Nuts and Bolts of the Church - Introduction

This series first appeared in our church newsletter...

This month, we begin a series in this space, looking at how the Church works. We’ll learn a ton about one another as we review the responsibilities of church members, elders, deacons, ministry teams, ministers and more! Scripture and lots of documents from the Reformed Church in America (RCA), our denomination, guide our thoughts and practice all the time.

Paul writes that “everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:40). We need tools to get along as we sort through different opinions of what to do as the Body of Christ. Jesus prays that His Church “may be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent Me and have loved them” (John 17:23). This isn’t just something that would be nice to do, if we had the time. Knowing the nuts and bolts of church life helps us live together in harmony – and that’s something JESUS prays for, for US!

Knowing what we’re all working towards together, and what our part is, helps us function effectively. For instance, a primary part of my role as pastor is preparing you for serving God (Ephesians 4:12). When we know more what’s going on around here, you are better prepared to serve God here!

There are times when disunity and strife become embarrassingly obvious in the Church; disagreements arise and people are alienated, sometimes so much so that they leave a church. They get to the point where reconciliation is deemed impossible, or too embarrassing. But before we get there, and to prevent that, know that there is a way to work through problems to agreement, while keeping everyone on board and committed to loving one another. But we can’t do that without knowing these nuts and bolts.

Above all, we have to keep in mind that the Church bride “works” because her Groom gives her strength to be faithful to the vows she makes. Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth, and “to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it” (Ephesians 4:7). We are Christ’s Body, His possession, serving Him and being sustained by Him. All glory to our risen Savior!