1 Timothy: God's Design for the Church - Introducing Deacons - A Message on Ministry and Methods
Introducing Deacons
(A Message on Ministry and Methods)
Church Government - Swindoll
Elders - J.I. Packer
Elders & Deacons - Brian Tucker
INTRODUCTION: A Little Bit of History
• Fellowship Bible Churches - The 1960s, DTS, Gene Getz & Joe Wall
• Fellowship Bible Church - Conway (Little Rock & Northwest Arkansas)
A Biblical Philosophy of Church Ministry
The Functions of the Church - Functions Over Forms (Acts 2:42-47)
• Worship
• Instruction
• Fellowship
• Evangelism
The Focus of the Church - Making Disciples (Matthew 28:16-20)
• The Command - “Make Disciples”
• The Context - “As you are going…”
• The Method - Evangelism & Discipleship
• The Extent - “All Nations”
The Pattern of the Church - Equipping the Saints (Ephesians 4:11-16)
• Gifted Leaders Equip.
• Saints are Involved in Ministry.
• Every Part Works in Unity.
• The Final Result is Maturity in Christlikeness.
A Biblical Philosophy of Church Leadership
Plurality of Leaders (Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:2; 20:17; Titus 1:5; James 5:14 )
Functions Over Forms (New Testament Epistles)
• Jesus is Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22-22; 4:15; 5:23; Col. 1:18; 2:19)
• Gifted Leaders (1 Thess. 5:12–13; Heb. 13:7, 17; Eph. 4:11)
• Elders (1 Tim. 3:1-7; 5:17-19; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; James 5:14)
• Deacons and Deaconesses (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13)
The church is accomplishing God’s purpose when
everyone is involved in ministry & growing toward maturity!
So Christ’s immediate purpose in giving pastors and teachers to his church is through their ministry of the word to equip all people for their varied ministries. And the ultimate purpose of this is to build up his body, the church. In other words, the church’s goal is not Christ but its own maturity in unity which comes from knowing, trusting and growing up into Christ.
Home Church Questions
• Read Ephesians 4:11-16.
• What is your favorite part of church activities? What is your least favorite part of church?
• What is the best thing that has ever happened to you in the church context (This doesn’t have to be something that happened on Sunday Morning or even at Fellowship)?
• How have you experienced positive church leadership in your life?
• How is Fellowship currently “equipping” (repairing or preparing) you for growth and service right now?
• What are four key elements of doctrinal stability a church should have?
• How does unity result in growth and effectiveness in ministry?
Mission Prayer Focus: The Somali in Ethiopia
8.2 million primarily speak Somali and identify as Sunni Muslims. Many blend Islamic practices with folk beliefs and traditions. Only 0.22% are evangelicals. Despite having access to the complete Bible and the Jesus Film, they remain largely unreached with the gospel in Ethiopia. Pray for laborers, for the gospel to spread through media, and for disciples to rise up and make more disciples.
Finances
Weekly Budget 35,297
Giving For 03/30 18,053
Giving For 04/06 41,352
YTD Budget 1,411,886
Giving 1,388,039
OVER/(UNDER) (23,847)
Crucifixion Dinner
Join us Good Friday, April 18, at 6:30 p.m. as we remember together what Christ did on the cross through the Crucifixion Dinner (broth and bread). Child care for ages six and under is available by texting Shanna at 501-336-0332. Please feed the kids before dropping them off in child care.
New to Fellowship?
We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift.
Holy Week on Hogan
The pastors of several of the churches on Hogan have organized a time of gathering together throughout Holy Week (April 14-18). The gathering will meet each day of Holy Week at Grace Methodist from 12:00-1:00 pm and will include a short service with worship led by members of our worship teams, a short message by one of the pastors, followed by a meal. We all felt this was a great way to show our community that we are united around our risen Savior. Donations to cover the cost of the meal will be given to a local Christian ministry.
HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Seniors 2025, Fellowship wants to honor you for your graduation from High School. We ask all graduating seniors that call Fellowship home to complete a simple form for Senior Sunday on May 18 at fellowshipconway.org/register. Also, please send five pictures of your senior for the slideshow to be shown during both services to Michael Mercer at mmercer@fellowshipconway.org by April 27.
Fellowship on the Lawn
Gather together as one united faith family on Sunday, May 4, at 4 PM here at Fellowship. We have completely revamped our church-wide gathering to make it a “can’t miss” event. We will have a live band, a DJ, a time of organized games for families with prizes, food trucks, and Kona Ice. We will have Baggo, basketball, and Pickle Ball for the adults. Put this event on your calendar and plan to join us!
VBS 2025 | June 23-27 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join us in ancient Egypt! You’ll explore Pharaoh’s palace, experience thrilling “real-life” dramas, play high-energy games, sample tasty snacks, and hear unforgettable music. Plus, you’ll meet lots of new friends! VBS is for children currently in kindergarten through fourth grade - invite a friend for free! Register at fellowshipconway.org/register. The cost is $5 per child.
Imperishable: a 4-Week Study of 1 peter
Join us for Imperishable, a four-week study of 1 Peter led by Heather Harrison. We’ll meet Wednesday nights beginning May 28, at 6 p.m., here at Fellowship. Text Shanna at 501-336-0332 to reserve childcare. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register.