Expert: LEBoyd - 8/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: Mr. Boyd,

 What is the biblical church? I often hear some speak of having a home church, not a physical building, but worship inside someone's home. I know I have asked this before, but I want to have some semblance of certainty. There are many scriptures support that logic as Paul often saluted saints for having service inside their homes. I suppose that was due more with the fear of being persecuted, than not having a physical designated building for worship. I understand my body is the temple of the Lord as his Spirit resides with in me, and where ever 2-3 are gathered together in his name there he is in the midst of them, so why is there a need for the modern church as we know it? I have seriously begun to loose faith in the church, not Christ, but the church establishment. Would I be wrong or sinning if I pursued worship within my own home, or that of another saints' home to improve our worship, and more sincerely seek the will of God ( At least more sincerely for me )?

ANSWER: Zacchai,

The NT teaches us that there are two parts of the church or Body of Christ.  One part is the local congregation to which someone belongs.  It is clear that this is a very important part of the church, as it is discussed many times.  Some of the discussions include the organization of th elocal church as well as the part each individual plays in it.  The second part is the universal church, which is also discussed often.

The need for the local congregation is to build up and encourage one another (Heb 10) and to worship and fellowship together.  Many of the "modern" churches are not the church of the NT and this may be why you are losing faith in it.  Any "church" that has a hierarchy that extends beyond the local congreation, is not the church of the NT.  My recommendation is to find a church that is like the church of the NT.  My experience is that these churches often only call themselves the "church of Christ".

Hope this helps.

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

QUESTION: Thank you previously, concerning the hierarchy in the church. Many churches esteem the position of Bishop seemingly as a dominate position in Christianity ( unless he or she is superceded by an Apostle )and the church. It seems to me as if there is so much authority and prestige given to these individuals, not to mention as is said They are SOOOOO Anointed... When I read as Paul explains these positions, I don't get the impression that they are any more Anointed or important than any everyday saint, however I do understand they are filling a particular position of appointment. With that, Paul instructed the appointments as far as requirements, however, it was up to Timothy & Titus to appoint if I am not mistaking. And if so weren't the both of them Evangelist? If so, how is it that the posturing and power appointment of these professed Bishops is biblical? I suppose I am off set with how the title of Bishop is used within the church and is somewhat like being the Prez of the USA of the congregation. Do I seem annoyed to you? It is because I am, I just want things to be the way Jesus said it is to be concerning the Church (Building/Body), and I don't think that is happening, even with my limited understanding, I can sense this is wrong in so many ways.

Answer
Well, there is no doubt that the elders/shepherds/bishops of the local congregation are the dominate position.  This is why one of the qualifications that they be mature - so that they hopefully can manage the pride/power.

These men do have a much greater responsibility and are held to a higher standard both on earth and at the day of judgement.  I don't understand the "anointed" issue.  I don't read in the Scriptures where an elder is "anointed".

Paul did appoint elders and instructed Timothy and Titus how selected and appointing elders.

There are no scriptural grounds for a woman elder, period.

Any man who allows the "power" and "prestige" of being an elder to increase his pride and decrease his humility is not serving.  Think of the humility of Jesus.  Jesus was all powerful even on earth.  Yet, He came to serve, not be served.  The men who are truly qualified and selected for the position of elders will do the same thing, using Jesus as their example.

You also use the singular "bishop" instead of plural.  The Scriptures teach that there are to be multiple men leading the congregation, not one.

There are many denominational "churches" that are not, and have not, followed the Scriptures for centuries.  It's easy to read the Bible and compare it against a "church" to see if it is Scriptural.  If it's not, then it's not God's church/Christ's body.  It's something non-Scriptural.

If you look, you should be able to find a Scriptural "church".  One that is organized, worships, teaches and saves souls as described in the Bible.  There are some out there, and you should be able to find one.