Rev 2:1, 6

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write… So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. -- Rev 2:12, 15

Facts about the book of Revelation        

A symbolic book for the church of all ages

“To show unto His servants thing which must shortly come to pass”

Deals with the opposition that the church must face until the second coming of Christ

A look at the Letters

Specifically, the Letters to Ephesus and Pergamos

Ephesus – 1^st seal (33 – 270 AD)

–        Early Morning Church age

Pergamos – 3^rd seal (530 – 1530 AD)

–        Dark Ages

The Letter to Ephesus

Rev 2: 1-7

“Thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate” – Jesus

The time of Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch

Word Structure

Nicolaitans – a compound word

Nico (Nikos) – to conquer

Laity (Laos) – laity, the people

An example of Nicolaitan spirit  in the NT

    I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them {other elders, i.e., Gaius, Demetrius}, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

                                                         -- 3 John 1:9-11

                “In the third epistle of John, it is evident that three elders of a church are spoken of, Gaius, Demetrius, and Diotrephes. The first two he commended. They were straight, humble men. But, Diotrephes “loveth to have the preeminence among them.” Here was an elder who loved preeminence above the rest. He, no doubt, wanted to be a bishop, higher than the common presbyters… Here is the first mention in Scripture of one man seeking preeminence above the other elders in the local assembly. Seeking a position over the others… But just as soon as we pass beyond the sacred writings, in the second century, we find man exalted to a higher office: a bishop over the common presbyters or elders. This was apostasy already at work.” – H. M. Riggle, Primitive Church Government

1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd John written after Revelation

–        His focus was to go “back to the beginning”, 1 John 1:1

“Remember his deeds”

Wanting the preeminence among the brethren

“Follow not that which is evil”

Letter to Pergamos

Rev 2:12-17

“Hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans”

“I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is.” -- Rev 2:13

Example of Hierarchy doctrine

   "If anyone shall say that there is not in the Catholic Church a hierarchy established by the divine ordination, consisting of bishops, presbyters and ministers, let him be anathema.” -- Council of Trent XXIII 6

Nicolaitan Summary

    In the Ephesus and Pergamos letters, we have a clear prophesy of the early development of unscriptural hierarchy in the NT church. It started with “deeds”, such as we have discussed with Diotrephes, and ended with an established “doctrine”.

Protestantism – Image to the Beast

First Protestant Creed

      “… according to the Gospel or, as they say, by divine right, there belongs to the bishops as bishops, that is, to those to whom has been committed the ministry of the Word and the Sacraments, no jurisdiction except to forgive sins, to judge doctrine, to reject doctrines contrary to the Gospel, and to exclude from the communion of the Church wicked men, whose wickedness is known, and this without human force, simply by the Word. Herein the congregations of necessity and by divine right must obey them, according to Luke 10, 16: He that heareth you heareth Me.” --  The Augsburg Confession (1530): Article XXVIII of Ecclesiastical Power

No Pope, but Ruling Heads, i.e. , Patriarchs, Bishops

Governing systems adapted from Catholicism

–        Like Mother, like Daughter

Bishops replaced by Pastors in Protestant evangelical churches

–        Primarily due to negative    connotations of the word “Bishop”

                Lets get a little closer to home…

Modern Examples From The Gospel Trumpet Paper

“If your pastor has to give an account to God for you with grief, then may God help your soul, because it is not going to be well with you. The pastor has to give an account of every soul in his congregation. That is the reason the responsibility of a pastor is far greater than you or I can comprehend. He must stand before God and give an account not only for his own life but also for all souls for whom he is responsible.

We must go God’s way. God’s way says to obey them that have the rule over you, even though you may disagree.”  --Gospel Trumpeter, August 2000, Pg 17-18 Man’s Part in God‘s Mercy

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves. --Heb 13:17

Obey

–        To be convinced, to be persuaded, to trust.

Rule

–        To lead; to go before, be forward.

Submit

–        To yield, be “weak”

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am {a follower} of Christ. -- 1Cor 11:1

   “No one knows the people in a congregation as well as the pastor. I get very stirred when other people try to tell me how to pastor or what I should do with certain people.”                                                                   

      --Vol 28, November 1998, No 11, Are You Playing Church?

    “You need to submit to your godly pastor. God has given him authority, and you must submit. ‘For he is the minister of God to thee for good’.“ ---Vol 29, July 1999, No 7, The Pride of Life

“I have seen some serious things happen to people over my fifty years in the Church of God. One individual who raised up against his pastor and did terrible damage had a tragic accident. One day when he was out on his job, a large tree that he was cutting down fell on him and crushed him to death. God took him out of the way. The Scripture says in 1 Chronicles 16:22, "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.“

I tell people that they would be better off to go out on a rainy day and take hold of a power line that is down than to touch one of God's anointed. Touching God's anointed is a serious thing. You should leave the man of God alone, and that goes for everyone!”  --Vol 28, June 1998, No 6, p 9, Your pastor and What You Owe Him

    “God has also established other positions of authority within His body. Being a child of God is a high calling, but being called as a pastor of the Church of God is a higher calling. God still calls men to be pastors of the Church of God, and that is the highest authority on earth. No man is over a pastor to tell him what to do…. However, biblically, between the pastor and God, there is no other authority.” -- Vol 28, June 1998, No 6, p 9, Your pastor and What You Owe Him

The Highest Ruling Authority on Earth is the Church

                Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 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. -- Matt 18:15-17

    “Someone came to me with different Bible Scriptures and said, "We are following this and that." I said, "How about where the Word says, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm'?" If you harm a prophet of God, you are guilty of violating God's law, no matter who you are, minister or laity. If you do another prophet harm, you are guilty before God. Friend, you had better keep your hands off a prophet of God and his work, because the Bible says so.”

“Touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm”

Originally stated in Gen 26:11 and later restated in Ps 105:15

–        Context: Isaac, his wife, Rebekah & King Abimelech

–        “And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.”

Applies to OT Israel as a whole

–        David applied it to King Saul out of respect for his position as King

–        Not a submission issue

Type of the world having respect for the people of God.

“Once a man came to our congregation who posed to be a minister and said he wanted to help us. The Bible says, "Know them which labor among you" and "lay hands suddenly on no man." That man caused me much heartache and damage and hurt. It was not long until he contracted cancer and was gone. God will vindicate His justice.  There needs to be more godly fear on people who claim to be the Church of God.

Listen to every message that you can hear in the house of worship and obey the man of God. Be an obedient Christian.” --Vol 30, February 2000, No 2, pg 17, 22, The Need for Discernment

A Pictorial View …

Part 4, The Development of Apostasy Summary

The Apostasy

Key Observations

The Deeds and Doctrine of the Nicolaitans

Protestant – Image to the Beast

Modern Examples From The Gospel Trumpet Paper

Pictorial View of Today

Summary

Part 5, Facts Regarding the Church of God Reformation Movement

Part 5, Facts Regarding Church of God Reformation Government

Selected Quotes Showing Early Government Structure

The Need for a Balanced Ministry

The Change

Early Church of God Reformation Movement Government Structure

   Historical Fact: The early Church of God Reformation Movement operated by the eldership governing model.

  

   The following three quotes are taken from The Cleansing of the Sanctuary

                -- by H. M. Riggle  and D S Warner, 1903

 Eph 4:11-14  & 1 Cor 12:28

   “The ministers classified in these two scriptures are identical. They are properly divided into two classes; traveling and local. Traveling preachers plant churches and water the same; while the local, shepherd and feed the flocks. All these gifts were necessary to the perfect government of the early church, and are just as necessary today. Whatever was essential then is essential now.”

    “They ordained elders in every church—in every city. These were the local ministers who cared for and fed the flock. But Paul and John were both traveling preachers. They were apostles, and each testified to being an elder.   If Paul and John were elders, then all God's preachers are elders, all on one common plane—on one level—all elders.”

“I am among you as he that serveth.”
                          – Jesus,  Luke 22: 24-27

   “Oh, what humbleness is here taught! Ye are brethren. No one among you is higher than another, or can possibly have from me any jurisdiction over the rest. Ye are, in this respect, perfectly equal. He showed them how the Gentiles exalted some above others, but said, ‘It shall not be so among you.’“

     F. G. Smith believed one of major shortcomings of other reformations was related to the issue of government. In the November 2, 1922 issue of The Gospel Trumpet, he made the following comments:

      “. . . Then came the Reformation of the sixteenth century, followed by numerous other reformatory movements during the Protestant period.  The primary purpose of these movements has been the restoration of evangelical truth the preaching of the Word of God.  Insofar as they have restored correct doctrine and true evangelical sentiment they have been owned and blessed of God.  But they have been reformations in part only.  Much error has also been retained by them.  Not discerning the true spiritual character of the church, they have also made the fatal mistake of perpetuating ecclesiasticism by organizing their followers into human systems patterned after the kingdoms of the world… And whichever form has been selected, the system rules.”

    “All the ministers of the Gospel are elders, and then there are chosen of God local elders to take an oversight over each local congregation of the Church of God.” -- D. S. Warner, August 15, 1885 issue of The Gospel Trumpet.

    “The authority of a true gospel elder is not the creature of his ordination to the office, but is the direct result of those gifts, which qualify him for the eldership.  Babylon officers have their authority wholly by virtue of their office; but scriptural elders have their office by virtue of their authority.  The first is beast power given by the dragon, the second is Divine authority conferred by the Word and Spirit of God.  The first exercise lordship over God’s heritage, the later rule by a holy example and by the power of God’s Spirit, and Word in their hearts.”

                                                                                                – D. S. Warner, August 15, 1885 issue of The Gospel Trumpet.

     “The church of God (Acts 20:28) is the church for which Jesus Christ gave his life.  It is the church which he told his apostles he would build (Matt. 16:18) and of which he said, The gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  This church was established with power in the midst of great persecution.  Its influence was felt far and wide.  So long as its adherents followed the teachings of its founder and of his apostles, whom he had chosen to declare his word, the cause of Christ progressed and there were great manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the salvation of souls, the healing of the sick, and the performance of miracles.  The manifestation of the power of the Spirit began to wane as the rules and dogmatic observances of men aspiring to be rulers supplanted the plain teachings of Christ and the apostles.  It was then that there was a noticeable drifting away from the true principles and observances of the primitive church.” -- E. E. Byrum,  A Drifting of the Early Church, The Gospel Trumpet, September 23, 1915.

   The principles they practiced are evident in the songs they wrote…

   “The Bible is our rule of faith and Christ alone is Lord. All we are equal in His sight when we obey His Word. No earthly master do we know; to man-rule will not bow, But to each other and to God eternal trueness vow.”

                                                                -- The Church's Jubilee                                                                                 (by C.W. Naylor)

“God sets her members each in

    place according to His will

  Apostles, prophets, teachers, all

   His purpose to fulfill.”

                          - O Church of God

                                                                ( By C. W. Naylor)

The Results of this Governing  Model?

   “New congregations are almost weekly being raised up.” -- How to Deed a House of Worship, February 1, 1894 issue of The Gospel Trumpet

   “I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my Word, and has not denied my name”

                                                                --Jesus (Rev 3:8)

The need for a balanced ministry

    “Had the preachers classified as evangelists and pastors, I am sure nine tenths would have registered evangelists. Sometimes I wish that the present ministry had more of this spirit of evangelism. Since the work has enlarged to its present proportions, and congregations have been planted all over the land, the pastoral phase has received more attention than has the evangelistic.” H. M. Riggle, Pioneer Evangelism, 1924

    “In the beginning of this reformation when there were but few, if any, established congregations, nearly every one who felt the call to the ministry thought he was called to be an evangelist.  It took time to prove the necessity for pastors.  As this need has become imperative, there has been a disposition, I fear, to place too much stress on the work of a pastor.  Now, it will not do to place more stress upon one office than upon another.” --  J. W. Byers, Our Ministerial Relations and Needs, Our Ministerial Letter, March, 1915, 11-12.

    “When this reformation work was in its infancy, we were constantly pushing out into new fields. … the first preachers were a "flying ministry," disseminating the truth in every direction. Little attention was paid to the pastoral care of churches. Local elders and deacons were ordained in different congregations; but these were generally called and selected from each assembly, and were self-supporting.”

                                -- H. M. Riggle, Pioneer Evangelism, 1924

Statistics from Church of God             Golden Jubilee Book, Yr: 1931

887 listed as Pastors, Assistant Pastors, & Ministers

74 listed as Pastors / Evangelists

143 listed as Evangelists

23 listed as Missionaries

By 1931, the Church of God Reformation Movement had gone from nearly 90% evangelists to about 81% percent local leaders.

This transition is a natural progression of things, but appears to be extreme.

–        By the 1950s, long after the spiritual apostasy was wide-spread within the Anderson Movement, the focus had shifted from evangelism to the pastoral care of local congregations

   Sadly, this same trend has continued to this day

“My house is full…

 but my field is empty”  

                Saints, let’s face reality. Sinners are NOT coming to us!

The Change….

How did the Church of God Reformation Movement change from the eldership model to where it is today?

Seven steps of the Early Church to total Apostasy…

    A look at Russell R. Byrum’s Book titled Problems of the Local Church is quite revealing as to the development of what became the “traditional” governing system in the Church of God

Acknowledgement of the NT Eldership Model

   “Elders are such because God has imparted to them gifts which constitute them such. Because it is through endowment with spiritual gifts that men are made elders, therefore only God can constitute one an elder.”

Reference to Acts 20:17, Phil 1:1, & James 5:14

“From these and similar statements of the Scriptures it is evident a plurality of elders existed in many of the churches, if not in all. It is even doubtful if there is record of a single church with but one elder.”

“Probably the apostolic churches had no single "pastor" in the modern sense. Possibly their conditions were such that they did not have the same need for a single special pastor as seems to be demanded by modern conditions.”

The Change Begins

    “One Elder, ‘the Pastor.’—The idea of a plural eldership leads to the question concerning the propriety of recognizing one person as ‘the pastor.’ In the second century according to the early church fathers, the elders or presbyters of a local church appointed one of their number to preside over them and the congregation.”

The Justification…

    “An elder today employed by a commercial or industrial concern is limited in his opportunities to render regular service to the church. Therefore for economic reasons usually a church today can have but one elder to give his entire time to its service.”

    “Such recognition of one elder as special pastor is in full harmony with the principle of divine church government.”

The Results…

    “Duties of a Pastor.—The pastor is the overseer of the congregation and of all its activities. As such he is the executive head of an influential and important organization.”

    “It is well that the pastor be considered an ex-officio member of all business boards and committees…. He is also the first officer of the Sunday-school and other agencies for religious education.

    The pastor is the director of the public worship of the congregation. He presides in the meetings. He is the chief instrument through which the Holy Spirit works in the directing of the public services. The pastor decides what shall be the order of the services, who shall speak, and who shall preach. He is also responsible for the song service.“

   “The pastor is also the shepherd and teacher of his church…. He should seek to tell his people something they do not know and that they should know. To do this he must know more than they…”

History Repeats Itself…

The Church of God Reformation Movement in essence created a position in the local body that emulates that of Bishop during the early days of the morning time apostasy

–        “Modern conditions” & “economic reasons” were cited as justification for the change

The 7^th seal movement accepted the governing model without examination

As a result, the “one-pastor position” governing system that we have in place today is a clear departure from NT church government, as well as the early Church of God Reformation Movement

Part 5, Facts Regarding Church of God Reformation Government Summary

Selected Quotes Showing Early Government Structure

The Need for a Balanced Ministry

The Change

Contact Information:

Bro Dale & Sis Debbie Rude

2300 Ridge Road

Springfield, Ohio 45502

Phone: (937) 324-0889

E-Mail: Back2theBible@aol.com

Bro Joe & Sis Joanne Coons
2628 Merritt St
Springfield, Ohio 45503

Phone: (937) 399-7614

E-Mail: JJCoons@sbcglobal.ne