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Nt Leadership


prophet1

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It is time we had a thread, for reference sake, that posts all things church leadership, from the scripture.

Comments are encouraged, because the Word triggers you to speak, ask Saul.

So, as best we can in order, here goes every Scriptural instruction, admonition, and example of NT church leadership.

Act 1:15-26
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had OBtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein:and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.


Psa 109:8
8 Let his days be few;
and let another take his office.


Here we have 12 officers, or bishops in the beginning of the NT Church.


Their office was "Apostle",

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Act 2:42-43
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles 'doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul:and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

So far, the NT church leadership is shared by apostles.

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Act 6:1-6
1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude:and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
6 Whom they set before the apostles:and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Deacons first chosen, not by church leaders, but by the congregation.
Their purpose was to oversee the collected $ for distribution to the needs of the Saints.


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Deacons is an area that many churches have strayed FAR from the biblical model. In some churches deacons basically rule the church. In some others they may not outright rule but they have so much power they get their way most of the time.

 

While deacons were meant to be servants, I've seen churches where the deacons see themselves as above that, preferring to order and direct others.

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A. Deacons are not actually mentioned, although it is almost universally agreed that the passage is referring to deacons. Technical, and prOBably unimportant.

B. It doesn't say that they collected or distributed any $, and certainly doesn't suggest that all collected $ were used for the purpose of the daily ministrations. They looked after the physical needs of those who required it.

C. Deacons were recommended by the people, according set qualifications, and those who met the qualifications were appointed by the Apostles. It is implied that if any recommended did not meet the quals, those would not have been appointed.

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A. Deacons are not actually mentioned, although it is almost universally agreed that the passage is referring to deacons. Technical, and prOBably unimportant. B. It doesn't say that they collected or distributed any $, and certainly doesn't suggest that all collected $ were used for the purpose of the daily ministrations. They looked after the physical needs of those who required it. C. Deacons were recommended by the people, according set qualifications, and those who met the qualifications were appointed by the Apostles. It is implied that if any recommended did not meet the quals, those would not have been appointed.
To 'minister' means to "hand out", or "dispense", by definition. "Serve tables" means "feed people". No where , in Scripture does 'minister' mean anything other than 'meet needs'. The Apostles needed to dispense the necessary Word, so they had the people choose ministers of the collected monies. The whole context is about using what was collected to minister to the physical needs of the Saints. In this case, widows are mentioned, but read the previous chapter. The context is absolutely about distributing the collective monetary holdings.
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Those are good points Dave. Indeed, the Apostles gave guidelines as to who the people were to select. The people did the selecting then they were presented to the Apostles who, we can assume, made sure they met the guidelines before approving of them.

 

Their role does fall into the servant category and it seems clear they were taking care of the handling of the dispersal of the goods, which again we could assume included the handling of the monies so has to purchase needed food and necessities.

 

The Apostles made it clear what they were going to be doing.

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