Paul an “apostle”, Philip the “evangelist”. Notice apostle and evangelist follow these great men’s given name. In Paul’s epistles he often and consistently professes that he is Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ. He was Jesus’ “sent one”; this was his work, a messenger. Philip is called Philip the evangelist in Acts 21:8. In 2 Timothy 4:5 Paul admonishes Timothy to do the “work” of an evangelist. An evangelist does a work, “Evangelism”. So why have we made a man’s work, his title? And a title of rank at that! An associate minister or elder becomes a pastor; a pastor is elevated to a bishop, and a bishop is elevated to an apostle. Some skip the bishop level and just become an apostle. I don’t see this in scripture. Do you? And elder/bishop/pastor/shepherd are names used interchangeably to describe the same person in scripture. I was ordained as an elder in 1999. I won’t go into all of my thoughts concerning my ordination. What I will say is, as I study and mature, I see many things wrong with today’s church structure and the titles we hold. Do you?

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Yes. Peoplehave begun to think that what God has given to the church are "ranks" to go through as if it is the military. The difference is though, at least the oens in the military must function in their position! Sometimes we as the church focus so much on being "Great" in our own eyesight that we lose gfocus on actually doing what we are called to do. What I like about some of the people in the Bible is that a lot of them functioned in some areas and wasn't even given a title. Stephen did was an evangelist does, but was never called an evangelist. He focused on the main point: Preach Jesus; show the people Jesus is real!

 

And I see that elder becomes pastor, pastor becomes bishop and so forth...a big circle...oh, so much can be said in this topic! Good topic. 

Enough of man elevations and time for kngdom manifestations. Time to kill this title, but no function...Paul could have never went by apostle, but his minstry showed his gift. The elders could have never been known as elders, but their function in the church was known (the  Holy Ghost-not man-made them overseers..man can only affirm what God has already approved)....

The Word says in Luke 22:26, he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 

I believe those who have a title in the church really need to look deeper into this scripture.  Those who believe they are great need to be serving the people. 

It's not about the title but what matters most, it's God who entrusted you with His most precious commodity... Souls.

This is why He's going to judge them much harder than the regular lay member.

I think the Work Vs the Title is relevant.  The higher the title, the more you must work.  Not for your own gain, but to edify the others in the body of Christ...

Amen!

     1 Timothy 3:1, "This [is] a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work."  I think alot of people use titles to indicate their individual (corporate) work, task or assignment.  Many people are simply unable to handle titles and will let it go to their head.

     People want a title before they have been prepared.  They want to be a bishop before they are ready and have been matured (elder) by God.  They are putting children in the pulpit who are simply mimicking adults in the pulpit.  We want to forego the process of being made ready and want to be recognized for our perceived anointing.  Just because you might be anointed does not mean that you have been appointed.  David went through years of maturing and preparing before he was finally appointed king.  There is the process of time which is going to teach you paitence.  Paitence is not preached today.  We have got to have it now.

     I don't believe that titles are necessarily detrimental to the church.  Usher is not in the bible, but it is a title commonly used in the church today.  I don't believe that the bible limits the church concerning instituting programs, administrations and laymen offices and positions.  I think what is more important is how a person wears a certain title of honor and distinction.  Are you mature enough to handle it, have you been made ready?  You can call yourself whatever you like, talk is cheap.  How are you living?  

What do you mean by true form?

Acts 20:28.... An elder is a shepherd and overseer of the flock of God. Elder/bishop/pastor/shepherd.... All the same office, names used interchangeably.

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