THE
By Gary Ray Branscome
While the Apostles started many congregations, no
organizational structure above the congregational level is mentioned in
Scripture.
The words, “His gift made some, apostles; and some,
prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers,” list the offices
in order of authority (Ephesians 4:11). The Apostles are listed first because
the Old Testament [what the prophets wrote] is to be interpreted in the light
of what the apostles taught. And, by listing the Apostles and prophets first,
this verse is telling us that their word – the Old and New Testaments – is the
highest authority. Next in authority are the evangelists. Today we would call
them missionaries. And, their authority is listed above that of pastors and
teachers because they have the authority to straighten out any problems that
arise in congregations that they start.
Those in positions of leadership in the synagogues, as well
as in the congregations started by the Apostles, were referred to as “Pastors” or
“teachers”. The pastors were lay-elders chosen by the congregation to oversee
things. The teachers (rabbis) were trained men hired by the congregation and
elders as instructors. The teachers not only led worship on the Sabbath day,
but also taught the boys to read and write during the week. [The word
translated “teachers” in Eph. 4:11 is used in John
1:38 to translate the word “rabbi”.]
When there are many congregations in a particular area, it
is natural for them to cooperate, and help each other out. And, if some
congregations are teaching contrary to Scripture it is natural for like-minded
congregations to form associations. However, because those associations, (no
matter what they are called) do not derive their authority from Scripture, they
have no authority over the local congregation. Since the highest authority in
every controversy must be the Word of God, not the word of man, what is called
for is cooperation, not coercion. All things should “be done decently and in
order” (1Corinthians