This is way long, feel free to skip it!!
Define and explain. What is a biblical Church?
The Biblical Church – A body of believers that come together in worship and action. With the goals of serving Christ, teaching His word, encouraging others in the body, and reaching the lost sheep.
So many times we here the question “where is the church?” and I would say it is pretty valid. The only thing is, society is asking where is the church at in a physical way. Where are the workers, support, or supplies. That’s fine but it is hard to see the church move in society when we are not sure what the church actually is or at least what it should be. So the real question is What is the biblical Church?
Well lets start with me. My experience, growing up, if someone off the street asked me what is the church this is probably how I would of responded. The church was my family, my education, my support, my influence, and strength. I was adopted early on by the church they showed me more love than most could imagine. I learned who Christ was and why he mattered so much. Through the honest actions of others I learned how to love Christ and how to show gratitude and praise. The church was a safe place where sinners and “forgiven sinners” came to meet with God.
Today my opinion has changed a little the church is still many of the above mentioned but it is or is supposed to be more. It is the hands and feet of Christ. It has been called to act out of love and selflessness according to Gods direction. Each of his followers are a vital part of the church. Myself as a Christian am a part of the church, not the bridge, southwest or any other congregation but the body of Christ. And I have a part to play, God has given me gifts and it is my responsibility to use these gifts to better the body. This church was designed by God to be a place where we can learn together and remember him and his laws. To reach out, strengthen and encourage each other in love and discipline. It is not meant to be an institution of assigned seat sanctuaries where we come to fulfill the 10-12 gap on our Sunday to-do list. Nor is it suppose to be a place where we go to gain honor or praise for ourselves. We come together as a body rather it is in a building, a park or by ourselves in our homes as the church, one body, with a common bond being our belief in Christ.
What are the qualifications of the leaders of the Church?
A qualified leader of the church is someone that is called or appointed by God, we are not placed in a position without God’s planning. (I am not saying it doesn’t happen it is just not biblical.) One in a position has been chosen for the service God desires. Now for leaders of the church God has place strong guidelines and qualifications, this is so that the sheep are not taught falsely.
Personally and spiritual qualifications of a Leader. It all starts with our love and conviction to the Lord Jesus Christ. We must have a desire to strengthen our relationship with Him. As a Leader one must be rooted in biblical teachings. Having a strong relationship with God and strengthen it through prayer. As humans we make mistakes and allow sin to enter into our lives. When this happens God requires us to admit our wrongs accept punishment and work to remove these hindrances from our lives. As we strive to please God we are constantly seeking his will for us. Leadership is a large responsibility that is given to us and we are required to take it seriously.
Our social interactions and outward reflections of ourselves should be as honest and open as possible. God has called us to be a leader in the light and dark of our lives with this be above reproach, and seeking for integrity. Be an example of blameless living. Be gentle and kind, correct others with love. Our actions should reflect Christ. We are to serve all as Christ served.
What are the specific duties of the leaders of the Church?
Once in a position of leadership we have duties and obligations to Christ and those who we are teaching. These are given to us to help hold us accountable for the position and to help keep the sheep safe.
Obligations to Christ. We are held accountable to God. As a leader God requires us to uphold vows and promises that we make to him, all commitments are to be honored. We are required to pursue holiness and godliness. We are to work for the Lord out of love and adoration not out of obligation.
Duties to the Church. We are to be an example of trust and good living. Uphold all commitments to God and to the church. God has given us his sheep to watch over and we are responsible for the souls. So we are to guild them with correct teaching and a seriousness. We are to lead them by actions of righteousness, faith and love. Serve and be humble because we are not here to be praise but to give praise to God. Preaching the word of Christ with preparation and Gods instruction. Correct, rebuke and encourage when needed but with love and instruction.
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