Expert: Cooper P. Abrams III - 2/7/2011

Question
QUESTION: During the period a pulpit is vacant, besides organizing a search committee what are the responsibilities of the church officers as it relates to the congregation ?

ANSWER: Hi Morris,
  I hope you soon will find the pastor God has to lead your church.   When a church is without a pastor it could be difficult time.    To answer your question.  Those in leadership should carry on the work as if they had a pastor.  This refers to the normal activities of the congregation.  One suggestion.  If someone wants to introduce something new that has not within the normal program and activities of the church it is a good idea to dissuade them and wait until the church has a pastor.  This does not mean an idea or suggestion is good or bad, but that it is best to wait and then present it to the new pastor first to get his advise.   Pastors are discerning men who have special incites the Lord gives them to foresee problems or even a way to better implement a new idea.  
  Sometimes also, one member, or a group of members will try to seek the leadership in a church. God's way is that he leads a church through his called undershepherd. Revelation 2-3 is a perfect example of this because Jesus spoke to each of the seven churches through their "candlestick" or pastor.  He was their light(lampstand).
  Further Ephesians 4:11-16 states God's plan for the leadership of a church and why.   If a one man or several try to take the leadership the others may resent them and cause disunity.  Those in leadership of the church (officers) should get together and this should be explained.  This way everyone is aware of the possible problems that might arise.   This would discourage someone for trying to take over.   When the new pastor arrives, those in leadership when the church was without a pastor,  should immediately go back to their normal duties and support the new pastor openly and in their prayers.
  Churches are venerable when they have no pastor to guide them.   This should be explained by the pulpit committee as soon as possible to the church and hopefully before a problem arises. God can lead a congregation when those in leadership humbly seek the Lord's direction.  It could be an good experience also and bring the congregation together and closer to the Lord.  God can use times like this to strengthen a church's commitment to the Lord.  
   If I can help further please write.  I do pray that the Lord will lead each of you as you seek His will.

Cooper Abrams
Romans 12:1-2  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We have a minister on our staff that has not been ordained yet. He preaches the Gospel, leads our youth ministry, teaches bible class, and is active in all church functions and activities. Is this minister allowed to assist, not serve, during communion ? Is there any circumstance where he might also serve communion ?

Answer
Hi Morris,
 Thank you for your positive feed back. It encouraging to see a church seeking biblical answers to their circumstances.

 I cannot find any precedent in the New Testament that says a pastor is the only one in a church that can serve the Lord's supper.  As the church's shepherd and leader it is appropriate and in most churches the pastor leads the serving of communion.   It was the Lord who served the first Lord's supper in Matthew 26:26-29.  1 Corinthians 11:23-27 does not mention who serves.

 This is a ordnance given to the local church so the whole congregation is in view.  It is assembly that is taking the supper as a remembrance of the Lord's suffering and death, meaning His sacrifice for sin, until He returns.   It is my thinking that who serves is not the focus, but rather that the Lord's Supper is the time the church in unison honors the Lord in remembering His atonement for sin and as a time of self examination. (1 Cor. 11:27-31)

 Most churches use deacons (elected servants) to assist the pastor and serve the bread and wine.  I have used any man in our congregation who is in good standing that is faithful  having a good testimony.

 So...even though the minister is not ordained, he is a servant of the Lord and the congregation. I can see nothing in scripture that would prevent his serving.   Again, the focus in not on the one serving, but on God's purpose for giving us the Lord's Supper and that it is a congregational service.  The focus in not on administering of the ritual itself or the one who serves it.  

 I hope this helps.  If you have further questions or comments please write.
Cooper Abrams
Romans 12:1-2