Baptist Handbook For Church Members
By M. L. Moser, Jr.
It is a distinct principle with Baptists that they
acknowledge no human founder, recognize no human
authority, and subscribe to no human creed. For all these
things, Baptists of every name and order go back to the
New Testament. And while no competent Baptist historian
assumes to be able to trace a succession of Baptist
churches through the ages, most of them are of one
accord in believing that, if we could secure the records,
there would be found heroic groups of believers in every
age who upheld with their testimonies and, in many cases,
with their lives, the great outstanding and distinctive
principles of the Baptist churches of today.
Bureau of Census for 1926
United States Department of Commerce
I
The Meaning of Church
Membership
God is a God of order. One can hardly look at our
solar system without noting that it is a mechanism so
meticulous in its operation that everything must function
precisely or else disaster and chaos would result. God
has a plan for every saved person, and the church is in
the center of Gods plan for Christians today. But it is
remarkable how many people claim to be saved by the
grace of God through Christ, yet in the same breath say
that they do not have to go to church to be a good
Christian. They certainly did not read that in the Bible.
What they are looking for is a position that will free
them from any responsibility of being faithful to Gods
house. Perhaps if they knew the facts as seen in the
Bible concerning Christ and His church they would change
their minds.
When our Lord supports something it is a good thing
for us to support it, and if He is against something we
ought to be against it too. The Bible tells us that Jesus
Foreword
For many years I have felt the need of a small book
on church membership, written from the viewpoint of an
independent Baptist, to place in the hands of members of
independent Baptist churches to help them to know the
meaning of church membership and to better understand
the doctrines and polity of Baptists, and particularly the
reasons why we are independent Baptists and not
affiliated with one of the various and sundry organizations
among Baptists. After consulting with other pastors, and
being unable to find such a book, I decided to prepare
one myself.
The book is intentionally brief, but an effort has been
made to discuss the more important things an independent
Baptist should know. In this revised edition we have
added the chapter on Church Officers and then have
made extensive revisions on other chapters which we
feel add to the value of the book. It should be studied
with Bible in hand since, in order to save space, most
Bible references are given but not quoted.
It has been our intention to prepare this book in such
a way that it could be used either as a Study Course
book over a period of two weeks (nine daily lessons, and
one day for examination), or a class for new members
immediately after they have joined a church. It is our
hope that this book will not only serve and meet the need
for the church of which I am pastor, but will also be a
tool and aid for other independent Baptist churches. If
the book proves a blessing in that it helps someone to be
a better Baptist, its purposes shall have been achieved.
The book is also available in the Spanish language
having been translated in 1981.
M. L. Moser, Jr.
Pastor Emeritus
Central Baptist Church
Little Rock, Arkansas
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THE BAPTIST CHALLENGE
www.centralbaptistchurch.org
M. L. Moser, Editor
Pastsor Emeritus
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH
15601 Taylor Loop Rd.
Little Rock, AR 72223
Email: mlmoser1@juno.com
built the church Himself, and if He thought we needed
it and built it for us, perhaps we ought to trust His wisdom
and judgment and work and worship Him through His
church as He desires. The Bible says He loves the church
and He tells us we are to love our wife in the way that
He loves the church (Eph. 5:25), and this gives us the
depth of His affection for His church of which you are
a member. Should your love be any less? If the church
is that dear to the heart of our Savior, shouldnât you
support it faithfully with your attendance and prayers?
Christ died for the church (Eph. 5:25), and that alone
should change the attitude of those who feel that church
attendance is not important.
Furthermore, Christ is the Head of the church (Eph.
1:22). If the Lord Himself is the Head, is it not worthwhile
to be a part of it?
You see, since God always works through plans,
among His plans He prescribes how man is to worship
Him. During the time of the patriarchs the head of each
family was in charge of the worship. Since then, God
has had three houses of worship: the tabernacle, the
temple and now the church. During the time of the
tabernacle, God expected and commanded His people to
worship and serve Him through the tabernacle. Following
the tabernacle came the temple, and God expected and
commanded His people to worship and serve Him through
the temple. Today we live in the church age and God
expects and commands all Christians to worship and
serve Him through a New Testament church.
Furthermore, God has a plan for those who have
been saved to help them live amidst this world of sin and
temptations that we face while on this earth, and in the
center of this plan for each Christian is a New Testament
church. God expects every Christian to be a member of
a New Testament church, for God does not save an
individual and then set him adrift to go through life serving
self and not serving God. This book has as its purpose
to help you determine what the will of God is concerning
you and your church and where it should fit into your
life.
I now a member of an independent Baptist
church. There are thousands of people who utter these
words with great joy each year as they are added to the
millions of Baptists who also count it a great joy and
privilege to be a member of a Baptist church. These
people have been saved, having received Christ as their
personal Lord and Savior, and they now have the
knowledge and assurance that their sins are forgiven and
there is now peace in their souls. As Christians they
have been obedient to the Lords command to follow
Him in baptism and to become a member of one of His
churches, and this new relationship has given them great
happiness. Yet many who are proud to utter these words,
I’m now a member of an independent Baptist church,â
fail to understand their true significance. Sometimes they
live for many years without ever knowing the true
meaning of church membership. This should not be true.
Every member of a Baptist church should know the
seriousness and sacredness of church membership. It is
surprising as to the number who hold membership in a
Baptist church without realizing their privileges and
opportunities or accepting their obligations. I am sure
this is not intentional, but I am persuaded that they have
never been brought face to face with the real meaning
of church membership, nor has it been adequately
presented to them. This book is an effort to set forth
some of these things.
There are two questions that need to be answered
relative to oneâs being a member of an independent Baptist
church. First, what is a Baptist church, and second, what
is an independent Baptist church. We shall seek to
answer both of these questions in this chapter.
What Is A Baptist Church?
Just what is a Baptist church, the organization to
which you now belong? It is a New Testament church.
It may be said that a New Testament church is a visible,
local, independent, organized congregation, composed of
baptized believers associated and united together in the
belief of what Christ has said, and covenanting to do
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what He has commanded.
The New Testament church is the greatest institution
the world has ever known. It was built by Christ during
His personal ministry and He alone is its Head (Mt.
16:18; Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18). He promised perpetuity to
it and said that the gates of hell would not prevail against
it (Mt. 16:18; 28:20). He gave it the commission and the
ordinances and died for it upon the cross (Mt. 28:18-20;
1 Cor. 11:23-26; Eph. 5:25). Christ loved the church and
desires His churches to honor and glorify Him as His
representatives on the earth (Eph. 5:25-27; 3:21).
The greatest task ever assigned to any individual or
group in the worldâs history, the task of carrying the
glorious gospel of Christ the Savior to the whole world,
belongs to the Lordâs churches. The Great Commission
is unique in that no other commission like it has ever
been given or ever will be given. In fulfilling this
commission, Baptist churches have done more for the
world than all other organizations of the world combined.
We see then that it is a great privilege to be members
of an independent Baptist church. These churches have
had a glorious beginning, a blood-written history, an
illustrious present and bright future based on the promises
of God. Baptist churches have held true to Godâs Word
through tribulations and persecutions, and their members
have been numbered among the faithful. Truly it is a
privilege indeed to be a member of a Baptist church, and
especially of an independent Baptist church.
Membership also brings us great opportunities: an
opportunity for fellowship in the greatest institution that
can be found; an opportunity for Christian growth and
development and training through the church; and an
opportunity for Christian service through the work of the
church in its evangelistic program both to those at home
and around the world on the mission fields.
Membership also places upon us inescapable
obligations: an obligation to make our church and its work
first in our lives; and obligation to use our time and our
talents for the glory of God; an obligation to the work of
the church with our presence, our talents, our influence
and our means. Churches are never stronger than their
membership and a membership of worldly, careless,
negligent, stunted Christians will prevent a church from
accomplishing much for the Lord. Your churchâs need is
for every member to be consecrated, trained and enlisted
in active service. Each of us is obligated to be the very
best member possible under the leading of the Lord.
What Is An Independent Baptist Church?
To many, an independent Baptist church is a strange
phenomenon. Being accustomed to the various Baptist
groups, such as the Southern Baptist Convention, the
Associations, or one of the organized Fellowships (Baptist
Bible Fellowship or World Baptist Fellowship) and others,
many people cannot comprehend the nature of a church
that is not affiliated with any of these. For that reason,
an independent Baptist church is looked upon with some
suspicion. Surely a church that stands all by itself must
be very queer.
Actually, independent Baptist churches have existed
since apostolic times. Long before the Protestant
Reformation began there were independent Baptist
churches in both Europe and Asia (see chapter V on
Baptist History). An independent Baptist church,
therefore, is nothing new or novel. It has an ancient and
glorious heritage. Although in various periods of church
history members of independent Baptist churches have
been persecuted and even slain for the faith, such
churches continue until the present day. There are many
thousands of independent Baptist churches in all parts of
the world.
What are the distinctive of a Baptist church? one
may ask. They could concisely be set forth as follows:
I. A Church That is Self-governing.
The churches established by the apostles of Christ
were all independent Baptist churches; that is, they were
free from any outside control or membership in any kind
of an organization. The New Testament does not reveal
the existence of any Convention, Association, organized
Fellowship, Synod, Conference, or other form of human
organization exercising control over the local congregation
or even existing apart from a local independent church.
Each local church was viewed as a self-governing body.
An aggregation of local churches was never looked
upon organizationally as a âchurch,â but always as
churches, emphasizing the individual prerogatives of
each congregation (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 11:16). Each local
church chose its own officers (Acts 6:1-6). Each
exercised its own discipline (1 Cor. 5:13). Churches were
not responsible to any higher ecclesiastical body, since
there were none, but were subject only to God (Rev.
2:4-5). Internal problems were handled by the individual
congregation (1 Cor. 6;1-5). The maintenance of pure
doctrine was the responsibility of the local assembly (1
Tim. 3:15; Rev. 2:14-16).
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The Holy Spirit directs each local group of believers
(Acts 13:12). Such a church cannot be politically
pressured because it owns its own property (in contrast
to many denominational churches whose property is
owned or in some measure controlled by the
denomination).
In the important matter of calling a pastor, an
independent Baptist church is cast upon the Lord for
guidance. While they may seek counsel from neighboring
pastors or Christian schools, no one can force them to
accept a man they do not want. The congregation must
prayerfully consider the merits of a candidate and decide
whether or not he is Gods man for them.
Another important characteristic is the liberty enjoyed
in the matter of missionary support. While pressure is
exerted upon organized Baptist churches to support their
own denominational missions, independent Baptist churches
may seek the will and direction of God regarding this.
How did missionaries operate in Bible times?
They operated just like independent Baptist missionaries
operate today. When they were called as missionaries by the
Lord, a church sent them out and supported them
monetarily. A good Bible example is Saul (Paul) and
Barnabas who were called of God to be missionaries and
were sent out by the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-4).
Many independent Baptist churches send out members
of their own churches to both home and foreign fields,
just as did the church at Antioch and other churches of
the New Testament. The church at Philippi helped the
church at Antioch by supporting Paul while he was on
the mission field (Phil. 4:15).
Proportionately, there are more independent Baptist
missionaries on mission fields than from the organized
groups, and these missionaries are scattered throughout
the world and on all continents. Churches not sending
forth their own missionaries, choose which of these
missionaries to support, sending their offerings directly to
the missionary through the sponsoring church without the
great overhead of the various types of organizations and
mission boards or committees, many of them staffed by
men drawing more money than the missionaries. In this
way, 100% of the money goes to the missionary with
none being taken out for operating expenses or to pay
the salaries of mission board executives.
The Lords churches have the responsibility to get
the gospel to the whole world. Naturally we can not all go
ourselves but we can, through our churches, support those
whom God calls to go just like it was done in the New
Testament. We should not only tithe a tenth of our income,
but we should also set aside an amount for missions
over-and-above the tithe each week. This is also to be
given through the church just like it was given through
the church at Phillipi in their support of the Apostle Paul.
We cannot Scripturally give to missions unless we do it
through a New Testament church. This is Godâs plan for
the support of His work around the world. If we attempt
to do missions using any other plan, we are going contrary
to the revealed will of God.
Now that you are a member of a sound New
Testament church, God expects you to support its
missionaries with a weekly mission offering for this is
Gods method for evangelizing the world. Gods way is
always the best way, and nobody has the authority to
change it. For this reason we need the church for proper
missions-giving.
The position of independent Baptist churches may be
summed up thus: they are absolutely free to obey God as
they see His direction and are under no obligation to any
other church or group of churches. In each phase of
their service for the Lord they must exercise spiritual
discernment.
Actually, therefore, the independence of a church
simply enhances its dependence upon the Lord. This tends
to develop prayer and faith to cultivate spirituality among
the members.
An independent Baptist church places proper
importance upon correct Biblical doctrine. Among the
doctrines emphasized are the following: the verbal, plenary
inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible, the virgin birth,
absolute deity, sinless life, atoning death, and bodily
resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, His high-priestly
work in heaven, salvation by grace through faith, the
reality of Satan and his work, the person and work of the
Holy Spirit, the pre-millennial coming of Christ, a period
of great tribulation on earth, the return of Christ to
establish an earthly kingdom, the judgment and eternal
doom of the lost, and the eternal reward of the saved.
Independent Baptist churches stand as a protest to
the religious unbelief (often called modernism, liberalism
or neo-orthodoxy) that has engulfed so many of the large
denominations and is now invading the ranks of Baptists.
Men claiming to be ministers of Christ deny the verbal
inspiration of Scripture, question the virgin birth of Christ,
deny the necessity of faith in the shed blood of Christ for
salvation, accept the theory of organic evolution, and in
many other ways oppose the historic faith. Yet such
men are accepted as ministers in good standing in some
church groups. In obedience to the Word regarding false
teachers (2 Tim. 3:5; Eph. 5:11; etc.) independent Baptist
churches refuse to cooperate with denominations and
councils of churches, such as the World and National
Council of Churches as well as the State and local
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Council of Churches.
Independent Baptist churches stand firm for the
doctrines as laid down in the New Testament that have
separated them from other denominations. We adhere to
the New Testament doctrine of the church, thus denying
the modern doctrine of an invisible, universal church which
is unknown to the Scripture, and holding fast to the
Biblical doctrine which identifies the church as a local,
visible body. We hold fast to the Bible doctrines of
Baptism and the Lords Supper (the ordinances of the
church), meaning that we reject alien immersion and
receive only Scriptural baptism, and practice the Bible
doctrine of Closed Communion. We do not maintain these
doctrines simply to be different or to hold ourselves
aloof from others, but because we sincerely believe
the Bible teaches these doctrines and that, as a church
of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are obligated to obey His
commands in keeping (preserving or guarding) these
ordinances as He has given them unto His churches (Jn.
14:15).
II. A Church With A Bible-centered Program.
One of the first things many people notice about an
independent Baptist church is the fact that almost all
members come to church with their Bibles. Not only do
people bring their Bibles, but they use them in the regular
services of the church. The Bible is looked upon, not as
an obscure religious textbook to be studied primarily by
a priest or minister, but as the guide for every Christian
and the source of instruction for his daily life.
The pastor uses the Bible in his pulpit ministry. He
reads from it and his congregation follows him in
searching out various passages. He is not endeavoring to
foist upon the people some human observations
concerning religion, but rather he is seeking to unfold
the exact revelation which God has given us in the Bible.
Preaching in independent Baptist churches is not simply
delivering some ethical or social precepts, but is an
exposition of the written Word of God as found in the
Bible.
The educational program of the church is likewise
centered around the Bible. Every teacher teaches from
it. Most independent Baptist churches do not study the
International Sunday School Lessons as most churches
do where quarterlies are studied rather than the Bible,
but they study the Bible book-by-book, studying one or
two chapters each Sunday until the study of the book is
completed. This is much better than using the typical
hop-skip-jump method of the quarterlies, and there is
much value in studying God Word directly. The same
is true in the Bible Study on Sunday evenings, for the
Bible is again studied directly, and in many independent
Baptist churches, rather than a study of the Bible book by-
book as on Sunday morning, they study the Bible
doctrine-by-doctrine, covering every major Baptist (Bible)
doctrine within a year time. This makes for a church
that knows the Bible. The study of the quarterly system
will not develop a church member with a real knowledge
of the Word of God. The study of the Bible does.
The same emphasis is seen in the missionary program
of the church. Both home and foreign missionary efforts
are geared to one purpose the winning of the lost to
Jesus Christ. All the missionary work is simply a means
to the end of bringing people to read, understand and
obey the Word of God. The primary aim of all missionary
and evangelistic effort is not social betterment but spiritual
regeneration personal salvation.
In recognition of the truth in all that has been written
above, independent Baptist churches are caused to place
loyalty to Christ and His Word above loyalty to an earthly
organization or program. Everything is tested by the Word
of God, not by its relation to a denominational program.
Independent Baptist churches are seeking, as enabled
by God, to perpetuate New Testament churches,
remembering that the church is the âpillar and ground of
the truth (1 Tim. 3:15).
Thus we see that membership is a privilege and an
opportunity which carries with it great obligations. Too
many members have not learned these things and their
church means little to them and they mean little to their
church. It has been said that 60% of the members of the
average church are unlisted and inactive. That condition
needs to be changed. Will you help change it by making
your membership really count for Christ and His church?
II
The Church Covenant
The Church Covenant is a voluntary agreement
entered into by members of a Baptist church whereby
they promise to conduct their lives in such a way as to
glorify God and promote the ongoing of the Lord church.
Every member should study it carefully and refer to it
often and seek to live up to it for it clearly outlines the
obligations of church membership. The following Church
Covenant with a few additions (shown in italics), is the
one in general use by most Baptist churches:
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Church Covenant
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God,
to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on
the profession of our faith having been baptized in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, and this
assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant
with one another as one body in Christ (Jn. 1:11-12; Mt.
28:19-20).
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit,
to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the
advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and
comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to
sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines;
to give it a sacred pre-eminence over all institutions of
human origin; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to
the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church,
the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through
all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret
devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the
salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk
circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings,
faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our
deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive
anger; to abstain from the sale and use of non-medical
and destructive drugs and intoxicating drinks as a
beverage, to shun pornography; and to be zealous in
our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one another in
brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid
each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian
sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to
be slow to take offense, but always ready for
reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to
secure it without delay.
We moreover engage that when we remove from
this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some
other church of like faith and order, where we can carry
out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of Gods
Word .
That these obligations outlined in this Covenant are
all Scriptural may be seen as follows:
I. Salvation and Baptism (Jn. 1:11-12; Mt. 28:19-20).
II Duties to the Church.To walk together in Christian
love (Jn. 13:34-35)
To strive for the advancement of the church and
promote its prosperity and spirituality (Phil. 1:27; 2 Tim.
2:15; 2 Cor. 7:1; 2 Pet. 3:11.
To sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and
doctrine (Heb. 10:25; Mt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 11:23-26; Jude
3).
To give it pre-eminence in my life (Mt. 6:33)
To contribute cheerfully and regularly (1 Cor. 16:2;
2 Cor. 8:1-24).
To transfer my membership when I move and be
active in church work wherever I live (Acts 11:19-21;
18:24-28).
III. Duties in Personal Christian Living.
To maintain family and secret devotions (1 Thess.
5:17-18; Acts 17:11).
To religiously educate the children (2 Tim. 3:15; Dt.
6:4-7; Psa. 78:5-7; 48:13).
To seek the salvation of the lost (Acts 1:8; Mt. 4:19;
Psa. 126:5-6; Prov. 11:30
To walk circumspectly in the world, to be just in our
dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in
our deportment (Eph. 5:15; Phil. 2:14-15; 1 Pet. 2:11-12.
To avoid gossip and excessive anger (Eph. 4:31; 1
Pet. 2:21; Col. 3:8; Jas. 3:1).
To abstain from the sale or use of alcoholic beverages
and non-medical drugs. (Eph. 5:18; Hab. 2:15).
To be zealous in our efforts for Christ (Tit. 2:14).
IV. Duties to Fellow Church Members.
To watch over one another in love (1 Pet. 1:22).
To pray for one another (Jas. 5:16).
To aid in sickness and distress (Gal. 6:2; Jas. 2:14-
17).
To cultivate sympathy and courtesy (1 Pet. 3:8)
To be slow to take offense, always ready for
reconciliation (Eph. 4:30-32).
III
Church Officers
The church of which you are a member is both an
organism (meaning something alive) and an organization,
and just as organizations require officers, so does a New
Testament church. Your church has various officers but
only two of these are scriptural officers, pastor and
deacon, both of which are ordained. Other officers have
been appointed as the need arose, such as treasurer,
clerk and trustees, but these are not scriptural officers
and are officers of expediency.
The pastor is looked upon as the chief of staff in
the church and this office has long been considered by
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Christians as the highest office. We will look at these
various offices individually.
The Pastor
While the pastor is an ordained officer of the church,
you should understand what ordination does and does not
do. Gaines S. Dobbins in his book The Church book,
A Treasury of Materials and Methods writes:
Ordination, in the New Testament view, confers no
grace, no ecclesiastical power, no special rights of
office not possessed by any other devout and trusted
member of a church by its authorization. Ordination is
simply recognition and confirmation by a church of one
of its member evident call of God to the gospel
ministry (pg. 51).
While it is the special duty of the pastor to preach
the gospel, Baptists believe that the Bible teaches very
plainly that every Christian man has the right to preach
Christ to lost sinners. After the death of Stephen it is
said, And they were all scattered abroad throughout the
regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles (Acts
8:1). Yet, the office of pastor is a specially set-aside
office designed by the Lord for the preaching of the
gospel.
In the New Testament the pastor is called a bishop
(1 Tim. 3:1-7) which means an overseer and is a description
of his work. He is also called elder (Tit. 1:5-7)
which has reference to the dignity of the office, having
been derived from the Jewish synagogue where the word
elder was used in reference to an aged person. He is
also called a minister (Eph. 6:21; Col. 1:7), which means
a servant, showing that he is to serve in spiritual matters.
The term pastor (Eph. 4:11) which is more commonly
used today signifies a shepherd, and this shows the
primary relation that he sustains with the church.
The pastor, being the bishop or overseer is to take
the oversight of the church (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2).
Webster Collegiate Dictionary defines the word overseer
as superintendent, supervisor. He is responsible for
the pulpit and all preaching and teaching of the church
and is accountable to the Lord. He also administers the
ordinances and has the responsibility for carefully
instructing and guiding the spiritual interest of his flock
(Eph. 4:12).
The pastor has an authority not belonging to other
church members. Edward T. Hiscox in his book The
Baptist Directory, A Guide to the Doctrines and
Practices of Baptist Churches says concerning this:
Though pastors cannot rightfully assume authority
as being lords over God heritage, yet there is a sense
in which the ministerial office should command and
receive a deference rendered to no other. The Apostle
enjoins that the elders that rule well be counted worthy
of double honor(1 Tim. 5:17) and, also, to obey them
that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves
(Heb. 13:17). Here is a sense, therefore, in which they
are to rule, and the people are to obey (pg. 21).
The pastor is placed over the church (1 Thess.
5:12). There is a sense in which he rules in the church
(Heb. 13:7; 1 Tim. 5:17; Heb. 13:24). He is made the
overseer by the Holy Ghost (Acts 20:28). The word
âdouble honour as used in 1 Timothy 5:17 has reference
to the pastor salary, the word honor coming from
the Greek word meaning honorarium and could be so
translated. Your pastor is worthy of generous pay or
double salary is what Paul is saying.
Because of the position of the pastor, there are certain
responsibilities placed upon the membership of the church.
The pastor is to be followed (Heb. 13:7). There is an
obedience and a submission to the leadership of the
pastor (Heb. 13:7). This does not mean dictatorship,
although pastors are often accused of this (1 Pet. 5:2-3).
At times their scriptural place in the church may be
challenged. If so, the pastor must âtakeâ the oversight of
the church when challenged (1 Pet. 5:2).
Paul issued some special warnings to the churches
which were directed primarily through the pastor of the
church. In Acts 20:28-31 Paul warned that problems
could arise from the outside (Acts 20:29) but that the
more serious problems with much greater danger to the
church would arise from the inside of the church. This
danger would be revealed by men (or women) speaking
perverse things, to draw away disciples after them (Acts
20:30). God has given us warnings about such men (or
women) and told us what we are to do in regards to
them. We are to âbeware of themâ (Col. 2:8-10); âhave
no fellowship with them (2 Thess. 3:6); âmark themâ
(Rom. 16:17-18), etc.
In First Corinthians Paul issues a severe warning
concerning those who would destroy the church by causing
divisions. He says temple (church) defilers shall be
destroyed (1 Cor. 3:17). That he is referring to the church
of Corinth is seen by his reference again to the divisions
of the church (1 Cor. 3:22) which had previously been
mentioned in the first chapter (1 Cor. 1:11-13). God
promises to destroy that individual who defiles, injures or
destroys one of His churches.
How these men are to be destroyed is not said, but
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no doubt it will be in accordance to their effort and
effect. The severity is such because of the indwelling
Spirit in the church. Paul warns that divisions hinder the
full and complete blessing of the Holy Spirit, because the
church is Gods dwelling place or âan habitation of God
through the Spirit (Eph. 2:22). We cannot minimize the
seriousness of this offence, for God hates âa false witness
that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among the
brethrenâ and says it is âan abomination unto him (Prov.
6:16-19).
The pastor occupies the unique position as Godâs
spokesman in the church. His position is also unique in
that he has a divine call from the Lord. No other officer
in the church has the divine call whether that office be
that of Youth Director, Music Director or Deacon. Only
the pastor has the divine call. However, there is a sense
in which God does direct certain ones into the field of
special service, such as a Youth Director, Music Director
or some other form of full-time service, but this is not
the same, nor should it be considered the same, as that
of the call of the pastor.
When the Lord directed the letters to the Seven
Churches of Asia, they were given to the pastors (angels)
of the churches who in turn would deliver them to the
church of which they were pastor (Rev. 2 and 3). The
message in each case was directed to the pastor (angel)
of the church. What that pastor is to say is what God
wants the people to hear, and what the pastor delivers is
as from the mouth, lips, heart and mind of the Lord
Himself (Ezk. 33:7). He that hears the messenger, hears
God; he that obeys the messenger obeys God; and he
that despises the messenger, despises God (Lk. 10:16).
It is through the pastor that Christ sends His messages,
addresses His judgments, His rebukes and His directions.
As long as the pastor keeps himself true to his proper
doctrine and work, he should be followed.
Yet pastors are all fallible men â none are perfect.
We must remember that every church member is also
fallible, whether he be a deacon, the oldest member of
the church, or the youngest or newest member. It is
easy to take âpot shotsâ at the pastor, for he stands
before all and his life is an open book for all to read.
David, the âman after Godâs own heartâ (1 Sam. 13:14;
Acts 13:22) made some serious mistakes, yet he was still
Godâs man. The Apostle Peter also made some serious
mistakes, not only when he denied the Lord at His trial,
but also later, for the Apostle Paul withstood him to his
face (Gal. 2:11), yet he was still Godâs man. Your pastor
will also make mistakes, yet he is still Godâs man. You
need not try to âtake care of the pastor.â He is Godâs
man and God will take care of him.
I want to quote the following which was prepared by
Bro. Joe Hocking, retired pastor of the Bodine Baptist
Church of Oklahoma City. This was adopted by the Bodine
Baptist Church and entered into the permanent records
of the church in November of 1981:
Regarding the Office of the Pastor
1. First he must be a man who has been called
of God to preach the gospel of Christ (1 Tim. 1:12;
Eph. 3:7).
2. The Holy Spirit leads His preacher to a
particular field of service. The church, also led by the
Holy Spirit, extends a call, asking him to consider being
their pastor and leader. The preacher accepts or rejects
the churchâs call.
3. Responsibilities of the pastor to the church.
a. He is to preach the Word of God, all of it (2
Tim.3:16; 4:12).
b. He is to oversee the ministries of the church, to
feed the flock of God (the church, all ages in the church),
and to guard and protect Godâs sheep and lambs
from the wolves (Acts 20:28-30).
c. He is to care for the spiritual needs of Godâs
people (the church). By personal counseling; prayer and
Scripture helps; being on call 24 hours a day to min
ister whenever he is needed. Also, to minister to the
sick; visit hospitals; minister and comfort the dying
and their families, preach funerals; marriage counsel
ing; drug and drink counseling; conflicts between
brethren (peacemaker); weddings; etc.
d. He is to teach and administer the church ordinances
Baptism and the Lordâs Supper.
e. He is to seek Godâs will for the direction of the
church; to be faithful to pray for the churchâs needs;
to guide the church in the direction God leads as a
faithful undershepherd. He is to formulate the plans
to accomplish ministries, then to lead the church in
implementing these plans (c/f âPartnership Ministryâ
âGood-Neighbor Ministryâ etc.
f. He is to oversee the administration of the church;
to call business meetings as the need arises; to moderate
the business meetings; to make recommendations and
to guide the affairs of the church and see that the will
of the people (voice of the church) is carried out as
has been voted on by the majority (See above, Acts
20).
g. The pastor is accountable to God for how he
assumes his responsibilities. âObey them that have the
rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for
your souls, as they that must give account, that they
Page 9
may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable
for youâ (Heb. 13:17)
4. Responsibilities of the church to the pastor.
a. The church is to pray for their pastor; for God to
give him wisdom to lead the church, and to willingly
follow his leadership (Heb. 13:7).
b. The church is to submit to his God-ordained
authority over the church, so that he may have a joyful
ministry in the church (Heb. 13:7).
c. The church, especially the men of the flock, are
to help him and be supportive of his pastoral ministry
(See Exodus 17:8-13 â two men who held up Mosesâ
hands in battle).
d. The church is responsible to provide his family
needs as well as the expenses of running the operations
of the office he holds (1 Cor. 9:7-14; 1 Tim. 5:17-18).
e. The church is to protect the pastor and his
family from those who would go about sowing seeds of
doubt and discord among the membership; casting a
shadow upon his ministry and accusing him of misdeeds
in the ministry. It is a dangerous thing to attack this
sacred office; and equally as dangerous to allow others
in the church to do so (1 Tim. 5:19-20; Prov. 6:16-19).
f. The church should exercise firm church discipline
to those who refuse to live in harmony with the other
members; who are bent on destroying the fellowship of
the church (Mt. 18:15-19).
g. The church member should always consult the
pastor first, on any problem or matter of concern, and
not spread talk around until it gets built up all out of
proportion (the devil will see to that). Most often, when
you sit down with your pastor, with an open Bible and
prayer, things will be clearly understood and resolved so
that peace can continue and that misunderstanding doesnât
create confusion.
h. There can be only one leader in a church.
The pastor is that man. A church cannot survive when
it has a divided allegiance towards more than one leader.
i. When God is finished with the pastor in a church,
He will lead him to another work. Unless he is found
unfit for the ministry, or is guilty of open sin, he is to be
respected for the office he holds by all the members.
j. If any member of the church, after serious counsel
with the pastor, still cannot follow his leadership, that
member should, in the spirit of Christian love, quietly
seek another church and pastor where he or she can
serve the Lord. If that same member persists in trying
to destroy the integrity and ministry of the pastor, he or
she should be dealt with in accordance with church
discipline as found in Matthew 18:15-19.
In summary your pastor needs your help if he is to
be the kind of pastor he wants to be and that God wants
him to be. He deserves your respect. Paul told the church
of Corinth to accept Timothy and to respect him (1 Cor.
16:10). You need to trust your pastor. Some put him
under a microscope and scrutinize his every word and
deed.
Your pastor also needs encouragement. Tell him how
his ministry has helped or benefited you. Offer your
services to him and make yourself available for work he
might delegate to you. When he becomes the object of
criticism, donât become a party to it. He has enough
problems already without adding to them. Defend your
pastor against those who criticize him. Criticism, even
when the truth, is a way Satan has of getting your pastor
down in the dump and worse still, destroying his
ministry.
Remember him on special occasions such as birthdays,
anniversaries, and a year-end bonus with a church-wide
offering shows him your love and appreciation of his
ministry.
By all means pray for your pastor. This was one of
Paul most frequent requests. Your pastor needs men
like Aaron and Hur (Ex. 17:8-12) who will pray for him
and hold up his hands and support him in order to help
him be the kind of pastor God wants him to be. God does
not want church members to tear down a pastor but to
hold him up and build him up with their support and
prayers. It is then that God blessings will be poured out
upon the church, and your pastor will be a better man of
God.
The Deacon
The office of deacon is the second ordained office
within the church, and just as the ordination of the pastor
conferred no ecclesiastical powers or special rights,
neither does it with the deacon. The great over-all
justification for the office of deacon was its creation to
help the pastors. If there is any way that deacons can
set preachers free, not so much as âfree from as free
to do certain things, it certainly should be one of the
primary duties of deacons. Deacons are also to provide
an effective force of leadership, though it is recognized
that all deacons do not lead.
We must also keep in mind that the movement of
leadership is forward and not backward. Sometimes
deacons drag their feet and instead of moving forward
they want to either sit still or move backward. They
seem to feel that it is their special assignment to keep
things from moving too fast, apparently on the theory
Page 10
that someone has to object. But, if deacons, placed in
their position by the Lord and the church are committed
to a New Testament program of evangelism in their
church under the Spirit of God, the church will move
forward. Stephen got results and so will any deacon so
dedicated. The man with aspirations to be another Stephen
can count on God help.
The man who agrees to serve as a deacon in a New
Testament church agrees to be an example, to the limit
of God enduement, in all the life of the church. He is
to be an example in spirit, love, devotion and loyalty. A
deacon should be as loyal in the program of the church
as the preacher is. He should be an example in every
realm. This certainly means an example in attendance.
How would it be if the membership of the church attended
Training Union, Wednesday night service, visitation night
or revival meetings like the deacons? Examples, to be
effective, need to be seen. There are other areas such
as tithing and soul-winning and the churches visitation
program where the deacon will commit himself to
exampleship.
The deacons should also have certain secular
qualifications. These receive minor treatment in the
Scriptures, but because of the things they were to do, it
was taken for granted that they would represent the best
of human leadership.
In reading over the qualifications of deacons in both
Acts 6:1-8 and in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 one can see that no
deacon has all of the biblical qualifications brought to
perfection. This may cause a man to feel that he is not
qualified to be a deacon for he recognizes his own
weaknesses. But one must remember that preachers have
this same feeling. As pastors look to the New Testament
and read what God expects of them they too feel ashamed,
unworthy and inadequate. One should not be surprised to
find this same feeling in men asked to serve as a deacon.
A church, therefore, should not expect to find perfect
men to fill the office of deacon, for none of us will attain
or obtain that perfection until it is realized in heaven.
One should never decline the office of deacon âbecause
they are not good enoughâ for they will never get any
better by declining opportunities to serve the Lord and
His church. One should expect that as a sincere and
saved man who has to a degree some of these
qualifications, he will continue to grow spiritually, so there
should be improvement in his spiritual life the longer he
serves as a deacon.
One should not minimize the importance of this office
within the church, for the deacons more than anyone
else have the ability to âmake or breakâ the pastor of the
church. When the deacon thinks of the preacher in the
light of the New Testament teachings, there ought to be
a conviction that God created the office of deacon in
order that it might make the pastor ministry more
effective. The deacon should uphold and extend the
ministry of the man that God has called to serve as
pastor. They in a sense are the cabinet of the pastor and
the pastor will share with them the responsibilities and
labors of the watch care of the church. Deacons are to
be in full sympathy with the pastor and give him their full
cooperation, else there will be constant strife within the
church. If a deacon reaches that point where he cannot
support the pastor and follow his leadership, he should
resign his office rather than becoming a constant irritant
to the pastor or even worse still, become the leader of
a faction in opposition to the pastor. Dobbins in his book
The Church book says deacons âare to be zealous to
guard the unity of the spirit within the church in the
bonds of peace (pg. 14).
It is well to have a conviction about the New
Testament church that harmony in the church is not simply
to be desired but is divinely commanded. In fact, anything
short of that is heresy. The oft-repeated phrase that
Baptists can be recognized because they are âfussyâ is
provocation for righteous indignation. The devil started
that, and it is a bit of his ingenious propaganda. There is
nothing religious or Christian about a fuss, nothing at all.
Harmony is the New Testament pattern; it is the Spirit
desire. A departure from harmony is a departure from
the will of God and is therefore sin.
There is much confusion as to the work and authority
of deacons today, so we must look carefully at the New
Testament to learn just what are the duties and
responsibilities of deacons. Dobbins in his book The
Church book previously cited says:
âDeacons are servants of the church. Only within
recent years has the body of deacons been referred
to as the âboard.â The objection to this designation is
that it may somehow imply that deacons are managers
rather than ministrants. Deacons are not to give
orders to the church; they are to receive instructions
from the church. Deacons are not to decide for the
church, they are to carry out the decisions of the
church … They should never arrogate to themselves
any authority for running the church. Their greatest
service to the church will usually be found in their
assistance to the pastor (pg. 65-66).
Robert E. Naylor in his book The Baptist Deacon
sees this same danger and writes:
Page 11
There are churches where deacons have
appropriated to themselves authority which is
contrary to New Testament teaching. It may have
gone so far that bossism has developed. There is a
board complex and a general feeling that deacons
are directors of the church. Nothing could be
farther from the Baptist genius of the New Testament
plan (pg. 3).
A little further on, Naylor under the sub-heading
Promoters of Church Harmony,writes:
Another need met by these seven men in the
sixth chapter of Acts was that they became protectors
and promoters of church harmony. How serious the
breach in fellowship had become in the Jerusalem
church is not certain. The expression a murmuring
is dramatic enough. Someone was needed to pour oil
on the troubled waters. These deacons were Gods
answer, and they healed the breach and restored the
fellowship. This work of the seven is not to be
forgotten. Unfortunately, deacons do not always
serve thus in modern churches. Sometimes a faction
in the church is deacon led.
When a man becomes a deacon, he loses the
privilege, if such exists, of participating in a church
row. A member in the ranks may claim that often
abused privilege, speaking his mind. When a man
becomes a deacon selected and called by the Holy
Spirit, chosen by a church, dedicated by personal
choice he forfeits the right to promote, in any
fashion, a division in the life of the church.
The one inescapable duty of the deacon in the
New Testament was the protection of the church
fellowship. When things arise that are divisive, it is
time for a deacon who believes the Book to stand up
and say: We cannot do it this way in this church. We
must have harmony and peace if we are to honor
Christ.That could make the difference between a
great, fruitful church and an ineffective, dried-up
one. If deacons were needed then for such harmony,
they surely are needed now. The kind of world in
which church fellowship must thrive demands
deacons (pg. 11).
The office of deacon was first established by the
Apostles in the church of Jerusalem to assist them in the
distribution of goods to some of the Grecian widows who
felt they were not being looked after properly. When the
twelve discovered that the business of distributing the
contributions to the poor saints occupied too much of
their time, they âcalled the multitude of the disciples unto
them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the
word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren,
look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full
of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint
over this business. But we will give ourselves continually
to prayer, and to the ministry of the word (Acts 6:1-4).
Williams Rutherford in his book Church Members
Guide for Baptist Churches says:
It will be seen that the first duty imposed upon
deacons was to attend to the wants of the poor …
Very few deacons seem to feel that attention to the
poor is a part of their duty, when it was the very duty
for which deacons were first appointed (pg. 76-
77).
This is commonly referred to as The Table of the Poor.
In addition to the âtable of the poor since the deacons
are to work very closely with the pastor, they are also
to serve the table of the pastor. This is a duty that has
been given to them by custom, but they should make
recommendations to the church if they should see that
the pastor needs are not adequately taken care of by
the church. As J. M. Pendleton says in his Church
Manual:
Deacons must serve the pastors table. It is not
for them to decide how liberally or scantily it shall be
supplied. The church must make the decision, and
enlarged views should be taken when it is made; for
the energies of hundreds of pastors are greatly
impaired by an incompetent support (pg. 34).
How long should deacons serve? Some churches have
a custom that once a deacon is elected as an active
deacon in the church, he remains such for life unless
removed for disciplinary reason. This does not allow for
any of the younger members of the church to occupy the
office of deacon where such is the custom. It is possible
in such cases, especially where the number of deacons
is limited to a small number, that the deacons may all be
above 50 years-of-age and none of the younger men of
the church will ever be able to serve in the office of
deacon until the older deacons gradually die from old
age. Did God intend for deacons to remain active in the
church until their death? Actually the Bible does not say
anything about the term of office. It is strictly tradition
and custom.
The majority of churches have a system whereby
this can be avoided and it is by means of rotating deacons.
Page 12
Dobbins in his book The Church book describes it in
this way:
âHow long shall deacons serve? A deacon, duly
elected and ordained, is obviously a deacon for life,
unless his deaconship should be voided by the church.
But this does not mean that he is to be in active
uninterrupted service as deacon for the whole of his
life. In a given church there may be several ordained
ministers who hold membership, yet only one of them
serve as active pastor. Likewise there may be a
number of ordained deacons in a church, but only
those of them in active service whom the church
designates.
âThe plan of rotating deacons in service has
grown in favor among the churches. This plan provides
that a deacon shall be elected to serve for a limited
time. In beginning the plan, a church usually designates
one-third of the deacons to serve for one year, one third
to serve two years, one-third to serve three
years. The order of service may be determined by
priority of original election. At the end of the
designated term of service, the deacon is usually
ineligible for re-election until the lapse of a year
(pg. 68).
By following such a plan of rotation, some of the
younger men of the church can have the opportunity of
serving as deacon as well, and often times, they may be
able to serve better because of their youth.
An effective use of deacons in some churches is a
division of the church roll into equal family groups with
each group being assigned to a deacon. As a member of
the church, you and your family will be assigned to a deacon. He