Day 5: How SRC is Structured
The structure of the church should not be determined by culture, business practices, or even denominational traditions.
The nature of the church determines its structure.
- The church is a fellowship.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship…”(Acts 2:42)
A top priority in a fellowship is unity and peace.
“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)
Implication: A good structure promotes unity and downplays division.
“For it sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together. First, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it.” (1 Corinthians 11:17-18)
- The church is a family.
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters, be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.” (1 Peter 3:8)
Therefore, we operate on the basis of relationships NOT rules.
“Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.” (1 Timothy 5:1-2)
- The church is a body.
We function on the basis of spiritual gifts NOT offices. We have a simple structure so we can maximize ministry and minimize maintenance.
“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)
The people are the ministers.
The pastors are the administrators.
- The church is a flock. (John 10:1-30, Matthew 26:31, Matthew 25:33)
Therefore, it is cared for and led by shepherds.
“Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”…’Then feed my sheep.’”(John 21:16-17)
Three different terms are used in the New Testament to refer to the same church leaders.
POIMEN: Pastor
PRESBUTEROS: Elder
EPISCOPOS: Bishop or Overseer
“And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches….Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.” (1 Peter 5:1-2)
“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.” (Acts 20:28)
READING:
Review 1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-27, 10:22-33, 5:1-13
What scripture passages stuck out to you the most this week? Why do you think that is?
What questions, if any, do you have from the readings this week?
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Joel 1, 2, & 3
Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method
PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the ministry of South Ridge Church. The following outline may be helpful.
Four Prayers for Your Church:
- Thank God for the miracle of SRC and our ministry.
- Thank God for any way in which SRC has changed your life.
- Commit SRC’s future to the Lord.
- Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.
Click here if you would like to provide feedback to help us make the daily devotional and scripture reading guide even better.
south ridge blog 