Emmanuel Evangelical Church Chippenham

From 19^th May 2005:

In this session we will examine what the Bible has to say about how a church should be governed from the perspective of the membership of the church.

Background

Church has eternal, international, regional and local expressions. Here, we are part of the local church called “EECC”.

Three weeks ago we saw that scripture shows each local church was a clearly defined group of people.

Two weeks ago we saw that scripture has much to say on the responsibility, commitment, identity and love that belonging to a church implies.

Last week we considered the question of ‘Who can belong?’ to that clearly defined group. We saw that from the New Testament this includes:

• Those believers who have repented, who are baptised disciples, and who give themselves to the apostles teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer. They care for one another.

• In addition they call on the name of the Lord Jesus, and are not openly walking in sin.

“Congregationalism”

This week we are going to begin to look at just how that defined group of people can operate together.

Consider each of the following passages of scripture. In each case, note what the presenting situation is and also where or with whom the final authority lies.

1. Matthew 18:15-17
2. Acts 6:1-5
3. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
4. 2 Corinthians 2:6-8
5. Galatians 1:1-9