Tim
Puritan Board Graduate
I have been thinking about ministries such as Bible studies or missions being conducted outside the auspices of the local church or presbytery (which is also the church). Shouldn't all ministry fall under the structure of a church (people) that is presented in the Bible?
I wonder whether para-church organizations are Biblical because there isn't the proper form of organization (such as elders and deacons) or function (preaching, singing, prayer, communion, reading of scripture - see Acts 2:42). As such, it seems that para-church organizations are a "church" that is done in the wrong way and/or without a complete practice.
One time I taught a Bible study on my own, but I was not supervised (nor "called")- I could have been teaching anything!
The only caveat I have with this is when I consider some groups such as Answers in Genesis or a financial ministry. They minister in their respective areas with a depth that no individual pastor could realistically achieve. Or could he?
Shouldn't everything be a part of a church body that is organized and operates according to the Biblical model? Isn't there only one ministry model (presbyterian vs. congregational government debates aside)?
I wonder whether para-church organizations are Biblical because there isn't the proper form of organization (such as elders and deacons) or function (preaching, singing, prayer, communion, reading of scripture - see Acts 2:42). As such, it seems that para-church organizations are a "church" that is done in the wrong way and/or without a complete practice.
One time I taught a Bible study on my own, but I was not supervised (nor "called")- I could have been teaching anything!
The only caveat I have with this is when I consider some groups such as Answers in Genesis or a financial ministry. They minister in their respective areas with a depth that no individual pastor could realistically achieve. Or could he?
Shouldn't everything be a part of a church body that is organized and operates according to the Biblical model? Isn't there only one ministry model (presbyterian vs. congregational government debates aside)?