Church Weekly
07 Feb 2021

CHURCH WEEKLY

CHURCH GOVERNANCE

From the Board of Elders

Dear Members in Christ,

Church Governance

“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:18)

We are all individually saved unto salvation in Christ, to serve Him at home, school, work or play. We are to love Him, know His will and to do His work. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13). As we are also many and members of the Church, we are to serve Him diligently, harmoniously and faithfully, with unity of spirit, as a corporate body as well. “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12).

The Church needs to have a well-defined and focused corporate structure in order that the work of God is done in an organised, coordinated, harmonious, efficient and productive manner. The type of leadership and work must be patterned against the teachings and examples taught in the Bible.

The leadership and members of CJBPF are to serve and do the work of God together for the glory of His name. There must be oneness in spirit otherwise the work of Christ will be in disarray, stunted, confused and even fail … and no one profits except the devil himself. We have to plan, organise, coordinate, watch and guard our thoughts, tongues and actions without which our work for Christ would be in vain and lost. James 3:16-18 cautions and teaches us “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”

Thus, it is important to understand and accept our responsibility to support the leadership and the structure of Church so that the work will be done in an organised, harmonious, efficient and productive manner. May the wisdom of God be with us all.

I reproduce herewith, partially, the article on “Church Government and the Joy in Service”, which was published in the Church Bulletin on 5th July 2020 for your reading and understanding:

“As a Bible-Presbyterian Church, the church government is Presbyterian in nature. In the Presbyterian system, there is a governing body of Elders (Board of Elders). The Presbyterian system is the closest to the New Testament pattern of church government. It is likened to a trapezium with the shorter parallel line on top. The biblical support for this model of church government is found in Acts 15.

The plurality of Elders drives and makes decisions for the well-being, growth and protection of the church with the Pastor as the Chairman. In the absence of the Pastor, the Board of Elders, will among themselves elect a Chairman.

The Elders will lead, guide and protect the church from the attacks that may come from within and without the church. Their aim for the church is to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and remain faithful until the LORD returns in glory. Their duty also includes identifying faithful men who will continue the good fight of faith.

The office of Deacons was initiated primarily in the early church to minister to the physical needs of the members of the body of Christ, Acts 6:1-6, whilst allowing the Apostles to care for the spiritual needs of the church. In the present day, Deacons, oftentimes, also engage themselves in the spiritual ministry.

The Elders and Deacons form the Session. The Chairman of the BOE is also the Chairman of the Session. Together, with the Congregation, they co-labour in the Lord’s Vineyard.

Do note that the members of the Session are elected every 3 years by the Congregation. The qualifications to fill the respective offices of the Elders and Deacons are found in 1 Peter 5:1-4, 1 Tim 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9.”

Herewith, is a simple Chart, the Church Structure and the Responsibilities of the various Offices presented herewith for clarity and understanding. It is to ensure that all activities will be conducted in an orderly, organised, harmonious, efficient and profitable manner. Do feel free to seek further clarification, if needed, directly or from any of the Elders and Session member. 

 

 


Calvary Jaya BP Fellowship: A spiritual body in Christ. Christ is the Head of the Church “And he is the head of the body, the church:” Colossians 1:18. The BOE and/or Session is guided by the Bible, the sole Supreme Authority of Faith and Practice.

The BOE oversees, plans, decides and leads the spiritual development and growth of the CJBPF. 

The Advisory Pastor provides input, when sought by the BOE, on doctrinal matters pertaining to faith and practices.


Ministry of Rev Lee KS & Pr Deacon Lim SB

Rev Lee KS: Ordained Ministries in CJBPF e.g. Lord’s Supper, Baptism, Marriage, Vigil/Funeral Services etc.

Rev Lee KS, Pr Deacon Lim SB: Pulpit, Bulletin message, Teaching, Evangelism, Missions, Sunday School, Bible Study/Cell Groups, Bible camps, BBK, YAF, YF, Choir, Visitations etc.

Administration: Bulletin, Kitchen, Welcome & Greeters, Building maintenance, Organising Events, Operations, Logistics, PA, website etc.

Deacons and Deaconess: 1) To support, participate and assist the BOE in implementation of Church Programs and activities 
2) To lead and supervise Ministry/Ministries under their respective care.

Congregation members: May be appointed to assist in certain Ministry/Ministries.


Let us serve Him together, as a corporate body, willingly, diligently and heartily unto the Lord. May He always have pre-eminence in all things that we do. To God be the Glory.

In Christ, Eld Choe TS