Organization Of The New Testament Church
In the minds of many "organization" has become synonymous with the word "difficult" or, to say the least, "hard to be understood." This may be true in regard to the complicated organizations of man, but it certainly is not true when it comes to the New Testament church. Regardless of how difficult it may be for the human being to fit himself into this organization, the fact still remains that it is the most simple organization known to the religious world. Organization has become a problem because of the efforts to alter the divine plan. It is the purpose of this article to reflect briefly upon this divine plan of organization for the New Testament church.
Christ, Its Head
"Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places. Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." (Eph. 1:20-23) We are familiar with three types of authority — legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative authority makes the laws, the executive authority puts the laws into effect; and the judicial authority sits in judgment of both the law and its subjects. Christ has all three of these branches of authority. No man or group of men can legislate for Christ; he is the sole legislator of the church. No council, synod, convention, society, or board can scripturally occupy this legislative position.
Christ now exercises all three of these branches of authority through the New Testament. In the Lord's prayer of John 17, of His apostles, Jesus said: "For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, ..." These apostles wrote these words down under the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit. (John 16:13) For us to accept the New Testament pattern is our acceptance of the authority of Christ. To reject the New Testament pattern is our rejection of the authority of Christ. His authority did not stop when He ascended, but is still very real today, being found in the New Testament. Jesus Christ has all authority. (Matt. 28:18) Let us thus recognize His authoritative position.
On Earth, No Organization Other Than The Local Congregation
There is no organization between Christ and the local congregation. Every local congregation is responsible to Christ, its head. Any organization on earth that ties two or more congregations together is without scriptural precedent. It makes little difference whether they are tied together in part or in whole. Under this heading, it is necessary to notice at least three things: (1) No organization larger than the local church; (2) no organization smaller than the local church; (3) the organization of the local church. Let us notice each of these in order.
No Larger Organization
Every example we have in the New Testament will show that each congregation was autonomous. Though there was cooperation between the congregations there was never any organization between them. Call such organization what you like: Synod, Council, Missionary Society or Board; they were simply unknown to the apostolic church. If unknown then, they have no right to exist today. No disguise can hide the "larger than the congregation" organization to the discerning individual. Some will ask, what about a "temporary arrangement" to accomplish certain tasks? I reply, if something is wrong when we do it for ten years, what makes it right when we do it for only one year? This is a matter of no little concern to many of us.
The independency of the local congregation is not only scriptural, but is noteworthy because it demonstrates the wisdom of God — the protection of the many against the errors of one.
No Smaller Organization
Because we use the word "smaller" doesn't mean that it is any less a problem than the organization larger than the congregation. However, its main danger is not in affecting a number of congregations, but rather, a single congregation. We sometimes hear of the "Sunday School" being organized into a separate organization. Sometimes these even have their own treasurer, etc. Then there is the "class" with its president, secretary, and treasurer. Then there is the "Ladies Aid Society" to try for the limelight. All such serve as a real danger to the local congregation. They have no part in God's plan and should he given back to the denominations, from whence they came.
The Organization Of The Local Church
"Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the BISHOPS AND DEACONS." (Phil. 1:1; caps 0.H.) From this passage we get God's organization for His church. The bishops, or as we commonly refer to them -- "elders" — are the overseers of the local church. The deacons are her special servants, working under the elders for the good of the church. Notice the plurality of elders over the local church. Another passage that should challenge our thinking along these lines is 1 Peter 5:2. It reads, "Feed the flock of God which is among you, . . . ." This passage should be given a diligent study. What does the word "among" include? A careful study will produce the conclusion, I believe, that this limits the authority of superintendency of an eldership to their "own" congregation. For an eldership to oversee the affairs of another congregation is without scriptural precedent. If it is right for the eldership to oversee the affairs of two congregations, why isn't it right for them to oversee the affairs of three, or four, a whole state, or even a nation? Where could it stop short of the papacy? Thank God for godly elders who, having found themselves in this state, have wisely corrected the same. May their tribe increase. It is not a matter of condemning some eldership, as I see it, but simply asking for a wise consideration of "our" policies to see if they be scriptural. "Taking stock" of ourselves frequently could prevent some serious mistakes.
All functions of the local congregation must function under its local eldership. Only in this way will the flock have the proper guidance, the eldership the needed contact, and the flock be properly fed.
Conclusion
The simplicity of such organization should appeal to every honest individual. The early church worked under this plan and under it we, of the church of Christ, are trying to carry out the orders of its Head, who said: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned?'
I want to join others in calling for a complete restudy of these issues that are so vital to the church. Let us discuss them publicly and privately, and may "our" journals see the necessity of an enlightened brotherhood. Let us lay aside the shackles of prejudice and personalities and discuss frankly, yet in love, these organizational problems.