1. What is a denomination? A group of churches with similar doctrinal beliefs with similar traditions who share same goals and ministry and who desire to encourage each other and have organizationally banned themselves together to worship the Lord and do something they cannot do apart.
2. Relate the types of denominations to the types of church authority (Lesson 5). Note that the different types of authority could have lead to different denominations. Tight denominations have more totalitarian control, similar to the Episcopal church authority. They decide who can and cannot be licensed, the creed, and often who owns the property. The loose denomination are same groups which may not even call themselves denominations. The control is often decentralized and without officials. Over time, most denominations become more like tight denominations.
3. What are the reasons to organize a local church? Based on Acts 20:7, the church has definite stated meetings. They had at least three elections (deacons, a replacement for Judas, and the ordaining of the elders by Paul). The church had a designation of officers, rules, leaders with authority, right to discipline, right to collect money, letters for commending transfer members, .practiced ordnances, tended to widows, and practiced its business in an orderly fashion.
4. How did patterns of organization develop in the New Testament? The organization of the church grew out of its preaching and ministry. The organization grew out of the believers assembling for evangelism, teaching the word, fellowship, and breaking bread together. Over time, the greater needs of the church led to more organization. The apostles sought to establish doctrine and policy. The church organization was completed before the apostles had passed away. There should not be further organizing except in accordance with New Testament teaching.
5. How do aspects of organization correlate with the theological definition of the Church? Like the Episcopal, the true church is led by God's man. Like the Representative, it is governed by a board of deacons. And like the Congregational, the people vote to make important church decisions.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
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