Biblical Interpretations concerning local church organization:
Biblical Interpretations concerning local church organization Episcopalian pattern Presbyterian pattern Congregational pattern Centralized Decentralized Power Which organizational pattern is BEST?
Requirements for effective use of authority:
Requirements for effective use of authority When power is centralized Well-informed goodness of a single or a few leaders When power is decentralized Well-informed goodness of the whole congregation
Understanding of Function Follows Understanding of Purpose:
Understanding of Function Follows Understanding of Purpose Determining the function (i.e. “what we do”) of a church starts with philosophical/biblical questions about our purpose Who are we? Where are we? Why are we here right now?
Functions of the church:
Functions of the church Gene Mims suggests 5 adopted by Lifeway & many Baptist churches Worship Disciple Fellowship Evangelize Minister
Functions of the church:
Functions of the church Steve Brown of Coral Ridge Ministries suggests 3 simple functions Exalt God Edify the saints Evangelize the lost
Functions of the church:
Functions of the church Blends of these basic functions have been recognized by some churches as one of their primary functions Seeker friendly worship = Worship + Evangelism Hospitality = Fellowship + Evangelism Mission Action (Hands-on Missions) = Evangelism + Ministry
Functions of the church:
Functions of the church The importance of specificity Vague notions of function lead to false starts and frustration Clear understandings of function lead to focused application of resources Activity 2-4-2 (Discussion) Using Brown’s three simple functions, explain as specifically as possible two functions that your church does in each of the three areas. Respond to at least 3 classmates.