Appendix A
INSPIRATION
We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as being verbally
inspired by God and inerrant and infallible in the original writings, and
that they are of supreme and final authority.
Terms explained:
1. Verbally:
This means that the individual words of the Bible are true and without error
in the original writings. Therefore, more than just the thought or concept
is inspired, but also every word (Matt. 5:17,18; Prov. 30:5,6). The term
"plenary" is often used with the word "verbal" to give the view that all
Scripture is fully and equally inspired (2 Tim. 3:16,17).
2. Inspired (Inspiration):
Inspiration is that particular work of God by which the Holy Spirit,
becoming the co-author of Scripture, supernaturally directed the writers of
Scripture and without excluding their human intelligence, individuality,
literary style, personal feelings, or any other human factor, God's own
complete and coherent message to men was recorded in perfect accuracy and
the very words of the Bible bear the authority of this divine authorship.
Inspiration is not equivalent to dictation except in certain instances, as
God uses the experience, feelings and thinking of the human author. The end
result, however, is just as accurate as if God Himself had taken the pen.
Hence, the Scriptures were inspired or breathed out by God and, though the
authors were fallible men, what they wrote was without error (2 Peter
1:20,21). Inspiration does not suppress the intellectual ability and talent
but rather uses that intellectual ability and talent (Luke 1:1-3; 2 Samuel
23:2).
3. Inerrant:
Inerrant means that the Scriptures in their original writings were without
error (John 10:35; Luke 16:17).
4. Infallible:
Infallible means that the Scriptures in their original writings were
incapable of error and never wrong (John 10:35; Luke 16:17).
5. Final Authority:
The Scriptures are God's special revelation (communication of truth) to man
and because they are inspired and inerrant they become our final authority.
However, we take careful note of what the Bible indicates as not being
authoritative, such as Satan's statement to Eve in the Garden of Eden, "You
surely shall not die." (Gen. 3:45; 2 Tim. 3:16,17).
TRINITY
We believe in one God eternally existing in One Essence, yet three co-equal
Persons, the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Terms explained:
1. Eternally existing:
There is but one God (Deuteronomy. 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-6,14,18,21-22; Mark
12:29-32), Who has no beginning and no ending (Ps. 90:1-2; Gen. 1:1).
2. Three in One:
God is One in Essence, yet three Persons, co-equal, eternally existing
(Matt. 28:19; Eph. 4:4-6; Rev. 1:4; John 12:26; 15:26; 16:15; 1 Peter 1:2;
Acts 2:32-36; I Cor. 12:3-6, II Cor. 13:14).
3. Co-equal:
a. The Bible tells us that the Father is God (John 6:27; Rom. 1:7).
b. The Son is recognized as God (John 1:1; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; I John 5:19-27;
Phil. 2:6).
c. The Holy Spirit is also identified as God (Matt. 28:19; Acts 5:4,9).
INCARNATION
We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by God, conceived by the Holy
Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary.
Terms explained:
1. Jesus Christ:
Jesus Christ has two natures in one Person, so that He is simultaneously
fully God and fully Man, and this relationship is such that there is no
dividing of Person nor confounding of the two natures. (John 1:1-14).
2. Conceived by the Holy Spirit:
The conception of Jesus was a divine act of the Holy Spirit, without human
agency (Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:26-38).
3. Born to the virgin Mary:
At the time of Christ's conception up until the time of His birth, Mary was
a virgin (Matt. 1:18-25; Isa. 7:14; Luke 1:27).
HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, Who convicts
the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He is the life of the
believer, and He empowers the preaching and teaching of the gospel.
Terms Explained:
1. Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, equal with the Father
and the Son (John 14:16; Matt. 28:19).
2. Convicts:
Jesus Christ said that the Spirit would perform this ministry with respect
to the world (John 16:7-11).
3. Life:
The Holy Spirit is the agent of spiritual birth (John 3:5-8). The Spirit
regenerates, indwells, seals, and baptizes into the Church body all
believers (1 Cor. 12:13; Titus 3:5; Eph. 1:13; 4:30; 1 Cor. 6:19; Rom.
8:9,11; 2 Cor. 1:21,22). The believer's life is strengthened and guided by
the Spirit (Eph. 1:13; 3:16; John 16:13; Rom. 8:4,14,26-27). The believer is
commanded to be filled or controlled by the Spirit, so that the
characteristics of Christ-likeness will be evident in his or her life (Eph.
5:18; Gal. 5:16).
4. Empowers:
The Holy Spirit enables the spreading of God's word in testimony, preaching
and practical living (John 15:26-27). Spiritual obedience will give fruit to
a spiritually powerful life of service for Christ (Eph. 5:15-21; Gal.
5:22-25).
MANKIND
We believe that mankind was created in the image of God, sinned, and thereby
incurred not only physical death, but spiritual death, which is separation
from God, and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature.
Terms explained:
1. Created in the image of God:
The whole man (male and female), body and soul, is the image of God. Man is
the physical image of the spiritual God. This term incorporates man’s
dominion over creation as given by the Creator. (Gen. 1:26-27; 5:1)
2. Separation from God:
When Adam, of his own free will, chose to disobey God, he sinned (the
breaking of God's law). This original sin separated us from God, Who,
because of His holiness, could not tolerate sin, and therefore, judged such
sin (Rom. 6:23; 3:9-20; 8:7).
ATONEMENT
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the
Scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and that all
who believe in Him are justified on the basis of His shed blood.
Terms Explained:
1. Representative:
This means that Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, was made sin for us (2 Cor.
5:14-21). As Adam was the representative of man in the fall, so Christ is
the representative of man in the Atonement (1 Cor. 15:22). Therefore, since
Christ represented all who believe in Him, His sacrifice will cover all who
believe in Him (John 3:16).
2. Substitutionary:
This is called the "vicarious" suffering since Christ died in our place. He
did not die for His own sin (Heb. 4:15-16; 1 John 3:5), but died for the
sins of others (1 Cor. 15:3; 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 5:8).
3. All Who Believe:
Only those who exhibit faith are justified (Gal. 2:16; 3:11).
4. Justified:
Justification is that act of God whereby He declares the guilty and depraved
sinner to be righteous because of Christ’s own righteousness having been
imputed, or credited to the sinner (Rom 3:23-26; 4:5-8,13-25; 5:18-21;
8:33).
RESURRECTION, ASCENSION, EXALTATION
We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, His
ascension into Heaven and His present life there as High Priest and Advocate
for us.
Terms Explained:
1. Resurrection:
We believe that on the third day, Jesus Christ arose bodily from the grave
(Luke 24:1-7, 13-27). Belief in the doctrine of the resurrection is
essential to salvation (Rom. 10:9; 1 Cor. 15:12-23).
2. Ascension:
After His resurrection and forty-day ministry Jesus ascended up into Heaven
(Acts 1:1-11; 1 Peter 3:21-22).
3. High Priest And Advocate:
Since Christ's atonement has restored our relationship with God, we now can
approach God through Christ, Who as our High Priest represents us before
God. As our Advocate, He compassionately deals with our needs and
strengthens us (Heb. 4:14; 5:1-10; 7:25; 8:1-2; 9:11-15,24; 13:5 ).
ESCHATOLOGY
We believe in the blessed hope, the personal, visible and imminent return of
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Terms Explained:
1. Blessed Hope:
The return of the Lord is an event that believers ought to wait for with
high expectation and excitement. As still imperfect people, we eagerly await
the restoration of all things to perfect Christ-likeness after the return of
Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13; Rom. 8:18-25; 1 Peter 1:7,13; 4:13; 2 Thess. 1:7;
1 Cor. 1:7).
2. Personal, visible:
Jesus, not just in spirit, but in bodily form, will return to this earth
(Acts 1:11).
3. Imminent:
The Church, as God's steward, ought to consider the return of Christ as an
event which is about to happen, and therefore, though patient, we are to be
alert to such an event as we seek to glorify Him through our lives (Mark
13:32-37; Matt. 24:3-51; Luke 21:34).
4. Patient Lifestyle:
The Bible's teaching concerning the Lord's impending return is always set in
the context of practical exhortation, focusing upon our present lifestyle,
rather than upon undue speculation (2 Peter 3:11; Matt. 24:42-51).
SALVATION
We believe that all who receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith are born
again by the Holy Spirit, and thereby become children of God and heirs of
eternal life.
Terms explained:
1. Faith:
Faith is the "gift of God" (Eph. 2:8) and is produced by the Word of God
(Rom. 10:14,17). We are saved by faith alone apart from works (Eph. 2;9;
Rom. 3:20; Titus 3:5). However, genuine faith necessarily leads to good
works (Eph. 2:10; Matt. 5:16; James 2:17-26).
2. Born again by the Holy Spirit:
The new birth (regeneration) is absolutely necessary for fellowship with God
(John 3:7). Man is totally passive in regeneration since it is completely a
work of God (John 1:13; 3:5-6). The new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit
(John 3:8) by which He creates within a person a new nature, a new heart, a
new spirit (John 3:5; 2 Peter 1:4; Ezek. 11:19; 36:26; 2 Cor. 5:17).
3. Children of God:
Those who have received the Spirit of Christ have therefore been born again
into God's family (John 1:1-12; Rom. 8:9,14-17). As members of His family we
not only have fellowship with our Father in Heaven, but we are being
transformed by the Holy Spirit into the image of Christ, and when Christ
returns we will be completely changed in body and spirit to be like Jesus
Christ (Rom. 8:19-23; 1 John 3:2). This experience of the life of Jesus
Christ within us now by the presence of the Holy Spirit and forever ours in
the presence of Jesus Christ is "eternal life"
HEAVEN AND HELL
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the
everlasting conscious suffering of the lost in hell, and the fellowship of
the saved in heaven.
Terms explained:
1. Bodily resurrection:
Those saints who are "asleep in Jesus" will be raised at the same time the
living saints are "raptured" and changed (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor.
15:51-58). After the resurrection, all the unsaved will stand before the
Great White Throne for judgment, and since their names will not be found in
the Book of Life, they will be cast into the Lake of Fire (20:11-15; 21:8;
Matt. 25:31-46; Luke 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Acts 13:48).
2. Everlasting conscious suffering:
The Devil, his agents and those who fail to repent and follow Christ will
experience conscious never-ending torment. (Rev 20:10, 14-15).
3. Heaven:
We believe heaven to be a literal place where Jesus Christ is preparing an
eternal home for believers of all ages (John 14:1-6; Rev 21:1-22:5).
4. Hell:
We believe hell to be a literal place where all unsaved will spend eternity
(Rev. 20:10, 15; Matt. 13:36-43).
DEVIL
We believe in the reality and personality of Satan, who is working in the
world to destroy the souls of men. We believe that Christians can overcome
Satan's schemes by applying Scriptural truth in the power of the Holy
Spirit. We believe that Satan, all his angels, and all who do not persevere
in Jesus Christ will eternally perish in Hell, separated from the presence
of God. (Eph. 6:10-19; Luke 10:18; Job 1:6-12; John 8:44)
Terms explained:
1. Devil/Satan:
Though a created being and one of the highest angels, the devil fell because
he wanted to be greater than God (Isa. 14:12-15).
2. Eternally perish:
The judgment upon the devil and his followers is an unending punishment
(Rev. 20:10,14,15; 19:20).
CHURCH
We believe in the Church, whose mission it is to preach the Scriptures to
all the world, all of its endeavors being guided by multiple leadership and
supported by the wise stewardship of God's people.
Terms explained:
1. Church:
The collective body of believers in Jesus Christ is the Church (Eph.
5:23-32; Col. 1:18; Matt. 18:20; Eph. 1:22-23, Col. 2:19; 3:15).
2. Mission:
The Church has been given the privilege and responsibility of making
disciples of all peoples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son
and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to observe all that He commanded
(Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
3. Preach:
By this term we encompass all of the believers who are to declare and make
known God's truth through the totality of their lives, in addition to the
formal proclamation of the Word of God (Eph. 3:8-10; 4:15,16; Col. 1:9-12,
28).
4. Multiple leadership:
Within each local church we believe God provides a team of Pastor/Elders,
Deacons and other workers who are to guide and enable the congregation to
develop spiritual maturity. Pastor/Elders are appointed to exercise
spiritual oversight for the flock entrusted to them and will ultimately be
held accountable for their decisions and actions toward the Lord, each other
and the church body. Deacons serve as assistants to the Elders and are
ministering workers who fulfill various formal or informal roles within the
congregation (Acts 14:23; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1; Hebrews 13:17; Acts
6:1-6).
5. Stewardship:
God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have
and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole
world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their
possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their
time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as
entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others.
According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means
cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for
the advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth (Genesis 14:20; Leviticus
27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 19:21;
23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25;
20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2
Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
ORDINANCES
We believe that the ordinances of the Church given by our Lord, are Baptism
and the Lord's Supper (Communion).
Terms explained:
1. Baptism:
Baptism, by immersion, is commanded of all believers and it is an act of
obedience signifying the believer's death, burial and resurrection "in
Christ" (Rom. 6:3,4; Acts 18:8; 1 Peter 3:21). The disciples were commanded
to see to it that baptism was a part of their ministry (Matt. 28:19,20) and
the pattern of the book of Acts (Acts 2:38-41; 8:12,13,36,38) indicates the
widespread practice of water baptism for believers. We baptize in the name
of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We do not believe in baptismal
regeneration, nor do we hold that baptism is necessary for salvation.
2. Lord's Supper (Communion):
On the night of His arrest, Jesus instituted what is also known as the
Eucharist, or Communion service, which symbolizes and calls our attention to
the atonement. This celebration is one in which we look back to the finished
work of Christ and also forward to the yet to be completed consummation of
our redemption. This church views the elements of the Communion as symbolic
of the body and the blood of Christ. and does not view the taking of
Communion as a means of distributing grace (Matt. 26:26-30; 1 Cor. 10:16;
11:23-30).
Appendix B
Biblical Qualifications for Elders
1 Timothy 3:1-7.
Aspiration
3:1 "It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of
overseer, it is a fine work he desires [to do]."
At least one way for a man to attain the role of elder was to aspire to it.
In fact, since it is the duty of elders to do their work with gladness and
not under constraint or for love of money (1 Peter 5:1-3), this should be
thought of as one of the elders' qualifications. This need not exclude the
possibility that a man may be sought out and urged to become an elder. But
no pressure should be used that would result in an unwilling, half-hearted
service.
Above Reproach
3:2 "An overseer, then, must be above reproach,"
The word is used elsewhere in the New Testament only in 5:7 (where widows
are to be without reproach by putting their hope in God and not living
luxuriously or sumptuously or self-indulgently) and 6:14 (where Timothy is
to keep the commandment irreproachable until Jesus comes).
The words "above reproach" seem to be general words for living in a way that
gives no cause for others to think badly of the church or the faith or the
Lord. This tells us nothing about the sort of thing that would bring
reproach on the church or the Lord. But, coming at the head of the list it
puts a tremendous emphasis on what a person's reputation is. The focus here
is not a person's relationship to the Lord, but how others see him. It
seems, therefore, that right from the outset, the public nature of the
office is in view with its peculiar demands.
Husband of One Wife
3:2 " the husband of one wife,"
The word order emphasizes the word "one". So it is not likely that Paul
meant to say that the elders have to be married. There are other words for
"married" he could have used. He probably would have put "husband" in the
prominent place if that were his intention. Moreover, Paul was not married
(1 Corinthians 9:5; 7:7) and he thought singleness was an excellent way to
be freer for ministry (1 Corinthians 7:32).
Does this standard mean that an elder cannot have been divorced and
remarried?
When Paul writes of divorce, he calls it divorce. For such an important
qualification, ambiguity would be inappropriate. It seems that Paul is
describing a man without multiple wives or various affections for other
women. He does not appear to be excluding the divorcee from the office of
Elder. The Elder is to be characterized as a "one woman man" with eyes and
affections for his wife exclusively.
Temperate
3:2 ". . .temperate. . ."
This word is used two other times in the New Testament – in 3:11 of the
wives of deacons; and in Titus 2:2 about older men in general.
It is odd that it is used here, even though in verse 3 the elders must not
be addicted to wine. Perhaps here the point is more general – namely, that
his temperance extends over other things besides wine. Or perhaps the
repetition comes because in verse 3 there begins a list of things which the
elder is not supposed to be, and Paul felt obliged to include the problem of
wine in the negative list as well as the positive. The standard here is one
of self-control and mastery of his appetites. Wine would surely not be the
only thing that a person can misuse.
Sensible, Prudent, Reasonable
3:2 ". . . prudent . . ."
The word is used only here and in Titus 1:8 of elders, and 2:2 of older men
and 2:5 of younger women.
This word means "to be of a sound mind" – like the demoniac after he was
healed (Mark 5:15). The basic idea seems to be having good judgment, which
implies seeing things as they really are, knowing yourself well, and
understanding people and how they respond. We might say "being in touch with
reality" so that there are no great gaps between what you see in yourself
and what others see in you.
Respectable, Honorable,
3:2 ". . . respectable . . ."
The idea seems to be one of not offending against propriety – a person who
handles himself in situations so as not to step on toes unnecessarily.
Hospitable
3:2 ". . . hospitable . . ."
An elder should be one who loves strangers – that is, who is given to being
kind to newcomers and makes them feel at home - a person whose home is open
for ministry and who does not shrink back from having guests, not a
secretive person.
Skilled in Teaching
3:2 ". . . able to teach. . ."
This need not mean that the person is very good in front of a group, since
not all elders devote all their time to formal teaching or preaching (1
Timothy 5:17). Rather, as Titus 1:9 says, "He must hold firm to the sure
Word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine
and also to confute those who contradict it."
In other words, he must know Biblical doctrine well and be able to explain
it to people. He must be astute enough theologically that he can spot
serious error and show a person why it is wrong and harmful.
Not Addicted to Wine
3:3 ". . . not addicted to wine. . ."
The general qualification here would be like the one above under temperance,
namely, self-control – not addicted to anything harmful or debilitating or
worldly. Freedom from enslavements should be so highly prized that no
bondage is yielded to.
Not Pugnacious or Belligerent
3:3 ". . . pugnacious. . ."
The point here is that the temper should be under control. He must not be
given to quarreling or fighting. There should be a conciliatory bent. His
feelings should not be worn on the sleeve. He should not carry resentments
or be hypercritical.
Gentle
3:3 ". . . but gentle. . ."
This is the opposite of pugnacious or belligerent. He should not be harsh or
mean-spirited. He should be inclined to tenderness and resort to toughness
only when the circumstances commend this form of love. His words should not
be divisive but helpful and encouraging.
Peaceable
3:3 ". . . peaceable. . ."
This seems almost identical with "not pugnacious or belligerent". In fact,
the last three seem to go together as a unit that stresses peacemaking
rather than factiousness or troublemaking. This would have great
implications about the way he uses his tongue.
Not a Lover of Money
3:3 ". . . free from the love of money. . ."
He should be putting the kingdom first in all he does. His lifestyle should
not reflect a love of luxury. He should be a generous giver. He should not
be anxious about his financial future. He should not be so money-oriented
that ministry decisions revolve around this issue.
Leader of a Well-ordered Household
3:4-5 "[He must be] one who manages his own household well, keeping his
children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to
manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),"
The home is a proving ground for ministry. He should have submissive
children. This does not mean perfect, but it does mean well-disciplined, so
that they do not blatantly and regularly disregard the instructions of their
parents. The children should revere their father. He should be a loving and
responsible spiritual leader in the home. His wife should be respected and
tenderly loved. Their relationship should be openly admirable.
A Mature Believer, Not a New Believer
3:6 "[and] not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall
into the condemnation incurred by the devil."
The "condemnation of the devil" seems to be the condemnation that the devil
is under because of his being puffed up. So the new believer, given too much
responsibility too soon, may easily swell with pride. The implication is
that part of Christian seasoning is a humbling process and a growing
protection against pride. We should see evidences in his life that humility
is a fixed virtue and not easily overturned.
Good Reputation with Outsiders
3:7 "And he must have a good reputation with those outside [the church], so
that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."
This is similar to being "above reproach" in verse 2. But here it is made
explicit that the outside unbelieving world is in view. This doesn't mean
the world sets the standards, since Jesus himself was rejected by some. What
it seems to mean is that a Christian leader should at least meet the
standards of the world for decency and respectability, for the standards of
the church should be higher.
The snare of the devil is referred to in 2 Timothy 2:26. It seems to involve
deception and sin, since to be rescued from it is to repent and come to
knowledge of the truth. How does not being well thought of by outsiders
cause you to fall into reproach and the snare of the devil? Could it be that
the reproaches of the world would cause a person to try to hide his faults
in the church and thus fall into lying or duplicity?
Titus 1:6-9.
1:6 "if any man is above reproach. . ." See above, Above Reproach
1:6 ". . .the husband of one wife. . ." See above, Husband of One Wife.
Honest and Orderly Children
1:6 ". . . having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or
rebellion."
The meaning is probably the same as 1 Timothy 3:4-5 and the well-ordered
house. There, the children are to be "in subjection with all reverence".
Here, the focus is not just on the relationship of the children to the
father, but on their behavior in general. They are not to be guilty of the
accusation of "wild living" or uncontrolled behavior. And they are not to be
"insubordinate".
Children are to be orderly, generally obedient, responsible, and reliable.
Humility
1:7 ". . . not self willed. . ."
This is the assumption behind his not being a new believer, lest he be
puffed up. He should be lowly in his demeanor, not speaking much of himself
or his achievements. He should count others better than himself and be quick
to serve. He should sincerely give God the credit and honor for any
accomplishments.
1:7 ". . .not quick-tempered. . ." See above on 1 Timothy 3:3, Gentle and
Peaceable.
1:7 ". . .not addicted to wine. . ." See above on 1 Timothy 3:3, Not
Addicted to Wine.
1:7 ". . .not violent. . ." See above on 1 Timothy 3:3, Not Pugnacious or
Belligerent.
1:7 ". . .not fond of sordid gain. . ." See above on 1 Timothy 3:3, Not a
Lover of Money.
1:8 ". . .hospitable. . ." See above on 1 Timothy 3:2, Hospitable.
Lover 0f Goodness
1:8 ". . . loving what is good. . ."
He should love to see good done and love to be involved in doing good. This
is more than doing good. It is a bent and love to see it done.
1:8 ". . . sensible. . ." See above on 1 Timothy 3:2, Sensible, Prudent,
Reasonable.
Just
1:8 ". . . just. . ."
He should care about whether people are treated fairly and should want to
see justice in the world at all levels.
Devout, Holy
1:8 ". . . devout. . ."
He should be a person of devotion to Christ with a life of prayer and
meditation. He should love worship and have a deep personal relationship
with the Lord.
Self-Controlled
1:8 ". . . self-controlled. . ."
The focus here is especially on sexual self-control. He should not be in the
grip of lust. He should not toy with pornography. He should be utterly
faithful to his wife.
Doctrinally Proficient
1:9 "holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the
teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to
refute those who contradict.
First is stressed his firm hold on the truth. This refers to the subjective
relation he bears to the truth. Is it loved (2 Thessalonians 2:10)? Is the
person solid and unshakable in his grasp of the truth? Has the truth taken
hold of him? The opposite would be a person who is never quite sure of where
he stands or a person who thinks that doctrinal definition is generally
unimportant or a person who has his learning mainly second-hand from books
and teachers and not from the Bible itself, so that his hold is weak.
Second is stressed the nature of the word he holds – it is sure and accords
with the (apostolic) teaching. This would mean a good grasp of Biblical
truth, especially the doctrine of the apostles. The Bible, not other books,
must be the foundation of doctrinal knowledge, though other books are very
helpful and inspirational.
Third is stressed the positive role of teaching this healthy doctrine to
others. A person who says, "I know what it means but I can't explain it so
others can understand it" would probably not make a suitable elder. The
church is in great need of being led by men who not only know, but can
explain, Biblical doctrine. They are responsible for the spread of the truth
in the church and from the church.
Finally is stressed the negative role of confuting doctrinal error. So the
elders must be fairly incisive observers of the thought-world of the day.
They need to be able to spot the encroachments of secular principles and
assumptions. And they need to be able to correct opponents and straying
saints (2 Timothy 2:24-26; James 5:19-20).
These Lists of Qualifications Are Not Exhaustive
These lists in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 are not intended to be
exhaustive. We can tell that from the fact that they are not the same. Titus
mentions piety and justice and sexual self-control, but 1 Timothy does not
mention these in particular. On the other hand, 1 Timothy mentions that the
elder must not be a new convert, and that he must be respectable which Titus
does not mention specifically.
Neither mentions specifically prayer. Neither forbids the elders explicitly
from being robbers or liars or gossips, etc. The point is that the lists are
not exhaustive. Paul takes numerous virtues for granted and gives these as
examples. There may be other expectations implied in the ones listed. We
should follow the ones listed and let them be the guide for what others we
assume.
Appendix C
Principles of Local Church Governance
Principle One.
The Local Church Is governed by Christ (Matthew 16:18). This governance was
mediated through the authority of the apostles and their close associates
(Ephesians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; 7:17; 14:37-38; 2 Thessalonians
3:14). Today Christ still rules through the words of his apostles as they
are preserved for us in the inspired writings of the New Testament.
Therefore, every effort will be made to conform the structure and procedures
and spirit of church governance as closely as possible to New Testament
guidelines, with a constant eye to promoting the glory of God and the
advancement of faith (1 Corinthians 10:31; Philippians 1:25).
Matthew 16:18. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I
will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Ephesians 2:19-20. So then you are . . . the household of God, built upon
the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the
cornerstone.
1 Corinthians 2:12-13. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but
the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the gifts bestowed on
us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught
by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who possess the
Spirit.
1 Corinthians 7:17. Only, let every one lead the life which the Lord has
assigned to him, and in which God has called him. This is my rule in all the
churches.
1 Corinthians 14:37-38. If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let
him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's
commandment. But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.
2 Thessalonians 3:14. If anyone does not obey our instruction in this
letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so
that he will be put to shame.
1 Corinthians 10:31. Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do
all to the glory of God.
Philippians 1:25. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue
with you all for your progress and joy in the faith.
Principle Two.
The ministry of the church is primarily the work of the members in the
activity of worship toward God, nurture toward each other and witness toward
the world. Internal structures for church governance are not the main
ministry of the church, but are necessary in the equipping and mobilizing of
the saints for the work of ministry.
Ephesians 4:11-12. And [Christ] gave some as apostles, and some as prophets,
and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping
of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of
Christ.
Principle Three.
Governance structures should be lean and efficient to this end, not aiming
to include as many people as possible in office-holding, but to free and fit
as many people as possible for ministry (implied in the preceding
principle).
Principle Four.
Christ is the head of the church and, spiritually, all his disciples are on
a level ground before him, each having direct access to him and
responsibility to intercede for the good of all as a community of priests.
Ephesians 4:15. Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects
into Him who is the head, even Christ.
Matthew 23:8-11. But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and
you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is
your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your
Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant.
1 Timothy 2:5. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and
men, the man Christ Jesus.
Revelation 1:6. [Christ] has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and
Father –to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Galatians 6:1-2. Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who
are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one
looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another's
burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
Hebrews 3:13. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is
still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the
deceitfulness of sin.
Principle Five.
Not inconsistent with this equality, God has ordained the existence of
officers in the church, some of whom are charged under Christ with the
leadership of the church.
1 Timothy 5:17. The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of
double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
1 Thessalonians 5:12. But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate
those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord
and give you instruction.
Hebrews 13:7. Remember those who led you, who spoke the Word of God to you;
and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:17. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch
over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy
and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.
Acts 20:28. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which
the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which
He purchased with His own blood.
Principle Six.
The leaders of the church should be people who are spiritually mature and
exemplary (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9), gifted for the ministry given to
them (Romans 12:6-8), have a sense of divine urging (Acts 20:28), and are in
harmony with the duly established leadership of the church (Philippians
2:2).
1 Timothy 3:1-13. It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the
office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then,
must be above reproach, etc [15 qualifications are listed].
Titus 1:5-9. For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in
order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,
namely, if any man is above reproach, etc. [18 qualifications follow].
Romans 12:6-8. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given
to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to
the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches,
in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with
liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with
cheerfulness.
Acts 20:28. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which
the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which
He purchased with His own blood.
Philippians 2:2. Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining
the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.