Church

Interchurch Cooperation or “Associationalism” The concluding paragraphs of 2LCF26 describe the Baptist practice of interchurch cooperation as a means of fostering peace, love, and mutual edification among congregations. The chapter firmly establishes that Christ alone is the supreme head of all churches; no external ecclesiastical authority—be it a pope, presbytery, synod, or any assembly of bishops—has the jurisdiction to dominate a local congregation. Despite the emphasis of Baptist polity on local autonomy and self-governance, 2LCF26 advocates for interchurch communion among churches, particularly those within close geographical proximity....

Introduction If you’ve put your trust in Christ, you are already a deacon in a broad sense diakonos is usually just a generic term for “servant” - hence the attribution to non-Christian rulers (Romans 13:4) and even demons (2 Corinthians 11:15) Deacons shoulder practical tasks so that the elders can channel their energies to the ministry of the Word and to prayer. We rob ourselves of the benefits of God’s revealed wisdom when we either unduly elevate the role of deacons (say, to de facto elders) or unduly reduce their role (say, to glorified janitors) The Backstory and the Blunders: How Deacons have functioned In the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition, deacons have always functioned mainly as mercy ministers, caring for the needy and distressed and often helping oversee the finances of the church In the Anglican communion, deacons are either “transitional”, moving toward the priesthood, or “vocational”, appointed for life; all are theologically trained and formally ordained....

Don’t Assume You know you are qualified to be an elder if You want to be an elder (1 Tim 3:1, 1 Peter 5:2) You exemplify godly character (1 Tim 3:2-3, Titus 1:7-8) Above reproach, blameless Self-controlled, no addictions Gentle Not greedy You can teach the Bible You lead your family well A one-woman man An effective father Manages household well, having his children under control with all dignity Hospitable You are male You are an established believer Smell like Sheep Elders are shepherds and their primary role is to shepherd the flock (church members) Elders are to engage in relationships with their church members Elders minister with the goal of growing church members in Christian maturity....