The work of the laity
A look at the various main-line denominations reveals that there are many different organizational styles among denominations today. Which one is correct? Should a church be lead by “elders,” “deacons,” "committees,” or by the pastor? In my study I find no case for church leadership to be placed in the hands of any other than the pastor, the under-shepherd who is held responsible for the flock (see previous post).
An Old Testament passage which delineates how specific needs should be handled is Exodus 18:17-27. It is the story of Moses organization to effectively lead the children of Israel. This organizational chart was proposed by his father-in-law and is strikingly similar to the suggestion of the apostles in Acts 6. In Exodus the selection of help is for the purpose of judging. In Acts 6 the purpose of the selection is for taking care of widows who were neglected in the daily ministry.
The dissimilarities are that Moses chooses those who will serve in the Exodus, and in the Acts, the apostles set the requirements for selection, but allows the congregation to choose. Beyond that the similarities are striking. Compare the qualifications listed in each.
In Exodus the leaders are to be:
1. Men (able men). The adjective “able” is important. Not every man is “able” to lead. There are some who cannot lead themselves, let alone others.
2. They are to fear God.
3. Truth
4. They are to hate dishonest gain.
In Acts the requirements are to be:
1. Men
2. Good reputation
3. Full of the Spirit
4. Wise
5. Have authority to accomplish the work
Consideration should be made that this is God’s model for organization. If this be the case, then all of the committees of the church should have the same requirements as above. One may argue that all of the committees of the church should be sub-committees of the deacons who serve to bear the burden of the pastor in order that he may give his time to the work of the Bible Study and prayer.
In Acts, the apostles set the terms for the selection, but allowed the congregation to choose. The assumption is that if the congregation did not choose men who met the qualifications laid down by the apostles, they would not be accepted in that leadership position.
In Exodus, the leader (Moses) chose directly the men who would assist in the area of leadership, but the qualifications were very similar to those of the Apostles in Acts.
