Ripe for Harvest

312 • R IPE FOR H ARVEST

Welcome to the Family: Membership Responsibilities and Leadership

Lesson Three: Decision-Making in the Body

• What is an elder? What is a pastor? • Does the Bible teach that there can or should be more than one pastor? • How should a church handle problems of discipline and abuse? • What is the best way to make decisions in the ongoing life of the Body? One of the most basic truths concerning the Church of Christ is that Jesus is the Head of His church, her head of all authority and power.

And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him who fills all in all. ~ Ephesians 1.22-23 (NASB)

In all decision-making in the church’s activities, Christ must be given the right to control its decisions, to determine its courses, and direct its resources as He sees fit.

I. The church is not the invention of religious organization or human origins; the church was brought into existence by Jesus Christ, for His glory – it is His (Matt. 16.18). Matt. 16.18 (NASB) – “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.”

II. Look below at four foundational principles concerning authority, decision-making, and the Church of Christ.

Context Values/Vision

A. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church , Eph. 1.22-23; 4.16; Col. 2.10, 18-19.

Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter