Page 307 - Bible Writers Theology Original

As the master builder of His Church, the Lord looks after it (Ephesians4: 11-12). It is Paul's testimony that the ascended Christ gave apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers to take care of the Church (Ephesians 4:10- 11), all being directly accountable to the Chief Shepherd (I Peter 5:1-4).
Certainly, we should follow the example of Jesus, who had such an impelling sense of mission (Mark1:38; Luke 4:42-44). The example ofPaul, always pressing on to find new fields to conquer (Romans 15:20-22), leaving the new converts in the hands of others after a minimum of instructions (Titus 1:4-5; Acts 20:16-36), should fire the zeal and emulation of many Christiansoftheapostoliceratoday. ThetaskislaidupontheChurch,and it should be encouraged by the promises of God (Isaiah 66:18-22). The promiseisthatmanyshallcome. Wemustenlargetheplaceofourtentsand stretch forth the curtains of our habitations (See Isaiah 54.)
9.5 The Organization
The records in the book of Acts show that the early converts crowded around the apostles, fascinated by the new spiritual experience they entered into (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37; 5:12-16). However, their growth in number, the new challenges in the Christian community life, and the demanding task of evangelism dictated very soon appropriate arrangements as shown in the narratives of Luke (Acts 6:1-6; Acts 14:23; 15:22-29). Agreat deal of self-ini tiative, flexibility, and improvisation was required from the apostolic lead ership to cope with those situations, especially when we think of the context of the Jewish and Gentile world in which the Church grew. Only wisdom from above and the abiding Holy Spirit could qualify them for this delicate task (Acts 1:8; 6:1-8; 9:15; 13:1-3; 15:29; I Corinthians 13:3-7; Ephesians 4:11- 13). Some structural and organizational patterns emerged which proved helpful in the post-apostolic era. Acomprehensive assessment of the New Testament Church's foundational doctrine, the appointment and authority of its elders, and its ordinances and internal procedures will help under stand this God-instituted government.
I - Ministerial Offices
A Functional Offices
A special combination ofservice gifts to the Church by the Spirit ofChrist, commonly called the five-fold ministry, is found in the epistle of Paul to the Ephesians in chapter 4. (See also Romans 12:6-8; I Corinthians 12:28.) Usually the ministers of the Church are assigned by the Holy Spirit to one or more of the following services: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher.
Ecclesiology - The Church ♦ 291