We often assume the Bible leaves church structure open to interpretation, but the New Testament tells a completely different story.
Have you ever wondered why there are so many varieties of churches in the modern world, different from each other although most of them would claim that they possess scriptural warrant for the way they do church?
Have you ever longed for the kind of church life that you see revealed in the New Testament?
Jesus said that church leaders have the same authority as children and slaves (those with the least authority in Roman society). He drove this truth home by washing the disciples’ feet. Jesus even promised, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” What does this tell us about a church leader’s management style, and about decision-making in church?
Profit
A major component of Jesus’ leadership strategy was for church leaders to serve the church by taking the time to build congregational consensus. This is very doable in a smaller congregation, but nearly impossible in larger churches. The mind of Christ is more likely to be found when the leaders guide the whole congregation to wrestle corporately with major decisions. Church members are encouraged when they realize that everyone’s suggestions are respectfully weighed in accordance with Scripture. Unity is strengthened, and the church can more easily be guided by the Spirit. In this process, the role of the leadership includes helping to build consensus by teaching what Scripture says on an issue, having private conversations with church members about decisions, appealing to those who differ, and, after much persuasion, calling on any dissenting minority to yield to the leadership and the rest of the congregation. Adopting Jesus’ example can make the church’s decision-making process both unifying and edifying for the whole congregation.
In a spectator sport, professional athletes compete on the playing field to entertain the gathered crowds. A modern church “worship service” is also a spectator sport. The congregation is allowed to watch and cheer, but never to go out on the field and play ball themselves.
First-century church meetings were not a spectator sport. They were about participation, not performance. Any member could contribute verbally to the proceedings. The prime directive was that everything said had to be edifying, encouraging, equipping, or motivational. The leaders were more like side-line coaches rather than star players in this phase of the gathering.
Presbyterian Commentator William Barclay: “The really notable thing about an early Church service must have been that almost everyone came feeling that he had both the privilege and obligation of contributing something to it.”[1]
When it comes to congregational size, it’s easy to assume that bigger is better. But is it really? Instead of one thousand people in a single church, might it be better to have them spread out in ten churches?
In modern churches, the last supper has become a lost supper. Scripture, history, and commentaries reveal that the Lord’s Supper was an actual meal.
Premise: The Lord’s Supper was celebrated 1) every week, 2) as an actual meal, 3) using a single cup and loaf, 4) as the main reason for the weekly gathering.
Benefits: Unity, edification through fellowship, and holiness in view of His return.