The Church of Christ:  The Organization of the Church

The organization of the local church was an important agenda item of the early apostles.

Paul gave a heartfelt speech to the newly appointed elders of the Ephesus church in Acts 20:17-38. Paul gave Titus the duty of appointing “elders in every city…” (Titus 1:5). Both Paul and Peter give specific qualifications for the elders and deacons of a church (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5).

Clearly, it was important that “every church” have an established order (Acts 14:23). Each local congregation of saints was to be organized in the same way, meeting the same qualifications and doing the same work.

Many people have left the Biblical hierarchy for the local church in favor of their own organization. Yet, the Bible is clear about the organization of the church. Each local church was composed of members, born-again Christians (1 Corinthians 1:1; 12:27). The ultimate authority over each of these members was Jesus Christ, not some convention, board or ruling party (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Of these members, those qualified could be appointed as elders (Titus 1:5). Their job was not to create the doctrine or creeds the church would follow. Instead, the role of the elders was to apply the doctrine of Christ to themselves and the membership (1 Peter 5:2,3). The deacons of the church acted as servants to the church and its elders (Philippians 1:1).

The elders of a church were also to meet certain qualifications. These included specific requirements concerning their gender, character, reputation, family and work. Those appointed to the office of a deacon were also to meet certain qualifications. Unfortunately, some churches are so desirous to fill these offices that they are willing to neglect the Scriptural qualifications set forth.

With these roles in place, the church could perform every good work required of it including: preaching the gospel (Acts 13:1-3); helping needy saints (Acts 11:29,30); maintaining the purity of the church (Acts 20:28-31).

The New Testament church never heard of any synods, conventions, associations or sponsoring churches with their presidents, trustees or commissioners. If it wasn’t there then, it shouldn’t be here now.

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