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Church Structure
Culture, business practices, or even denominational traditions should not determine the structure of the church. Structure holds the body together.
A. THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH DETERMINES ITS
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1. The Church is a Fellowship Fellowship isn't something the church does- but what it is. A top priority in a fellowship is harmony and unity. Without these two, you don't have a fellowship. If you don't have fellowship you don't have a church, because the church is a fellowship. (See Acts 2:42) Unity is the highest priority. Any attitude that causes disunity is sin because it destroys the fellowship it destroys the church. (See Ephesians 4:3; Romans 14:19; Colossians 3:15; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Timothy 2:14; Proverbs 17:14; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Romans 15:5-6; Romans 12:16-18; Psalm133:1)
Any structure that allows the most negative person in the church to set the agenda is wrong. "VOTING" tends to divide instead of unity. Therefore, in FMC, we always UNIFY the body not divide. |
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2. The Church is a Family So we operate on the basis of principled relationships not rules. (See 1 Peter 3:8) Just like a family, we do not VOTE on everything. And just like a family, there are different levels of maturity. (See 1 Timothy 5:1-2) |
3. The Church is a Body
Therefore, we function on the basis of spiritual gifts- not because one is elected. The problem with elections is that you get people who want the title or position. On the other hand, if you have the gift, you ought to be serving. But how does one know if one is a leader? You don't get elected to be a leader! Leaders are lead by a certain VISION and if I get a vision and it is really from God; other people are going to want to follow. Leadership is confirmed by affirming on the people. At FMC, we have a simple structure so we can maximize ministry and minimize maintenance. (See Romans 12:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 4:11-12) |
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4. The Church is a Flock This is Jesus' favorite description of the church. (John 10:1-30; Matthew 26:31; Matthew 25:33) Therefore, it is cared for and led by shepherds. Three different terms are used in the New Testament to refer to the same church leader: -Pastor -- for the caring part -Elder -- for the spiritual part -Overseer/Bishop -- for the managing part (See John 21:16-17; 1 Peter 5:1-2; Titus 1:5-7; 1 Timothy 5:17) |
B. OUR STRUCTURE
The Pastors are the "equippers" or "administrators". |
- Jesus is the foundation of the Church
- Christian Leadership is not a position but a Function for Service
- Our Structure defines the Functions not the Position
- Our Leaders are servants that care for those under them.(John 13 -- JESUS' LEADERSHIP STYLE)
- Our Structure reminds of Jesus' example on leading people.The higher your position the lower you go to touch and serve the people
- The Position of our Structure implies Obligation to those above you--"I-will-do-to-others-what-Jesus-do-to-me" mentality
C. OUR DENOMINATION
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1. Our Family Tree The Catholic Church- Jesus Christ in Jerusalem (NOT Roman Catholic Church) The Church of England-- John Wesley and the Methodist Movement The Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America The Free Methodist Church of North America-- Headed by B.T. Roberts in August 23, 1860 Free pews Freedom for slaves Freedom from secret societies Freedom of the Holy Spirit Freedom from sin and worldliness The Free Methodist Church in the Philippines-- after communist took over China Missionary from China started the first congregation in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur in September 1949 Four Annual Conferences in 1991 The Philippine Provisional General Conference 1994 Celebrated 50th year last 1999 First Filipino Bishop was Rev. Jim C. Tuan |
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2. Benefits We Share with Other Free
Methodist Churches
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