CHMN 201 Introduction to Church Ministries
The Church – Biblical Foundations
Definition of the word “Church”
Theological Definition of the Church
Liberty University’s Doctrinal Statement
1.A church is an assembly of professing believers (Rom. 10:9)
2.A church is under the discipline of the Word of God (Acts 2:42; 6:4)
3.A church is organized to carry out the Great Commission (Mt. 28:18-20; Acts 5:28, 42)
4.A church reflects the Spiritual_ _Gifts_ (I Cor. 12:4-11; Rom. 12:3-7; Eph. 4:11,12)
Greek Word – “ecclesia” – “To call or to summon ,” or “ to callout ” (109xs.)
We affirm that a is a local assembly of , under
the discipline of the of and the lordship of , organized to carry
out the to evangelize, to teach, and to administer the
ordinances of believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Table. Its offices are and
, and it is self-governing. It functions through the ministry of given
by the Holy Spirit to each believer.
Five Major Spiritual Descriptions of the Church
1.The Body of Christ (Eph. 4:15; 5:23; Col. 1:18)
2.The Bride of Christ (II Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:23-32; Rev. 21:9)
3.The Flock of God (I Pet. 5:2-4; Acts 20:28; John 10:16)
4.The Family of God (John 1:12; Eph. 2:19)
5.The Priesthood (I Tim. 2:5; I Pet. 2:9)
Organization in the Local Church
1. Early organization was evident (Acts 2;41, 46; 4:4)
2. ___Church Officers had been established (Acts 14:23; Phil. 1:1)
3.Regular Meetings were held (Heb. 10:25; John 20; 19, 26; I Cor. 3: 6-7, 11; I
Thess. 5:14)
4. ___Discipline___ was practiced (I Cor. 14:40; Col. 2:5; II Thess. 3:6-7, 11; I Thess 5:14)
5. ___Letters of Recommendation (Acts 18:24-28, I Cor. 3:1)
6. __Offerings for sister churches (Rom. 15:26; I Cor. 16:1-2; II Cor. 8:6-9:5)
7.Care for Widows (I Timothy 5:2-15)
8.Administers the Ordinances
Baptism (Romans 6:4-6)
The Lord’s Supper (I Cor. 11:23-26)
Look Back at the Beginning
Acts 2- Read through the entire chapter and think through the context of
what is taking place in Jerusalem. Refer to any other sources to give a full
context.
What was the emphasis of Peter’s sermon?
What was significant AFTER the Holy Spirit came?
What was significant BEFORE the Holy Spirit came?
Who were these people and why were they there in Jerusalem?
What were the four significant areas (disciplines) these people were committed to?
