RETRACING THE SCRIPTURAL POSITION OF THE PREACHER AND THE CHURCH

I beseech us by the Mercy and Love of Christ that we journey together through the scripture with regards to the topic, let us bear in mind that all we are going to be discussing would be to the Glory of God and for the edification of the Church, Being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, and of one mind (Phil. 2:2).

It is important to acknowledge that the Church is a family related by the Blood of Christ wherein Christ is the Head of the Body the Church (Col.1:18) and the Husband of the Bride the Church, Hence the Church is not a business enterprise or company or Government organization, it is a divine relationship and a testimony of the love of God as every member of the family has a role to play for growth and expansion. (1Cor.12:12-20, Eph.4:16)

• To understand the relationship between the preacher and the Church
• To understand the scriptural Duties, roles and functions of a preacher
• To understand the scriptural Duties of the Church towards the preacher and as a Church for growth
• To work together as one body for the Glory of God and edification of the Church
• To learn and to implement

Retracing the scriptural position of the Preacher and the Church: In simple terms is returning to the scripture to recover the New Testament pattern of the relationship between the Preacher and the Church and how they are meant to function to the Glory of God and for the growth of the Church.

Jeremiah 6:16 "Thus says the Lord: Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls."

1Cor.3:8-9 "Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building."

The relationship between the Preacher, the elders, deacons and members as the Church, is called FELLOWSHIP IN THE GOSPEL (Phil.1:5)

Phil.1:5 "for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,"

FELLOWSHIP IN THE GOSPEL: Is the shared partnership of brethren working together to advance the Gospel of Christ, each member contributing through preaching, teaching, upholding gospel workers, prayers, sacrificial giving, and a life of faithfulness. It functions as a team, where the preacher fulfill his duties and the church fulfills hers, each complementing the other rather than working in isolation. This partnership does not operate from organizational structure, because the church is a family related by the Blood of Christ, bond together by love and mutual responsibility.

Eph.4:16 "from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what EVERY JOINT SUPPLIES, according to the effective working by which EVERY PART DOES IT SHARE, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."

• A preacher is one called and sent by God to proclaim the gospel of Christ, to teach the word of God and not himself. 1Tim.2:7, Rom.10:14-15, 1Cor.15:1-4, 2Cor.4:5.
• An Evangelist is a Minister who is called by God to go about preaching the Gospel to the lost. Acts 8:4-5, Acts 21:8
• A Minister is simply a Servant, one who serves God Faithfully in the Gospel of Christ. 1Cor.4:1-2

NOTE: All are Ministers but all are not Teachers, Evangelists, Preachers, Deacons and Elders rather all are called to preaching and evangelism and ministering. Eph.4:11, Rom.12:6-8, 1Pet.4:10-11, Mathew 28:19-20, James 3:1

To preach is to proclaim: Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand

To teach is to instruct: Explaining what Repent and the Kingdom means for adequate understanding

The Apostle: Preached and taught daily in the temple and every house Acts 5:42

Paul ordained A Preacher, Apostle, and a Teacher 1Tim.2:7, 2Tim.1:11

Therefore A Preacher is a Minister (1Cor.4:1, 1Cor.3:5), Evangelist and a Teacher.

Looking through the lens of the scripture it is explicitly safe to say men were called by God into ministry for a purpose and not a career choice one select for himself but called by Grace (1Cor.15:10, Eph.3:7) and approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel (1Thess.2:4)

• Paul separated: Gal.1:15-16, Rom.1:1
• Paul put into ministry: 1Tim.1:12 (Jesus counted me faithful, putting into ministry)
• Paul "appointed a preacher": 1Tim.2:7
• Paul and Barnabas separated by the Holy Spirit and sent: Acts.13:2
• Philip the Evangelist, Acts.6, Acts.8, Acts.21:8
• Timothy fellow worker; Rom.16:21
• Titus partner and fellow worker; 2Cor.8:23
• Tychicus faithful minister; Col.4:7
• Apollos; Acts.18:24-25, 1Cor.3:5-6
• Urbanus fellow worker; Rom.16:9
• Barnabas, Silas, e.t.c

(The slide number shows 07 and 08 printed on top of each other.)

God in His infinite wisdom has called people into ministry that, through faithful preaching of the Gospel; the lost souls are saved, (Rom.1:16), to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ (Eph.3:6-8), to reveal the mystery in Christ (Col.1:26-27, Eph.3:3-4), equipping the saints for the work of ministry and edifying the Church of Christ (Eph.4:12), and to preserve the sound doctrine (Eph.4:14).

The qualities are the Godly characters and abilities of a Minister

• Faithful: He is trustworthy and reliable to deliver what he has received 1Cor.4:2
• Apt to teach, gentle, patience and not quarrelsome, 2Tim.2:24-25
• Showing example and pattern, 1Tim.4:12, 1Cor.11:1, Titus 2:7, Phil.4:9.
• Willingness, Readiness, and desire to preach at all times, Rom.1:15, 1Cor.9:16-17, 1Thess.2:8-9
• Enduring hardship (to stay consistent to work no matter what) 2Tim.2:3
• Studying the word, 2Tim.2:15
• Not self commending, 2Cor.10:12-18, 2Cor.4:5.
• Of Good Report: Acts 16:1-2

(The slide number shows 09 and 10 printed on top of each other.)

The Minister who has been called by God also has been instructed by God in the doctrine of Christ and by the inspiration of God given as the scripture which is the standard and the manual for his Roles, functions and duties wherein he has the right to instruct, teach, command, rebuke, reproof, and correct for the edification of the Church in the way of the Lord and not self imposed authority. 2Cor.10:8, 2Cor.13:10, 1Tim.4:6-11 (these things command and teach), 2Tim.3:16-17.

WHO HE IS · WHAT HE DOES · WHAT HE MUST DO

It is important for the Church and every Christian to know the Role, Functions, Duties, and acknowledge Ministers have been given the authority to function in these capacities by God and not one who decides of himself as it pleases him but as one who plays his part in the kingdom of God as his Spiritual Service (Eph.4:16) which include

• EVANGELISM: 2Tim.4:5
• TESTIFY OF THE GOSPEL: Rom.1:16, 2Tim.1:8, Acts.14:26-27, Acts.15:2,12, Acts.20:18-24, Acts.11:4
• PREACHING (Acts.8:5-12, Col.1:28-29, 1Tim.2:7) and TEACHING (Acts.5:42, Acts.15:35, 2Tim.1:11)
• TEACHING THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD: Acts.20:20-27, The preacher delivers as he has received (1Cor.15:1-3, 1Cor.14:37) withholding nothing, without compromise, with no favouritism or partiality (1Tim.5:21), or self Glorifying, selective self-pleasing topics and pleasing men (Ga.1:10, 1Thess.2:4-6)
• ASSESSMENT OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH: The Minister who impart the saints also assess the spiritual growth and maturity of the Church (Act 15:36), and for equipping of the saints and for the work of ministry (Eph.4:12)

• EXHORT, REBUKE, CORRECT: Rebuking, correcting, and exhorting is to draw the attention of brethren to remain sound in faith and on the path of spiritual consistency, Acts.14:21-22, 2Tim.4:2, Titus 2:15, rebuke in the presence of all that others may fear (1Tim.5:20), that a little leaven would not leaven the whole lump (1Cor.5:6).
• SCRIPTURAL GUIDANCE TOWARDS DISCIPLINE: 1Cor.5:1-13, 2Cor.2:5-11, 2Thess.3:6-15, Discipline is an act of love for restoration and growth.
• STRENGTHEN, COMFORT, AND ENCOURAGE: 1Thess.3:2, Acts.15:32, Acts.18:23, Acts.14:21-27 (from Derbe to Lystra, Iconium, Antioch)
• EDIFYING THE SAINTS: Building the saints in the knowledge of Christ and Spiritual maturity. Acts.20:20-32, Col.1:28
• GUARDING THE SOUND DOCTRINE: By holding onto the sound doctrine, refusing, rejecting, rebuking and avoiding profane, vain, and unproductive teachings, 2Tim.1:13-14, 1Tim.4:7, 1Tim.6:20, 2Tim.2:16, 1Tim.1:3-4.

• CHARGING THE BRETHREN: To command by the authority of Christ to be generous, rich in good works, willing to share (1Tim.6:17-19, 2Thess.3:13), to teach no other doctrine (1Tim.1:3-4), to live responsibly (1Thess.4:1-11,12), to be prayerful (1Tim.2:1, Eph.6:18)
• DISCIPLESHIP (Commit unto faithful men, 2Tim.2:2): The Faithful Minister also commit unto faithful men for the continuity and advancement of the Gospel, whereby these men could be sent to go further sow in the field, also to set things in order.

Timothy sent to Corinth, Philippi and Thessalonica (1Cor.4:17, 1Cor.16:10, Phil.2:19-20,23, 1Thess.3:1-2)

Tychicus sent to Ephesus, Colossae (Eph.6:21-22, Col.4:7-8)

Titus left in Crete (Titus 1:5)

Timothy left in Ephesus (1Tim.1:3)

Are there Faithful men to be discipled?

• APPOINTMENT OF ELDERS/DEACONS: The existence of elders in the Church as the Spiritual leadership comes from consistent teaching which leads to maturity, increases knowledge, Spirituality, desire, qualification, and ordination for sustaining edification, and sound doctrine and not a political office in the Church but by scriptural authorize qualifications (Acts.14:21-23, Titus.1:5, 1Tim.3:14-15), not hastily laying of hands without scriptural examination (1Tim.5:22), and testing (1Tim.3:10), to watch over the saints and sustaining sound doctrine.
• PRAYING ALWAYS: A Faithful Minister is a praying Minister, beyond teaching sound doctrine it is of necessity to continually pray always for the Church to remain in the faith, grow in knowledge and Spiritually mature. (1Thes.1:3, 1Thes.3:10, Col.1:3,9-10, Phil.1:3,4-9)

The Church which is the Body (one body) of Christ (the Head) with various members but by the same Spirit have been commanded by God as enshrined in the scripture, individually and collective of how we ought to play our part for the growth of the Church and supporting the Ministers for the propagation of the Gospel. The Ministers have been called by God and given manual of operation as Minister(s), the Church also has been giving command on her Roles/duties toward the Minister and as a Church.

• ACKNOWLEDGE (1Cor.4:1): The Scriptural command to the individual Christian and the Church is to regard, and acknowledge them (preachers) that have been called by God as Ministers of Christ and Stewards of the mysteries of God.
• RECOGNISE AND ESTEEM (1Thess.5:12-13): It is important to Recognise (know) not only by name but by the work which God has given the Ministers (Preachers, Elders, Deacons) who are over the Church as their Spiritual Service, labouring diligently and for your own growth (Acts 20:19-20,31) and ESTEEM THEM VERY HIGHLY (Honor, Respect, value and regard)

• OBEY AND SUBMIT (Heb.13:17 - Phil.2:12): Obey those (Preacher, Elders, Deacons) who rule over you and be submissive for they watch out for your soul as spiritual service, they are responsible for you and they must give account. Therefore supporting the work of the Minister in obedience and submission is by;

Receiving the message with eagerness and searching the scripture (Acts.17:11)

Allowing the word of Christ dwell richly (Col.3:16)

Give earnest heed and hold fast of what we have heard (Heb.2:1-3, 1Cor.15:1-2)

Be doers and not hearers only (James 1:22, Phil.4:9)

Be diligent to grow and be fruitful (2Pet.1:5-10)

Obeying in their (his) presence and much more in their (his) absence that the preacher be filled with Joy and thanksgiving (Phil.2:12)

• MATERIAL/PHYSICAL SUPPORT (1Cor.9:11-14, Gal.6:6): As they are devoted and committed to the work of Ministry preaching the Gospel and sowing Spiritually in the lives of the saints which is their spiritual service so is the Church commanded to reciprocate materially and physically and that is not a favor it is the responsibility of the Church as honor and sacrifice acceptable to God (Phil.4:15-18, Heb.13:16). Therefore materially and physically supporting the Ministers is by

Being Hospitable and Generous, Acts.21:17: (Gaius 3John.1:3-8, Lydia Acts.16:15, Philippian Jailer Acts.16:34)

Being Refreshing (relief, revive, comfort, words of encouragement, visit): House of Onesiphorus 2Tim.1:16, Roman Brethren Rom.15:32, Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus 1Cor.16:18.

Material Aids: Philippian Brethren Phil.2:25, Phil.4:15-18

• CONDUCT IN UNITY (Phil.1:27, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel): Every Christian is the light of the world (Math.5:14-16) that ought to shine bright within and without, the testimony of the Gospel is in words (full with Grace and seasoned with salt, Col.4:6), and in deeds (1Pet.2:12), being of one mind, one accord and love (Phil.2:2), doing all things without complaining and dispute (Phil.2:14), and do all things decently and in order (1Cor.14:40) as "we are ambassadors for Christ" (2Cor.5:20). Therefore whatever you do is either contributing to the growth of the Church or contesting the growth.

• SERVE DILIGENTLY WITH YOUR GIFT (Rom.12:4-8, Eph.4:16): You are useful and you have a part to contribute for the growth of the Church
• RESTORATION: The Church is a family where every member is a support system in times of weakness, Gal.6:1, 1Thess.5:14, Eph.6:18 (interceding).
• LOVE (Phil.2:2, Acts 2:42, Rom.12:9-13, Gal.6:2,10, Heb.10:24-25): Genuine Love amongst the saints strengthens fellowship, and Unity. Where there is fellowship and Unity there is mutual edification, honor, hospitality, Generosity, Spirituality, humility, empathy, forgiveness, patience, and restoration, no envy, no jealousy, no hatred, no bitterness, no gossip.
• PRAY (1Thess.5:17,25, 2Thess.3:1-2, Eph.6:18-20, 1Tim.2:1): Pray for the Ministers for strength to speak the word boldly, and pray for the Church.

Whereas the duties of the Church have been scripturally highlighted it is also important to know the Authority which the scripture has given to the Church as the growth and sanctity of the Church is concerned.

• Test all things and all Spirit: 1John4:1, 1Thess.5:21, Rev.2:2
• Examine the teaching by searching, by comparing, and harmonizing, rather than arguing to prove who is right or has superior knowledge of the scripture but what is scripturally right: Acts 17:11, 2Tim.3:16, 2Pet.1:20-21
• Reject another gospel: Gal.1:6-9
• Receive not false teachers: 2John 1:9-11, Rom.16:17
• Reject the heretic: Titus 3:10
• Contend for the Faith: Jude 1:3
• Discipline: Math.18:15-18, 1Cor.5:1-13, 2Cor.2:6-8, 2Thess.3:6,14-15.

TITUS 2:1-7, 11-13

The characters that reflects the Gospel, Characters that sustain sound Faith and sound Church.

• Older Men: Be Sober, Reverent, Temperate, Sound in faith, In love, In patience.
• Older Women: Reverent in behavior, Not slanders, Not given to much wine, Teachers of good things, Admonish the young women.
• Young Women: Love their husbands, Love their children, Be discreet, Chaste, Homemakers, Good, Obedient to their own husbands.
• Young Men: Sober minded, Be example in word, conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1Tim.4:12). Give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine (1Tim.4:14). Meditate on these things (1Tim.4:15)

Church: Decency and Orderliness: Let all things be done decently and in order (1Cor.14:40), Do all things without complaining and disputing (Phil.2:14). Meditate on these things: whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy. (Phil.4:8)

This has been a topic of concern and how it affects the growth of the Church, hence retracing the scriptural position of the Preacher and the Church exposes whether the Preacher is the employee of the Church and the Church as his employer. The Scripture provides clarity on the relationship between the Preacher and the Church for the Glory of God who has made Jesus the Head of the Church and the Church His Body.

The relationship between the Preacher and the Church, is called FELLOWSHIP IN THE GOSPEL (Phil.1:5)

Phil.1:5 "for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,"

FELLOWSHIP IN THE GOSPEL: Is the shared partnership of brethren working together to advance the Gospel of Christ, each member contributing through preaching, teaching, upholding gospel workers, prayer, sacrificial giving, and a life of faithfulness. (Eph.4:16, "every joint supplies and every part does its share") It functions as a team, where the preacher fulfill his duties and the church fulfills hers, each complementing the other rather than working in isolation. This partnership does not operate from organizational structure, because the church is a family related by the Blood of Christ, bond together by love and mutual responsibility.

It is important that we renew our minds, that we (may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Rom.12:2), so that we do not (by tradition make the command of God of no effect. Math.15:6)

Therefore, the Preacher is not the employee of the Church rather one who is called by God and so works for God because he is to give account to God for the responsibility that has been given to him (Heb.13:17), hence the mindset or tradition that the Preacher is employed by the Church base on certain listed qualifications which he MUST have or possessed to do the work of a Preacher does not sit anywhere in the scripture and is not the will of God concerning the edification of the Church and propagation of the Gospel.

• Authority to Employ: The scripture does not authorize the Church either by direct command, Apostolic example or by necessary inference to employ a Preacher, rather by direct command, and examples instruct the Church to support the one who already is a Preacher (1Cor.9:14, Gal.6:6, 2Cor.11:8-9, Phil.4:15-18, 3John 1:5-8), and to esteem them highly in love for their work's sake (1Thess.5:13).
• Validation: Supporting a Preacher does not make him or validate him a preacher, he is a preacher by the work, necessity and stewardship which brings about the support and not payment, 1Cor.9:14,16-17. Therefore supporting the preacher materially or financially is based on the congregational arrangements that is expedient for the work, but the command must be carried out.

The phrase, Evangelist/Minister/Preacher of this/our/their/his/her/my congregation is only but a phrase to identify Location and Recipient of the teachings of the Minister at the particular time and not ownership of a restricted employee/staff of a single congregation, the Preacher belongs to God since he is called, sent, and given the message by God to deliver, therefore he works for God while serving with the Church and not working for the church as employee, hence the preacher does not belong to the Church neither does the Church belongs to him and he preaches round the world, Rom.15:20 for we belong to God and the Church is one, 1Cor.1:12-13.

Examples: OF = The Gentiles were recipients of Paul's teaching, 1Tim.2:7, 2Tim.1:11

Phoebe servant of the Church in Cenchrae, Rom.16:1 — Identity and Location

Servants of Christ, 1Cor.4:1

Epaphras Minister of Christ, Col.1:7

Timothy Minister of God, 1Thess.3:2

Paul servant of God/Christ. Titus 1:1, Rom.1:1. e.t.c

Whereas the phrase as for identification is not wrong, the notion or mind as restricted ownership is wrong. Therefore getting rid of such tradition/mindset that the Minister is paid/employed to do the work strengthens the unity of the Church in the fellowship of the Gospel, than sustaining complacency.

The scripture provides a pattern and example to engage Preachers for the purpose of the calling and service.

• RECOGNITION OF NEED: The Congregation Identify her needs and seek for the God given service of a Minister, Acts 16:9, the congregation lacks the Faith, help us, lack of the spirit of evangelism, help us, lack of sound teaching, help us, to set in order the things that are lacking (Titus.1:5), e.t.c.
• LOOK WITHIN: A congregation can also look within her and identify those as seen passionate about the gospel, who are apt to teach, faithful, of good report and by commendation to take the ministerial service as stewardship (1Cor.9:17),

Onesimus and Epaphras who is one of you (Colossians); Col.4:9,12-13

Timothy Commended by Lystra and Iconium Brethren; Acts 16:1-2

Tychicus commended as Faithful Minister; Col.4:7

Mark commended as profitable for the Ministry; 2Tim.4:11

• RECOMMENDATION/COMMENDATION: By a Minister or by a Congregation Presenting a Minister to a congregation, giving testimony of the Minister's character, faithfulness, usefulness, and encouraging the congregation to receive, trust, assist, and work with the Minister.

Tychicus recommended to Ephesians; Eph.6:21-22

Timothy recommended to Philippians; Phil.2:19-22

Timothy recommended to Thessalonians 1Thess.3:2-3

Titus recommended to Corinthians; 2Cor.8:22-23

Apollos recommended to Corinthians; 1Cor.16:12

Apollos recommended by brethren to Achaia Church; Acts.18:27

Recommendation/commendation - congregation receive him/them.

• INTEREST (DESIRE)/RECOMMENDATION: For the need to set in order the things that are lacking and sustainability of sound faith and doctrine, a Minister from another congregation shows interest and desires to work with a congregation, the Church accompanies him with recommendation for acceptance;

Titus to Corinthians (2Cor.8:16-17,23): Titus desired - Paul recommended

Apollos to Achaia (Acts.18:27): Apollos desired - brethren recommended - church received him.

Note: Whereas reality may have changed but purpose remains, therefore every congregation ought to have a Minister serving with her to carry out duties of sound faith and sound doctrine.

The New Testament does not provide any command or example that a Minister is pronounced retired by the Church as a result of age, or drafted condition of service or public service rule or signed contract, since he is not the employee of the Church but Minister of God.

Whereas a Minister is old in age, unable to walk about preaching he is still sound in faith and doctrine committing onto faithful men who would commit onto others, he is not to be retired by Church except by death.

Phil.1:21-25: For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,

2Tim.4:6-7: "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

2Pet.1:13-15 (NIV): "I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things."

(The slide number shows 26 and 27 printed on top of each other.)

As we strive in Faith, let us continually give ourselves to the studying of the scripture to seek the Mind and Will of God concerning the Church for His Glory and not ours, as the Peace of God that surpasses all understanding continue to guide our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus Amen.

Bro Miracle Festus
Church of Christ, Kubwa, Abuja.
+2348163886714.