Sample Header Ad - 728x90

Do Evangelical Protestants consider the "Elders" of Philippians 1:1 formalized in the Early Church as those listed in Ephesians 4:11?

1 vote
3 answers
92 views
**Formalized Ministry** The constituency of the Early Church was listed as **saints, elders, and deacons** in Philippians 1:1. And we know that the early Christians were familiar with the Synagogue style of congregating with a leadership of **archisynagogos, hazzars, and almoners**. So they would have considered some type of formal spiritual leadership necessary in the fledgling Church. And we see in Ephesians 4:11 a list of ministers given by the Apostle Paul "that were for the edification of the congregations." **Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastor/Teachers** But were ministries formalized into leadership roles by this time in church history? Or were these, as some contend, just descriptions of ministering done at that time? If they were "formalized" in New Testament times and functioning in those churches, do Evangelical Protestants consider them as also legitimate ministry **with a leadership role** in modern Local Congregations? Do they consider the N.T. listing ***a pattern for modernity***? Should the modern local church, or denominations, expect there to be room for all of these ministries to exist and flourish---or just the pastor? >*Jesus Christ has abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the **Evangel** whereunto I am appointed a **Herald, an Apostle, and a Teacher** to the nations.* (2 Timothy 1:10,11) >*And He (God) gave **some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers**, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ.* (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Asked by ray grant (4700 rep)
Dec 4, 2023, 10:03 PM
Last activity: May 7, 2024, 10:50 PM