The First Century Church consisted of Apostles, Elders, Deacons, Evangelists,s, and Missionaries in their Leadership. The qualifications for a church leader were the same as an elder in ancient Israel was a man who had been tested and proven himself faithful over time; he would be appointed by two or three witnesses, not just one.
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How was the Leadership of the Early Church Organized?
The early church was led by a group of apostles and prophets. These men were appointed by Jesus Christ to lead the church and spread the gospel. They were responsible for teaching the truth, setting doctrine, and governing the church. In this blog post, we will explore the role of apostles and prophets in the early church, and learn how they helped to establish Christianity as a world religion.
Who led the church in the first century AD?
Christ – Himself led His church during its earliest years through inspired apostles and elders who faithfully followed His teachings. This pattern of leadership has continued uninterrupted down to our present time.
The early church was led by the apostles and the elders, who were responsible for organizing and leading churches. How was the Leadership of the Early Church Organized?
Disciples – Christ’s followers also had a part in leading the church. They were responsible for preaching the gospel, making disciples, and baptizing new believers.
Apostles – were chosen by Christ to be His leaders on earth during the time of their lives (e.g., Matthew 16:18; Acts 14:14). They preached, taught, healed people, cast out demons, performed miracles, etc. After Jesus rose from the dead and returned to heaven in 30 AD at Pentecost Day (Acts chapter two) ,the Holy Spirit came upon all believers as promised by Jesus beforehand(Luke 24:49; John 15:26-27). The apostles then went about establishing churches in many locations throughout Israel and beyond it. Here are some references to their activities:(in order of chronological occurrence): Luke 24:47-48; John 20:21-23; Acts chapters one and two).
Elders – were appointed by the apostles to help them in their work. Titus, for example, was an elder whom Paul instructed to appoint more elders in the church at Crete (Titus chapter one). The qualifications of both apostles and elders are given in many places throughout the New Testament scriptures.
Deacons – were also appointed by the apostles to help them, but their qualifications and duties were slightly different. For example, they served tables while other leaders did not (Acts chapter six). Deacons did not have the same authority or responsibility that apostles had either. The Apostles Paul wrote letters to Timothy telling him how he should select deacons in his church (I Timothy chapter three)
Bishops – Bishops are clergymen with certain responsibilities over a church district of several congregations within an area. Also called archbishops, cardinals, patriarchs, etc., depending on where they live
Priests – Priests have been ordained into religious orders of various faiths. They are usually responsible for administering sacraments such as baptism and communion services. They also perform other duties such as teaching Sunday school classes, visiting sick members of their parishioners’ families when needed (e.g., during hospital visits), and leading the church choir during worship services
Pastors – Pastors are clergymen who lead a congregation or group in prayer, preaching from Scripture passages assigned by them and providing spiritual guidance to those who come for help with personal problems/needs.”
Preachers – Christ’s followers were also responsible for preaching the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). This was a vital part of leading the church.
Baptizing – new believers were baptized into the church as an outward sign of their new faith in Jesus Christ (Acts chapter two).
Miracles – The apostles and other disciples also performed miracles as signs that God was with them and their message (e.g., Acts chapter five).
The early church was led by inspired apostles and elders, who faithfully followed Christ’s teachings. This pattern of leadership has continued uninterrupted down to our present time. As we study more about who led the church in those earliest years, may it encourage us to follow His example today!
What were Their Qualifications for Leadership?
In the early church, there were many people who had different gifts and abilities. Some of these people used their leadership skills for a bad purpose. An example is when Simon tried to buy an ability from Peter (Acts Chapter eight). The apostle Paul was very concerned about this false teaching that some leaders in the Church were spreading (Romans 16:17-18) so he made sure that those who wanted to become church leaders would receive training first.
In addition, they would be appointed by apostolic decree or recommendation because
Paul wanted them to have good character traits like being faithful and true servants of Christ (Titus chapter one). He also instructed Timothy not to appoint anyone without testing him first since it could lead into problems later on.
The qualifications for a church leader were the same as an elder in ancient Israel was a man who had been tested and proven himself faithful over time; he would be appointed by two or three witnesses, not just one.
It’s interesting that Paul describes himself as “a servant of God [who has] been called into His service according to the grace given unto him through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians four verse seven). As Peter says about elders, they should have “all good works done among them with diligence so their lives may be blameless before God.”
He also warns us against false teachers because some people will use this position for personal gain rather than serving others faithfully (II Timothy chapter three).
What was Leadership Structure in Jewish – Judea 1st Century?
- High Priest – The High Priest was appointed by the Jewish Sanhedrin, which was a religious court made up of 71 members. He was responsible for leading the people in worship and prayer, as well as providing spiritual guidance
- Rabbis – Rabbi is a Hebrew word meaning “My teacher.” They were appointed by either the synagogue or the community and were responsible for teaching children how to read Hebrew scriptures, interpreting them correctly according to each person’s understanding level.
- Elders – An elder was a man who had been tested and proven himself faithful over time; he would be appointed by two or three witnesses, not just one. The elders of the synagogue were responsible for overseeing the spiritual welfare of their community, as well as providing guidance when needed.
- Priests – The priesthood was divided into 24 divisions, each division to serve for one week in turn at the Temple, starting on Monday and ending on Sunday. Each priest served from morning till evening. A total of 288 priests were needed at any given time
- Levites – Levites are the Temple servants who take care of all things related to worship (Exodus 24:13) and they were chosen by God himself through Aaron, his brother.
- Synagogues – A synagogue was a place of worship and learning for the Jewish people in their local community. It consisted primarily of an assembly hall where religious services were conducted, as well as administrative offices (where money could be collected), classrooms for children’s education lessons and rooms used by women who wanted privacy during menstruation periods or childbirth.
What was Leadership Structure Pre – Establishment of Church?
- Jesus – Jesus is the founder and head of Christianity. He was a Jew who lived in Palestine around 30 CE when he came to be known as “The Messiah” or “Savior” for his many miracles performed during that time period including healing those sick with leprosy, raising Lazarus from death after four days had passed since then he also fed 5000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish.
- Disciples – The Twelve Disciples – The twelve disciples were the first followers of Jesus who were chosen by him to spread his teachings after his death. They were all male and most of them came from humble backgrounds.
- The disciples were Jesus’ closest followers who had witnessed his many miracles and teachings. After his death, they spread the gospel (good news) of Christ throughout the world
What was Leadership Structure from Day of Pentecost
- Apostles – The apostles were the first twelve men Jesus chose to follow him, and they spread his word after he died.
- Elders – Elders are leaders in congregations who have been appointed by God as overseers of His flock. They can be male or female, although traditionally only males serve as elders because this is what Christ did with his disciples.
- Pastors – A pastor is a leader in the church who provides spiritual guidance and direction to those in his or her care. He or she is also responsible for teaching the Bible and preaching the gospel.
- Deacons – Deacons are servants of the church who help with many practical tasks, such as setting up chairs and tables for meetings, preparing food for fellowship events, and caring for the sick and elderly. They are appointed by the elders and pastors of the church to help them in their ministry.
- Bishops – A bishop is a leader in a Christian denomination who oversees several churches within his or her region. He or she is responsible for teaching God’s word, ordaining ministers, and administering the sacraments.
- Missionaries – A missionary is someone sent on behalf of their denomination to spread the Gospel around the world. Missionaries often work in difficult and dangerous areas, where they may face persecution for their faith.
What was Leadership Structure Post – Establishment of Church? (after death of Apostles)
- Prysbyteers – Priests are ordained clergymen who administer sacraments, preside over church services and perform other duties.
- Congregation – A congregation is a religious community that meets regularly for worship and fellowship. The term “congregation” is often used synonymously with “church,” although it can also refer to any group of people who come together for a common purpose, such as political or social activism.
- Church – A church is a place where Christians gather to worship God and learn about His Word. The word “church” comes from the Greek word ekklesia, which means “assembly” or “congregation.”
- Evangelist – An evangelist is a person who spreads the gospel through conversation or writing. They are often commissioned by a church to go out and share God’s love with others, especially those from different religious backgrounds than their own.
- Pastors – A pastor is a leader in the church who provides spiritual guidance and direction to those in his or her care. He or she is also responsible for teaching the Bible and preaching the gospel.
What was the Leadership Structure of the Church in the Middle Ages?
- Pope – the pope became the leader approximately in the year 200 and his leadership continued until around the year 235. The pope was the leader of the Catholic Church from about the year 1000 until around 1500. He had absolute authority over all Christians in the world.
- Bishops – Bishops were leaders in individual churches. In order to become a bishop, one had to be ordained by another bishop.
- Presbyters – Presbyters were church elders who assisted bishops in their work. They could also baptize and marry people.
- Deacons – Deacons were servants of the church
- Monks – Monks were men who lived in monasteries and devoted their lives to prayer, fasting, and other religious practices. They did not have any leadership roles within the structure of Christianity at this time but they contributed greatly through their prayers for those who needed it most.
- Priests – Priests have ordained clergymen who administered sacraments, presided over church services, and performed other duties.
- Cardinal – A cardinal is a high-ranking member of the Catholic Church hierarchy who has been appointed by the pope to assist him in governing its members around the world
- Nuns – Nuns were women who lived in convents and devoted their lives to prayer, fasting, and other religious practices.
Final Thoughts – How was the Leadership of the Early Church Organized?
In conclusion, Paul gives us more details about how leaders should act when he says that their character must be blameless before God; they shouldn’t seek power over others but rather serve them faithfully as servants of Christ. He also warns against false teachers who will use this position for personal gain instead of serving others faithfully.
In Luke chapter nine verses twenty-seven through thirty-two, we see an example where two people wanted to lead the disciples but Jesus told them both no because neither one had been tested and proven himself faithful yet (Luke nine:27-32). The apostle Peter reminds Christians in his first letter four times that those who want leadership positions must be tested before being appointed so they don’t abuse these powers at any point during their tenure.