Responsibility
When the apostle Paul embarked on his first missionary journey he established several congregations along the way. After they had journeyed to a certain point they retraced their steps, confirming the souls and ordained elders in every church. “And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.” (Acts 14:21-23) This was a very important task for the missionaries. Often times we fail to see the importance of the leadership of our congregations. The leadership is so important that the apostle Paul gave this charge to Titus: “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:” (Titus 1:5) So that one might understand the importance of this charge please note the responsibilities that each of us have in regard to the work of the church. First, let us consider the elders. These are the shepherds of God’s flock. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17) Elders have a huge responsibility. They have to answer to God for how they cared for the church. You and I can make their jobs easier or much harder. That is why we are told to obey them and submit to them. They have our best interest at heart and have to answer to God for how they do their job. It is a major responsibility! Next, consider the deacons. Because of the enormous responsibility that the elders have, it has become necessary for them to be able to delegate some responsibility to others. This same problem was present in the early church and was alleviated by the appointing of deacons to perform certain tasks. “Then the twelve called 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 6:2-4) Deacons today can be appointed to head many different aspects of local work. Among them are maintenance on the building, benevolence and many other things. We should never overlook the importance of the work they do. Another worker that can be listed is the local preacher. In some congregations this man has been saddled with many responsibilities that, in many instances, should be delegated to others. The idea is that he is on the payroll and has more time than others to do the tasks. Biblically, he has a great responsibility, preach the word. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (Second Timothy 4:2) Timothy was a preacher and this is his charge. Remember the words of the apostles in Acts 6; “It is not reasonable for us to leave the word of God, and serve tables.” If the work of the church is done the way that the Bible teaches then everyone will be involved. The picture of the church in the New Testament is one of a body of people working together as one; the preacher teaching the Word of God, the elders overseeing the flock and the deacons taking care of day to day business matters. But don’t forget the members. We all have the responsibility of teaching the gospel to the lost. (Matthew 28:18-20) The bottom line is that if we are as involved in the work of the local congregation as the first century Christians were then we will be a stronger, closer congregation of the Lords people. And as such we will be better able to follow the Lord’s command. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) -Pete Ward Comments are closed.
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