What's a Church



What do we believe



Information

Baptist History

Pastors
In accordance with the practice of the Church in the New Testament, we look to God to call men to be pastors and teachers. See for example: Ephesians 4:11
The word 'pastor' simply means a 'shepherd'. His task is to shepherd the flock of God, that is to lead them and to feed them with the Word of God.

Elders
We also look to God to raise up Elders among us, who will share in the oversight of the church. See for example: Acts 20:17 ff.
Elders are chosen from among men who have served as Deacons and who show themselves to have the gifts needed to lead and sometimes also to teach and preach the word of God.

In the Authorised or King James version of the Bible, we find the use of the word "Bishop". This is merely a translation of the Greek word for "oversight". There is no difference in the New Testament between an elder and a bishop. One word describes his office, the other his function.

Deacons
In the Acts of the Apostles in Chapter 6 we read of men being appointed to "serve tables". That is to do the administrative work needed in any church - from getting the worship room ready to taking food to the poor and needy.
The word "deacon" is from the Greek word used in the original language of the New Testament that means a "servant".
This is the source of the word "Ministry" and all ministry in Christ's church is a serving ministry. We are specifically told in the New Testament that the leaders of the church are not to 'lord it' over the flock, but to serve the flock. For this reason we avoid the use of titles and robes of office etc..

Evangelists
We also look to God to raise up those who are set apart especially to the work of Evangelism - that is, the preaching and teaching of the Gospel to those who as yet do not know the way of salvation. See Acts 21:8 ff
These are normally attached to a local church or group of churches.
If set apart to the work of "church planting" - that is, the work of starting new churches, we see their work as "apostolic". 'Apostolic' means 'sent out'. Commonly those 'sent out' are frequently referred to as 'Missionaries'.

All have a ministry
In the New Testament we do not find the people of God divided into two groups - clergy and laity - this was a later invention - but all are seen as having particular gifts with which they are to serve the whole body. See for example Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12.
Those set apart for the above ministries are no different in status than any other member of the church. Though they should be highly regarded for the service they give.