The Pattern of the Early Church

 The Pattern of the Early Church

A.C.Pike
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There are many questions to what constitutes a biblical church and how a bible based church should be structured and run. First and foremost to any Christian church is the fact that it should bring honour to God and be based upon God’s word the Holy Bible.

The only way to determine how a church should be run is by following the pattern of the early (first century) Christians, as laid out in scripture.

It is evident from scripture that early Christians gathered together in homes to worship (Acts 2:46; 5:42; & 20:20). Scripture informs us that these meetings were held in people’s houses (Acts 12:12; 16:40; Romans 16:1-5; 1 Corinthians 16:19,20; Colossians 4:15; & Philemon 1:2). Large numbers of Christian would met in an “upper room” (Acts 1:13-15), the “upper room” was located inside a large house (Luke 22:12).

The church is not the building (1 Corinthians 3:9). The church is the body of believers gathered together in Christ (1 Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesians 2:19-22; & 1 Peter 2:5-9). The bible tells us that God does-not dwell in man-made buildings (Acts 7:48,49 & Isaiah 66:1-3). *
These believers were (and still are) required to meet together on a regular basis (Acts 2:42-46 & Hebrews 10:25). This was on the first day of the week (John 20:19, 26; Acts 20:7 & 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). – They meet on the first day of the week because this was the day that was Jesus raised from the dead (Matthew 28:1-8; Luke 23:55; Mark 16:1-9; & John 20:1 & 24) , it was also the day when Jesus appeared to his followers (John 20:19,20).  (it should also be noted that the early Christians who met on the first day of the week (Sunday) also met on other days of the week, too (Acts 2:42-46)).

These meetings were structured and orderly (1 Corinthians 14:40). They consisted of, praising God (Ephesians 5:20); fellowship (Matthew 18:20; Acts 2:42-46; & Hebrews 10:25); preaching and teaching scripture (1 Timothy 4:13 & 1 Timothy 3:16); the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-39; John 13:1-26; & 1 Corinthians 11:17-33); praying ((Matthew 6:9; Acts 1:13,14; 2:42; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:17; and Hebrews 13:18; singing praises (1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; and Colossians 3:6); and a collection for the poor saints ((1 Corinthians 16:1).

In each church a plurality of elders were appointed to preside over the meetings (Acts 14:23). The function of these elders were (are) to, oversee and shepherd the flock (1 Timothy 3:1; & Acts 20:28) and to preach and teach God’s word (1 Timothy 5:17). Other duties of the elders were (are), praying for people (James 5:14); reproving (2 Timothy 4:2 & Titus 1:13-15); and managing the church’s financiers (Acts 11:30). Deacons were also appointed to care for the needs of the congregation (Acts 6:1-5 & 1 Timothy 3:8).

The early church evangelised. They appointed evangelists (Ephesians 4:11) to preached the word of God (Mark 16:15; Acts 10:42; Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1; & 2 Timothy 4:2). Baptising newly converted Christians (Matthew 28:19,20).

The pattern of the early church could not be simpler: Meeting in a home; the meeting led by at least two elders; the meetings consisted of: praising God; preaching and teaching the word; fellowship; communion; singing praises; monetary donations for the poor. Several deacons helping the sick. 

So why do Christians have to make this complicated? Why do they have to appoint non-biblical positions in the church such as ‘youth pastors’ and ‘worship leaders?’ Why do they have to have large elaborate buildings with an altar, pews, and a pulpit – that are full of graven images and statues? Why do they have to separate the church into various groups, e.g. Men’s meeting; woman’s meeting; and Sunday school? Why do they have to add extra biblical things such as, conferences, missionary meetings, and healing services? Why do they have to have fancy dress, themed nights, games and quiz nights?

So, as we can see, if we base our church on scriptural principles, then we will be will be following the first century biblical pattern for worship.

* Disclaimer: I am not opposed to Christians meeting and worshipping in church buildings. The early church meet in homes because they were persecuted by the Roam Empire, and, as a result, an was edict placed on Christians up until 322AD. Old Testament Jews and early Jewish Christians attended both the Temple and Synagogues.