The Church / Church Leadership

  • Spokesmen for God

    Exodus 7:1-7

    Because God has fully and finally revealed Himself in His Son, we believe that the Lord does not call people to the office of prophet today (Heb. 1:1–4). That does not mean, however, that there is no one ...Read More

  • Teachers

    James 3:1

    God holds accountable all of the teachers in His church, whether they lead the two-year-old Sunday school class or teach a graduate-level seminary course. Thus, all Christian teachers must study diligently and work hard to present their subjects clearly and ...Read More

  • Deacons

    Matthew 25:31–46

    Jesus tells us very clearly that those who want to be great in the kingdom of God must serve others (Matt. 23:11). None of us should ever think that we are too good or hold too high of a ...Read More

  • Bishops/Elders

    1 Peter 2:12

    We are to take the words and example of our elders seriously because they prepare us for the judgment seat of Christ. They preach the gospel, administer the sacraments, and discipline us so that we might be converted, brought back ...Read More

  • Apostles

    Ephesians 2:19–20

    The prophets and apostles have given us a sure foundation—the inerrant and infallible Scriptures. We do not expect God to give us new revelation today but only to lead the church into a deeper understanding of the truth He ...Read More

  • The Gift of Officers

    Ephesians 4:11

    All Christians rest upon the teaching of the apostles and prophets in sacred Scripture, but God has ordained that evangelists, pastors, and teachers are also necessary for healthy spiritual growth. The Lord does not ordinarily bring us to maturity through ...Read More

  • The Love and Peace of Christ

    Colossians 3:14-15

    When church elders, committees, and other bodies need to make a decision, their choice should in large measure be based upon what will bring peace to the church in the matter without compromising the gospel of Jesus Christ. Similarly, as ...Read More

  • Creation Ordinances

    Genesis 1-2

    In this day and age, there is a great temptation for the church in the United States to think that its mission is coextensive with the platform of one or more of the political parties in this country. Yet while ...Read More

  • Watching the Teaching

    1 Timothy 4:16

    Take some time today to look over 1 Timothy as a conclusion to our study of this epistle. Thank God for the gift of His Word and for its transforming message. Make sure that you are in a church that ...Read More

  • The Revelation of Character

    1 Timothy 5:24-25

    A man cannot hide his character from God, but it can remain unknown to others. This practical observation should always be kept in mind as men are considered for church office. But even if we are not candidates for leadership ...Read More

  • Ordain with Discernment

    1 Timothy 5:22-23

    John Calvin writes, “Every person should attend to his own health, not for the sake of prolonging life, but that, as long as he lives, he may serve God, and be of use to his neighbors.” While we must be ...Read More

  • In the Presence of the Court

    1 Timothy 5:19-21

    John Chrysostom says, “As it is wrong to condemn hastily and rashly, so not to punish manifest offenses is to open the way to others, and embolden them to offend. …The threatenings of hell show the care of God for ...Read More

  • Honoring Church Elders

    1 Timothy 5:17-18

    The way in which we value goods or services is seen in the amount we are willing to pay for them. We have no qualms about spending money in order to get the best medical care or receive the best ...Read More

  • The Family’s Debt to Widows

    1 Timothy 5:3-4

    Only those with no other recourse are to receive financial assistance from the church, not those who cannot afford food because they refuse to give up cable television, Internet service, lavish living, and other discretionary expenses. If you need the ...Read More

  • The Pastor’s Priorities

    1 Timothy 4:13

    Without even knowing it, our expectations can be part of the problem in the church’s lack of focus on teaching in our day. When we choose churches based simply on the extent of their youth activities or the style ...Read More