Does it really matter how the church is organized? In this lesson, we examine the New Testament pattern for the church — both universal and local — and contrast it with the man-made hierarchies of Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, the Episcopal Church, the Southern Baptist Convention, and modern community churches. We look at what the Bible teaches about bishops, elders, and deacons — their qualifications, their roles, and the requirement for a plurality of elders in each congregation. We also address violations of the biblical pattern, including one-man rule and female leadership. If we can change the way Jesus organized His church, what stops us from changing His teaching on marriage, worship, or the plan of salvation?
Does it really matter how the church is organized? In this lesson, we examine the New Testament pattern for the church — both universal and local — and contrast it with the man-made hierarchies of Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, the Episcopal Church, the Southern Baptist Convention, and modern community churches. We look at what the Bible teaches about bishops, elders, and deacons — their qualifications, their roles, and the requirement for a plurality of elders in each congregation. We also address violations of the biblical pattern, including one-man rule and female leadership. If we can change the way Jesus organized His church, what stops us from changing His teaching on marriage, worship, or the plan of salvation?
Does it really matter how the church is organized? In this lesson, we examine the New Testament pattern for the church — both universal and local — and contrast it with the man-made hierarchies of Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, the Episcopal Church, the Southern Baptist Convention, and modern community churches. We look at what the Bible teaches about bishops, elders, and deacons — their qualifications, their roles, and the requirement for a plurality of elders in each congregation. We also address violations of the biblical pattern, including one-man rule and female leadership. If we can change the way Jesus organized His church, what stops us from changing His teaching on marriage, worship, or the plan of salvation?
