Systematic Theology: The Doctrine of The Church Part 10: The Laying On of Hands and Ministries of the Church

Pastor Terrie Beede's "Studies in Theology" series, grounded in the anchor text of 1 Timothy 4:16, continued with The Doctrine of The Church Part 10: The Laying On of Hands and Ministries of the Church. Pastor Beede reiterated Paul's charge to Timothy to "take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine" and "continue in them," underscoring that faithful conduct and accurate teaching of doctrine ensure both the minister's own salvation and that of their hearers. This ongoing series uses the Calvary Chapel Milwaukee's statement of faith as its framework, asserting that doctrine is a "living and vibrant" truth relevant to daily life, not a "dry and dead thing". The session advanced from previous discussions on the church's ordinances and practices closely related to them, such as baptism, the Lord's table, and marriage. This installment concluded the study of these ordinances by focusing on the practice of the laying on of hands. Subsequently, the session transitioned to a new area: the ministries of the church, sometimes referred to as the offices of the church. Beede emphasized that a complete study of the church doctrine necessitates an examination of church government and its leadership, along with the nature and purposes of the church. The discussion highlighted several ministry gifts and offices mentioned in the New Testament: • The five-fold ministry from Ephesians 4:11, which includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. • Additional ministry gifts reiterated in 1 Corinthians 12:28-29, such as miracles, gifts of healings, helps, governments (administrations), and diversities of tongues. • The specific church offices of elder and deacon, which are addressed by Paul in 1 Timothy chapter 3. The apostle was identified as the preeminent ministry or office in the church, with Jesus's selection and sending of his twelve disciples in Matthew 10:1-7 serving as a foundational example. Beede noted that this session provides the background for the next study, which will complete the doctrine of the church by examining its purposes and the role of the believer within it. Following the Doctrine of the Church, the series is planned to cover "the doctrines of hell and then the return of Jesus Christ," collectively titled "the doctrine of end things or last things".