Philippians 1:1 “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers [elders or bishops] and deacons.”
This Scripture gives us a clear picture of God’s model for church structure and leadership. In this one verse, we see three distinct groups within the local church:
▪️ The Saints – the whole body of believers who belong to Christ.
▪️ The Overseers – the elders or bishops who provide spiritual leadership, oversight, direction, and shepherding for the local church.
▪️ The Deacons – those who serve the church and support the work of ministry in practical and spiritual ways.
▪️ Trans-local Team : There is also a fourth group represented in this passage: Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus. Paul and Timothy were not the local overseers of the church in Philippi. They represent a trans-local ministry team—men who carried apostolic and other Ephesians 4:11 ministry gifts and served churches beyond the boundaries of one local congregation.
Biblically we believe there are two leadership offices in the local church which are Elders and Deacons (Philippians 1:1, Acts 6:1-7 ). These together with the saints function together as one team to fulfill the vision that God has given the local Church. Elders are responsible to govern the local church.(Acts 20:28, I Timothy 5:17)
• We believe elders are the highest human governing authority in the local church.
• They have the responsibility to guide, guard and govern (shepherd) God’s people in the local church.
• The eldership team is accountable to the Trans-local team, and in the case of TWC we partner with New Covenant Ministries International (NCMI).
There are many successful models around, especially in business arena, but success does not mean it applies to the church. We believe that God has given us this model which we see throughout scripture and we believe is the only true biblical way of doing church. This model includes the restoration of that which was lost, what was stolen and also what is most needed.
• Leaders lead from the front by setting an example.
• Equal in value different in function.
• Biblical leadership model over popular or secular models.
• Team leadership, not a one man show or personality driven leadership.
• Servant and sacrificial leadership not positions, titles or hierarchy.
• Training and releasing more leaders.
The motivation for all leaders is the call and purpose of God for the church. Leaders lead from the front (John 10:1-21), they fear and serve God by serving the people. On the other hand people fear and serve God by serving their leaders. They don’t fear or worship each other. The leader imparts this through covenantal relationships and frees people to be what God has called them to. The biggest leadership qualifications are character (lifestyle), gifting and the call of God. Through it all, God’s Word is our final authority for all life, faith & conduct. Leaders are recognized through the delegated authority of men.
▪️ Elders are recognised by other elders and ordained by apostles or trans-local team.
▪️ Deacons are recognised by elders and ordained by Elders.
▪️ Apostles are recognised by elders and other apostles.
(Acts 14:21-23, Titus1:5-6, Acts 6:1-7, Acts 13:1-4, Acts 1:20-26)
We are equal in value but we differ in terms of function as illustrated in Philippians 1:1. Here we see Paul and Timothy working as a team in trans-local capacity writing to overseers or elders, deacons and saints at Philippi. (Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31, Ephesians 4:4-8, Ephesians 4:11-16)
To be a base church that reaches out with the gospel of Jesus Christ to cities, nations and the ends of the earth.
Partnering with
New Covenant Ministries International
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