In the continuing “Church Matters” series, Part 6 delves into a crucial aspect of the local assembly: “The Church and Its Responsibilities.” Our guiding text, Ephesians 4:11-12 (NASB 2020), reveals Christ’s intentional design for His church: “And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ.”
This passage lays the groundwork for understanding that Ascension Gifts – those specific roles Christ gave to the church – are primarily responsible for equipping the saints for the essential work of ministry. But what exactly does this “work of ministry” entail? It is the very purpose for which Christ is building His church: to proclaim the gospel to all the earth (Mark 16:15-16) and to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). The “work” encompasses all the activities and tasks necessary to fulfill this grand ministry. These are the inherent responsibilities placed upon the church for its own welfare and efficacy.
Why Congregational Polity Matters
Understanding the structure of church governance is vital to recognizing these responsibilities. While many older churches adhering to Episcopalian (bishop-led) and Presbyterian (elder-council-led) polities have historically experienced apostasy, Congregationalist churches have demonstrated remarkable resilience through centuries, particularly since the rise of Separatist Baptists.
The key difference lies in the locus of authority:
- Episcopalian Structure: Led by a single bishop overseeing multiple churches, this hierarchical system typically grants the congregation no say in church polity.
- Presbyterian Structure: Governed by a group of elders (a Synod) overseeing numerous churches, this model also generally excludes the congregation from direct involvement in church governance.
- Congregationalist Structure: Here, the local church governs its own affairs, empowering the congregation with a voice in church polity and decisions. This model aligns more closely with the principles we see in the New Testament.
Principle 1: The Congregation Has the Final Say
One foundational principle of a healthy church, particularly evident in a congregational structure, is that the congregation has the final say in church matters. Matthew 18:17-20 provides clear instruction: “And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” This passage indicates that problems unresolved through personal confrontation eventually fall to the entire congregation for decision.
The implication is profound: the church’s decision on earth is meant to reflect the decision in heaven. This isn’t to say heaven waits for our earthly pronouncements; rather, the church is to decide in accordance with God’s will. God honors agreements made by His people, and critically, God is present when His people make decisions together.
The early church exemplified this principle:
- In Acts 6:1-4, when a complaint arose about the daily serving of food, the apostles “summoned the congregation of the disciples” and instructed them to “select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” for the task. The congregation made the choice.
- In Acts 15:19-22, concerning the issues surrounding Gentile believers, the apostles and elders made a judgment “with the whole church” to choose men to send with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch.
Principle 2: The Congregation is Responsible for Resolving Internal Problems
Building on the first principle, Matthew 18:15-20 also underscores the congregation’s responsibility to resolve its internal problems. Paul reinforces this in 1 Corinthians 5-6. He rebukes the Corinthian church for failing to judge those within the church (1 Corinthians 5:12-13) and for taking disputes before unrighteous courts rather than among the saints (1 Corinthians 6:1-4).
This teaches us that the church must discipline its own members, and outsiders have no place in the local church’s internal problems. Additionally, the ultimate purpose of church discipline, as seen in 2 Corinthians 2:6-11, is always restoration of the erring person, not condemnation.
Principle 3: The Congregation is Responsible for Appointing Its Own Workers
Following the example of the apostles in Acts 6, another vital principle is that the congregation is responsible for appointing its own workers. Acts 6:5-6 clearly states: “The announcement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen… and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas…1 And they brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.”
The church chose men who met specific qualifications – “men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3). It’s important to note that while the church chooses its workers, certain functions, like the Ascension Gifts (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) and elders, are recognized or appointed through spiritual discernment. For instance, elders were appointed by the apostles, and a church pastor has the spiritual insight to recognize those who qualify for eldership.
Principle 4: The Congregation is Responsible for the Safekeeping and Defense of the Truth
Finally, the church has a profound responsibility for the safekeeping and defense of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:14-15 describes the church as “the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.” While the apostles were stewards of God’s mysteries, once the truth was handed down, the church became its guardian.
Jude 3 urges believers to “contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints.” This means the church is responsible for defending the faith – the body of sound beliefs – against false teachers. Sadly, false teachers often infiltrate the congregation when the church tolerates them (2 Timothy 4:1-4). This is why churches must be vigilant and, as 2 John 10-11 warns, not even receive or greet those who do not bring sound doctrine, lest they participate in their evil deeds.
Conclusion: Equipped to Serve
How can the local church effectively carry out these weighty responsibilities?
Firstly, they must be equipped (Ephesians 4:11-12). This is the primary role of the Ascension Gifts – to prepare the saints for the work of ministry and the building up of the body of Christ.
Secondly, they must be taught the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:26-27). Paul testified that he did not shrink from declaring “the whole purpose of God.” Similarly, today’s church must be immersed in the entirety of God’s Word.
Lastly, the church must not shrink from performing its duties. This requires intentional effort:
- Pray before you decide: Seek God’s wisdom in every matter.
- Choose spiritual men: Select leaders based on their spiritual qualifications, not personal relationships.
- Uphold what is right and good for everyone: Prioritize righteousness and communal well-being.
- Do not abstain: Don’t wash your hands of responsibility; engage actively in the life and governance of the church.
The church is not merely a building or a weekly gathering; it is a living, active body with vital responsibilities designed by Christ Himself. Are you engaged in these responsibilities within your local assembly?
