office-bearers

Laying On of Hands at the Ordination of Elders

Should office-bearers receive the laying on of hands at their ordination? This article reflects the teaching of the Old and New Testament on the subject. The author then looks at the church order and liturgical forms, discussing the meaning and relevance of this symbolic act.

Equipping the Church

This article considers the work of the office-bearers in the equipping of the church, with special focus on the calling and task of the minister. It reflects on the tools to be used by the office-bearers, who exactly does the equipping, and how it happens.

Using Psychology to Unmask the Abuser

This article addresses the question as to whether office-bearers may make use of secular psychologists in abuse situations. The author suggests that we ought to do so, provided that we always use Scripture to screen and filter the input we receive from secular psychologists.

When Elders and Ministers Cross the Line

The author explains why it is critical that the church exercise church discipline when office-bearers are guilty of abusive behaviour.

"Instructors" and "Frontsoldiers" in Evangelism

Who should be on the frontlines in evangelism, according to Scripture? This article discusses the respective role of office-bearers and members in this matter. Taking his cue from Ephesians 4:12, the author suggests that office-bearers need to equip the congregation for evangelism.

Those Elected Shall Be Appointed

Using Article 3 of the Church Order of the Canadian Reformed Churches, this article looks at the question of women's voting in the election of office-bearers. Attention is given to the textual history of this article.

The Confession of Faith Article 31 Of the Ministers, Elders, and Deacons

Christ exercises his authority in the church through the use of office-bearers. How are office-bearers elected in the church? From the Belgic Confession, Article 31 this article discusses the election of office-bearers and their calling to office.

Called to the Office?

God calls office-bearers through the church. This article explains that office-bearers are a gift to the church. Their calling comes with responsibility. They are called to lead the church through God’s Word, and the church has the obligation to submit to their authority.

Authority and Confidentiality

Office-bearers are required to keep confidentiality. This article discusses three reasons for the necessity to keep confidentiality and three situations that may tempt office-bearers to break such confidentiality.

A Time to Be Silent and a Time to Speak

Ordained office-bearers make a promise of confidentiality. What does this mean? This article explains the background and biblical basis of this promise.

Esteeming the Elders Very Highly for Their Word’s Sake

Elders have a duty towards the church based on the calling Christ have them. However, this article shows that the church also has a duty towards elders, to respect the authority of office-bearers for the sake of Christ.

Looking for Leaders

This article helps us to consider how to go about nominating office-bearers in the church. It discusses what office-bearers—elders and deacons—are called to do, and what qualifications for leadership they are required to have. In relation to this, consideration is given to 1 Timothy 3.

The Role of Office-Bearers

Office-bearers are given by Christ to his church to equip the saints. This article looks at the biblical foundation for the role of elders and deacons, their qualifications and duties, with texts such as 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

Principles behind Reformed Church Polity (2)

Church polity seeks to answer the question: how does Christ want things done in his church? This article shows that Jesus Christ rules his church through the office of elders. It discusses the shift of authority from the apostles to office-bearers.

The Role of the Church and Its Place in Our Thinking The Role of Office-Bearers in Our Thinking

This article contends that the church is the basis of society. It challenges us to think rightly about the church and office-bearers and their work.

Caring for the Flock of Christ

How should we care for the congregation? This article discusses the pastoral task of the office-bearers in the church.

Christian Ethics and Pastoral Counselling

This article aims to help office-bearers deal with ethical issues in their work. The ability to listen and apply God's word is crucial to providing Christian counselling.

Should Sisters Vote for Office-bearers? Must All Churches Do the Same?

This article argues that there is no biblical evidence approving or disapproving women from voting for office-bearers, and that this matter must be left to the freedom of each church.

A Goal in the Philippines (1):

What would mission work be like if one was to do missions with the aim of establishing a self-governing church (where office-bearers are local men)? This article addresses this question and shares four ways through which such a goal can be achieved.

The Qualification of the Office of Elder (3): Adult Males - The Scriptural Defense

This series of articles looks at the qualifications required in order to be an elder in the church based on 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. This article discusses whether women can be office-bearers, concluding that God only calls men to serve as elders in the church.

The Qualification of the Office of Elder (2): Adult Males

True Diakonia

This article is about the believer's service in the church. The author also looks at the place of office-bearers in the church. True service comes from a love for Christ.

Three Offices: Minister, Elder, Deacon

This author discusses the evidence of the Old Testament and the New Testament which shows that Scripture has three offices in mind when it looks at the main functions of office-bearers in the church.

The Spiritual Purpose of Family Visitation

In family visitation, the office-bearers must work toward the development of individuals' spiritual lives, challenge the lives of believers to service, and promote fellowship in the church.

Finding New Office-Bearers

This article is about the calling to office, and the nomination and the calling of the the office-bearers through the congregation.

Qualified Counsellors?!

This article looks at the task of the office-bearers in relation to emotional and mental problems in believers. The author also looks at James 5:14 and prayer and healing.

Censura Morum

This article is about censura morum, the censure and discipline of office-bearers. Supervision over the doctrine and life and work of the officers are very important. This article also discusses encouragement for the office-bearer, equal authority between officers and hierarchy in the church.

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