DISCIPLE

Donald Norbie explains the error of the denominational church organization and government, and shows what is the pattern given us in the New Testament. Church order, including government, is part of apostolic doctrine. We are not free to do as we please. Hebrews 8:5  "See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee..." Today the structure most churches follow is to have a pastor or senior pastor leading the work, supported by a group of deacons or elders. The primary work of preaching and teaching is left to the pastor. The "laymen" are to be generous in giving and faithful in attendance, and to be active in supporting ministries, such as Sunday School. The pastor is viewed as a professional who has had special training and is qualified to teach God's Word. Laymen are not expected to preach to the whole church. And often the pastor is jealous of his position and guards it vigorously, maintaining that laymen are not qualifi...

  by Donald L Norbie      Every man who begins a church has some model in mind. There is an ideal in his thinking that motivates him. Various denominations have different models.     As Paul went into Corinth he had a goal to build a temple for God. He too had a model, a plan, to follow. He later wrote, “According to the grace of God which is given unto me as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereon” (1 Cor. 3:10).     In the 1880's, as the assembly movement took root in Canada and the United States, those pioneering preachers too had a model. They felt very keenly that they must follow the simple plan of the early churches.     What were some characteristics of the model they envisaged? The true Gospel of grace must be preached. Baptism should follow a profession of faith. The local assembly should we...