Pastor Terrie Beede's "Studies in Theology" series, grounded in the anchor text of 1 Timothy 4:16, continued its exploration with The Doctrine of The Church Part 11: Ministries, Offices, and Government of the Church. Pastor Beede reiterated Paul's charge to Timothy to "take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine" and "continue in them," emphasizing that faithful conduct and accurate teaching ensure both the minister's own salvation and that of their hearers. This session, part of the concluding phases of the systematic theology study, was preparing to transition into the book of Acts upon its completion.
The primary focus was an examination of the ministries and offices of the church, building upon the previous session's introduction. Beede clarified that while the New Testament mentions a five-fold ministry (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers from Ephesians 4:11) and other gifts (like miracles, healings, helps, governments, tongues from 1 Corinthians 12:28-29), only three offices had designated ongoing requirements and functions: apostle, elder/pastor, and deacon.
The apostle was defined as a messenger or one who is sent, whose ministry was to bear witness to Jesus' resurrection. Qualifications included having known Jesus' life and teaching, being chosen by Him, and witnessing His death and resurrection. Beede cautioned against those who claim the title of "apostle" today, noting that while "apostles with a little a" (like pioneer missionaries) may exist, this is more a function or role than an official title.
The prophet's role, particularly in the Old Testament, was primarily to "forthtell" God's word (speaking on God's behalf) rather than primarily "foretelling" the future. New Testament prophecy, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14, indicates that "all may prophesy" and "all may judge the prophets," signifying it as a controllable function or role, not an uncontrollable title.
The evangelist (Ephesians 4:11) focuses on introducing people to the gospel, leaving discipling and administrative work to others. This, too, is presented as a function or task rather than a fixed, high office.
Pastors and teachers were often grammatically linked as one person fulfilling two distinct functions: shepherding and instructing. The terms elder, bishop, and pastor are used interchangeably in the New Testament, referring to the same office. A pastor's duties include administrative tasks, leading, teaching, nurturing, modeling, and shepherding the flock.
The deacon office, while not requiring the ability to teach (unlike an elder), was significant, with figures like Stephen and Philip the Evangelist serving in this capacity. Again, the emphasis was on a role of service rather than a hierarchical title.
The session then explored the jurisdiction of ministry offices, or church government. Two main types were discussed: hierarchical and autonomous/local.
1. Hierarchical forms included the Episcopalian model (local pastors, bishops, archbishops), seen in Catholic and Anglican churches, and the Presbyterian model (elders, presbytery, synod, general assembly).
2. Autonomous/Local forms included the Congregational model (power with the people) and the Pastoral/Eldership model, which Calvary Chapel Milwaukee practices. This model emphasizes that a New Testament pastor's authority is only over his local congregation, thus guarding against the spread of heresy from upper echelons.
The purpose of all ministry gifts (Ephesians 4:12) is the "perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry" and the "edifying of the body of Christ". This means believers are meant to do the work of the ministry, not merely be recipients or "clients".
Finally, the session introduced the priesthood of the believer, an often-overlooked ministry. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:5, 9, all believers are a "holy priesthood" called to offer spiritual sacrifices, show forth God's praises, and act as witnesses. This priesthood involves direct access to God and a ministry of sacrifice (presenting people to God, living holy lives), witness (proclaiming the gospel), teaching (as all are called to be teachers), and intercession for others. The role of pastors and elders is to equip believers for this work.
The session concluded by highlighting that the church has three purposes: ministry to God, ministry to the body, and ministry to the world, in which believers, as priests, have a crucial part to play. The next session was planned to complete the doctrine of the church by focusing on the role of the believer within these purposes.