(Titus 1:5-7) (1 Timothy 3:1-9) God designed cooperation for the work of the Church. WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE CHURCH? Simple answer, Jesus Jesus is Lord of the Church Jesus established the Church Jesus rules the Church by His Word Jesus gave us the mission of the Church (Matthew 28:18-20) Jesus told us how to relate in the Church (John 13:34-35) Jesus tells us how to keep the Church pure (Matthew 18:25-30) Jesus tells us who should do the preaching and teaching (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2) Jesus tells us what we should be preaching and teaching (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Complicated answer, What part? Whole Church (1) Jesus gives offices to do different things (a) Whole Church tells them they have to do something (b) Office of Pastors are told they have to do something Who is in charge of the church? (1) The Whole Church (a) Job description : Guard the Gospel. Matthew 16:17-19 and 18:15-20 i) Membership-care for and disciple ii) Discipline-lovingly pursue and recover from sin iii) Doctrine-define and hold accountable, therefore it must raise and appoint Elders 1 Timothy 5:17-20 and removing sinning Elders Galatians 1:8 (b) Think Deeper i) This is not just about making decisions and voting in a member meeting.If these three things mean we just vote on it, church polity has little to do in your everyday life. If we bring someone into the church, the church is responsible to oversee, encourage, and discipling that person. The church is responsible for their day by day faithfulness as part of our stewardship of one another. This is much more than a vote in a members meeting. ii) More than a one time voting that you agree with the churches statement of faith. But it is taking that faith and pushing it down into all areas of the church’s life. We do that by not only saying we agree with it, we expect each other to live in the light of the truth. iii) The church guards the gospel by making sure that each member continues to live a life shaped by the gospel and that the church continues to teach and preach the gospel. IS THERE ANYONE ELSE? Two leaders Elder, Bishop, Pastor Pastor (poison - shepherd) Ephesians 4:11 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[a] and teachers, Elder (presbyters) James 5:14, 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.Acts 15:2 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. Bishop (episkopos) Philippians 1:1. 1 Paul and Timothy, servants[a] of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers[b] and deacons:1 Timothy 3:1-7 (Qualifications of an Bishop) What this looks like in the New Testament Deacons : We will take about this office next week Elders Give leadership to the congregation 1 Peter 5:1-4 Elders need the congregation to help in the task Hebrews 13:17 How do elders lead Teach the Bible to the Church Protect the Church from false teachers Give oversight to the congregation HOW DOES THIS WORK TOGETHER? Ephesians 4:11-12 Elders teach and model healthy ministry Elders do not take away church authority, they enable the church to exercise its authority.1 Corinthians 5 (again) Elders are God’s discipleship program Analogy of a car, gas pedal and emergency brake Practical implications Church does not need to vote on everything (only matters of membership, discipline and doctrine Invite the pastors into your life (give your thoughts and cares) Understand your job and the Elders job to preserve the unity of the Church Foster a culture of trust for godly leadership within the Church What if I cannot submit on an issue? Conclusion: Decide to be a positive active member of the Church. Understand and pray for the Elders in the Church. Do everything you can to bring unity and cooperation in fulfilling God’s will for the church.