The Work and Worship of the Local Church
CHURCH ARTICLE | T. Sean Sullivan | Paragould, Arkansas
Introduction:
An understanding of the Lord’s church is essential not only for its current members but for all souls who in any way seek eternal life in Heaven. The desire of any soul to be involved in the local church is met with a “pattern” provided in the form of “sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13). From this “pattern of sound words” we can find, or form, a local church to function in.
The local church is the largest and smallest functioning part of the Lord’s body. There are efforts required of each of these local collectives. There is no place in the New Testament wherein we find the example of, or direction for, a local church combining efforts with another local church to achieve a greater function—therefore, a singular local congregation is the largest functioning part of the church. There are indeed requirements for individual Christians that cannot be accomplished by the collective, so we are left with the work and service of the Lord’s church being accomplished by the local church alone.
Before we go any further into the scriptural pattern of the local church, there is a situation that seems to be increasingly popular. There are many who desire to be “Christians-at-large”. They are floaters and not “a member” of any local congregation—nor do they look to be. This mindset is unfounded; and, on many levels, dangerous to the souls involved. There is an important insight into this reality of local church membership. In Acts 9:26-28, Paul was seeking to “join” the disciples in Jerusalem. They refused him based on his reputation; and only after Barnabas vouched for Paul did the local church at Jerusalem allow him to “join”. From that point, Paul was a member at Jerusalem and his “comings and goings” were based from the local church at Jerusalem. Clearly, we see a pattern of “joining” a local church and also the right of a local church to be careful who is accepted. The “dangerous” nature of floating Christians is that they are not subject to the oversight of elders, who are told to “shepherd the flock of God which is among you” (1 Peter 5:2). Also, floating Christians cannot be depended on to stir others up to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). For our own spiritual wellbeing, we must follow the scriptural pattern and seek to be a faithful member of a local church.
The Local Church Structure
A local church can be fully structured, or not yet fully structured. A local church can have every office filled (with the proper and qualified servants), or it can be working toward that need. Anything other than those two would not align with the pattern of sound words.
A fully structured local church has an established hierarchy (Philippians 1:1). There are those who have developed proper qualifications to function in the capacity of Elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). A local plurality of elders is clearly seen in the Scriptures—there is never only one (Acts 14:23). These men are charged with the responsibility of watching over the local church (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2). The Elders are watching out for heresy, protecting the weak, and providing edification for all.
Another role in the structure of the local church is that of Deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13). These men serve the needs of the brethren. They are subject to the Eldership and work hand-in-hand with them to maintain the local church. Their work is often more focused on the physical necessities—the material needs of the members in their local church. We need to understand the greater purpose in their work is spiritual. Often, material hardships lead to spiritual distraction, so the lesser need is addressed for the greater purpose (Acts 6:1-7).
Of course, there would be no local church without the local members—the disciples (John 8:31-32). The individual members gather in the corporate efforts of worship and service to the Lord. There are two separate examples of gatherings on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). In addition, we have a direct statement in Hebrews 10:25 that admonishes all members to attend the gatherings of the local church.
The Local Church Work
There is work to be accomplished for the Lord. The Apostle Paul, through inspiration, wrote, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
The world needs the Lord’s church to be effective in its responsibilities. According to the pattern of the New Testament, we see the church accomplishing its authorized tasks in three areas:
The Work of Evangelism: The local church is the voice and example of truth in our community, like the church at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:6-9). We must fulfill the requirements of the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:44-47). The local church can also help to spread the gospel in other places, via direct financial support of those who preach the gospel. This is clearly seen in 2 Corinthians 11:8-9, where the brethren at Macedonia were commended for their support of Paul; and in Philippians 1:3-5; 2:25-30; 4:14-20, where the local church at Philippi financial supported Paul—when they could.
The Work of Edification: When we choose to become a Christian, we choose a joy-filled, but difficult, way in life—a “narrow” and “difficult” way (Matthew 7:13-14). We need help along the way (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11). Once individuals are converted there is a need to perpetuate their relationship with God (1 John 3:1-3). This need for edification is met by mutual encouragement (Ephesians 4:16). By edifying one another we accomplish the necessary relationship of brotherhood (Romans 12:9-15; 2 Peter 1:10). The local church is responsible for the building up of each member toward perfection, according to Ephesians 4:11-16—this good work leads to “the growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love”.
The Work of Benevolence: Life can be very hard at times. The work of providing benevolence may take on many different forms, but for the most part, it is financial relief. When a brother or sister falls on hard times, the church is authorized to offer benevolent aid. In the very early days of the church at Jerusalem, some of the brethren were facing difficult times and the church provided for them (Acts 4:34-37). The Scripture record shows that this concern and care for brethren continued to be a pattern for the church (Romans 15:25-27). The only two passages, which speak of “raising money” for the work of the church are very specific to the time of collection and the use of the money. The collection is limited to “the first day of the week” and this collection is strictly for “the saints” according to 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-10.
(Just to note: individual Christians can and should help others (friends, loved ones, neighbors, or strangers) with no requirement of them being saints (Matthew 19:21; Ephesians 4:28; Hebrews 13:16; James 1:27). We must seek to bless others with wisdom and within our ability. Jesus taught us to be like “the good Samaritan” of Luke 10:25-27.)
The Local Church Worship
The time in which the church began was a “religious” time. There were pagans and humanists (Acts 17:16-34); there were loud religious-showmen and extorters (Luke 20:46-47); there were also souls seeking their greatest need (Acts 2:41). There were many forms of “worship” being entertained constantly, however, most of them were the creation of man, and all such is vain (Matthew 15:8-9).
The worship pattern for the Lord’s church was distinct in form and function. It was of God’s design and it is to be accomplished according to God’s direction. Acts 2:42 reveals three things that were involved in the continual practice of the local church at Jerusalem: They were active in teaching “the Apostles’ doctrine”—which is the Doctrine of Christ; they observed remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice and triumphant resurrection, described as the “breaking of bread”; and those first Christians were also praying. In all these actions they built up their spiritual “fellowship”—their spiritual togetherness. We also find singing within the pattern of worship and praise to God (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Another activity involved in the early church pattern is the collection of money which was part of their assembly on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). So, with these five elements we have the basics of New Testament worship: Proclaiming the word, the Lord’s Supper, Prayers, Singing, and the Collection.
More Details in the Pattern: There is more to the Bible than just “a basic concept” from which we are to design our own renditions. The New Testament is a pattern provided to follow exactly, enabling us to “hold fast to” (2 Timothy 1:13). There is more to the pattern than the five basic elements of worship—within each, we also learn certain details that pertain to their proper execution.
Digging a little deeper, we learn more about the teaching and preaching. According to the pattern, the church must teach only the word of God (2 Timothy 4:1-5); and shun the empty philosophies of men (Colossians 2:8). The church’s responsibility is to share the true hope of the one and only gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). There is no other message, no other options, and no substitutions (Galatians 1:6-8).
Considering the pattern of the remembrance: we learn that the early church would observe this memorial only on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Only unleavened bread and unleavened fruit of the vine were used; this understanding comes from the timing of when Jesus first instituted the memorial in Matthew 26. In verse 17, of that chapter, we learn that it was during the Jewish “Feast of the Unleavened Bread”. This was a time when all chametz (all leavening including fermentation) was to be carefully removed from the houses. These elements are used to remember the body and blood of our Savior (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29).
The details associated with the collection of money includes the limitation of only using this money for “the saints” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). These funds are only taken up on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). The amount given is to be decided by the giver—willingly not grudgingly (2 Corinthians 9:6-10). The amount is “as he purposes” and “as he may prosper”.
In the action of praying as a group, we discover the pattern is to pray to the Father exclusively. All examples show a pattern of praying to the Father (Matthew 6:9, 26:39, Ephesians 3:20; Colossians 1:3). All prayers are offered to the Father through Jesus our Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). We pray, one voice and many hearts, focused on the needs of all.
In singing, there are very specific types of songs. Both Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 limit the songs to those described as, “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”. Some have argued that the word “psalms” by definition demands an instrument—they are correct. However, the word itself does not, and cannot, instruct as to which instrument. The prescribed “instrument” is dependent on the context to provide the necessary details. The context of both Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 assign the use of the human voice and the heart as the proper instrument. This being understood, vocal music is the only action and matches the revealed pattern.
Conclusion:
This article is not only a view into a historic movement of people and places, it is also the examination of the “who” and “where” of the true church today. The local church is the largest and smallest functioning part of the Lord’s body. If we are going to worship and serve God, we must be part of a true and faithful local church. Today, and every day, we must be certain that we are actively involved in the one true church, that is local to us. ~tss
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April 2021 | GROW magazine
