Apostolic Church Planting: Birthing New Churches from New Believers by J. D. Payne

Author:J. D. Payne [Payne, J. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Published: 2015-10-15T16:00:00+00:00

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In this role, the team works with the new church to appoint elders (that is, pastors). While it is to be expected that a time will come for deacons to be identified, pastoral leadership is primary and should be addressed as soon as possible. For both biblical and practical reasons, it is wise to have more than one elder, even if this means only two elders in the beginning. If the church is too small, or not enough people are qualified (make sure you define qualified according to Scripture), then one elder will have to suffice for the time being.

The team should teach the church about the role and office of the elder by examining the biblical passages that address pastors. The church should be challenged with the question, “Now that we have examined the biblical teachings, what should pastoral ministry look like in this church family?” The church should consider the application of biblical teaching in its context, rather than the missionary team’s preference.

While the team may have already identified potential elders, they should seek the wisdom of the church in this process. The team’s influence during this time is very important, but the church needs to recognize its responsibility to be self-governing and to make its own decisions in light of the Word and guidance of the Spirit (Acts 20:28). This new church has just as much of the Holy Spirit as the team and may well discern things about certain people among them that are unknown to the team.

The church should be led in a time of prayer and fasting for the appointment of pastoral leadership. After examining some potential elders who meet the biblical requirements, the candidates should be extended an invitation from the church to serve as the elders. If they accept this calling, a time of prayer, laying on of hands by the team and the church and possibly a challenge to the new pastors from the team should mark this wonderful occasion.

After this the team will transition to the next role and spend more of their time with the pastors and less with the church.

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