Forward: While many have tried, God says:
“You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 Amp.
So, our job is to search constantly for perfection in us and then grow that outward into the group or Congregation known as the Church. Since we are all imperfect, (Rm. 3:23) how is that possible? Well, as good or as bad as we are, Jesus must be allowed to make up for that part of us which is not perfect. He must be allowed to fill the gap for us. Yes, there are baby steps, youthful steps at first, then, we grow into maturity as time goes by.
1. START WITH THE MOST PERFECT LEADERSHIP TEAM
Therefore, it is best that the Church be run by a group or a board of older people. People who have spent many years growing and maturing in the Faith of Jesus Christ. God calls them Elders. Titus records them in this way:
“For this reason I left you [behind] in Crete, that you might set right what was defective and finish what was left undone, and that you might appoint elders and set them over the churches (assemblies) in every city as I directed you.” (Titus 1:5 Amp.)
Who should these Elders be, besides being older?
“[These elders should be] men who are of unquestionable integrity and are irreproachable, the husband of [but] one wife, whose children are [well trained and are] believers, not open to the accusation of being loose in morals and conduct or unruly and disorderly.(Titus 1:6 Amp.)
How should they be? How should they act? What are their responsibilities?
”I warn and counsel the elders among you (the pastors and spiritual guides of the church) as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a sharer in the glory (the honor and splendor) that is to be revealed (disclosed, unfolded): Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully; Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation).”(1 Peter 5:1-3 Amp.)
2. UNDERSTAND WHO MINISTERS ARE
But what are Ministers? Paul, was made a Minister by Jesus. (Acts 26:16) as well as Jesus, became a “Servant and a Minister” (Rm. 15:16) The Apostles were also ministers (I Cor. 4:1) each “has their task” (I Cor. 3:5) They can be a variety of names and positions, including Elders. Peter reminded them to be humble:
“Likewise, you who are younger and of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church)—[giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel]. Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)—[and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)
3. GIVE THE ELDERS PROPER ASSISTANTS
How do Deacons fit into all of this? The first Deacons were appointed in Acts chapter 6, so the Apostles could “devote themselves steadfastly to prayer and the ministry of the Word” (which is the basic ministry duties to this day. They were referred to as Deacons, a bit later:
“On the morrow we left there and came to Caesarea; and we went into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven [first deacons], and stayed with him.” (Acts 21:8 Amp.)
The Deacons act as assistants to the Elders. (Ph. 1:1 Amp) and Timothy (I Tim. 3:8-13) gives us requirements for Deacons. One is that they be “tried and investigated and proved first.” (I Tim. 3:13) Paul finishes the thought to Timothy saying that he wrote this so that people in the Church will in the event “I am detained” “know how to conduct themselves in the household of God”.
So if we are to form a perfect Church, we must start with perfect management (my words). This must be our goal. Now, if you are not part of a Church that follows this pattern, you may want to help form one. More on that later.
I am yours truly,
Minister Bob Cutting
