E-mail: secretary@ccg.org

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In today’s information age we find countless groups and churches using the name of Christ, or incorporating God in their name (Matt. 24:4-50). This multitude of churches was prophesied.

Which church today has credibility and is established by Christ, who is not divided? There hasn’t been a continual line of consecutive appointments since Christ, as sometimes the leader has become corrupt and leads the church into apostasy (Jude 3-4). The truth can be watered down and eventually denied (1Cor.11:18-19). These problems occur so the false members are known for they will happily go along with the apostasy.

The church is continually being tested to see if it’s still in harmony with the foundation teachings of Christ (1Cor 3:10-14).

The leadership can become spiritually dead, even expelling those who still follow the truth. When the church reaches this state Christ will appoint a new human leader from among the ranks of the faithful remnant (3Jn 9-10).

The candlestick or lampstand (symbol of authority) is taken and given to another leader. The authority to appoint leaders is vested in the church and the function of baptism is the means of passing the Holy Spirit (Rev 2-3).

Originally the apostles together formed the body of leadership. Peter was the Bishop of Antioch. Christ, the chief cornerstone builds the church on the true rock, God Most High. The power was given to the seventy at their ordination by Christ (Matt 16:18-20).

The seventy (two) were the governing council of the church, which took over the power and function formally given to the Sanhedrin of Israel (Luke 10:1,17). From this point Israel also became a spiritual body and salvation was extended to the Gentiles. The power and authority is vested in the entire body of the church. They appointed the leaders and had the power to bind and loose. (See also Matt 18:15-20).

The concept that authority is passed from man to man is one of magic and not true Christian doctrine (see the paper Abracadabra: The Meaning of Names (No. 240)).

We have to prove the truth to find where the true church is. It is a church having a ministry that obeys God The Father and keeps all His commandments (Matt 7:15-21).

This guidance from the prophets tells us the ministry of God and His appointed son will live and teach according to every word of God, understanding that Christianity is to become like Christ in the love of God and His commandments (Isa 8:20).

The church has been an identifiable body over two thousand years, often persecuted for its obedience to God and faith in Jesus Christ (see the paper The Role of the Fourth Commandment in the Historical Sabbath-keeping Churches of God (No. 170)). It is a seventh day Sabbath-keeping church, worshipping The One True God through His holy days and feasts as laid out in His calendar (see the paper God’s Calendar (No. 156)).

The Bible gives us guidance for church members to be appointed to the ministry. When Christ was on earth he told the apostles to join him. The elect are chosen by God and then given to Christ.

The first appointment was to replace Judas. After selection criteria had been set, and if more than one qualified, lots were cast to seek the choice of the next higher authority, which is Christ. In God’s law the high priest was always chosen by lot (Acts 1:15-20).

Acts.6:1-6 shows the selection standard for appointing leaders as the church grew.

He has to be approved through the fruits displayed in his life, and appointed by the leadership under authority of the church. Therefore a minister can’t be self-appointed (1Tim 3:1-7).

The ministry holds office for the benefit of the church. There are two ranks: elders or bishops, and deacons. They perform the two sacraments of the church, Baptism and Passover (see the paper The Sacraments of the Church (No. 150)).

A man must be 25 years old before entering temple service. He teaches at thirty. Christ was no exception to this starting his ministry at thirty (Num. 8:24-26).

Timothy was younger as sent on a special task that required ordination (1Tim 4:12).

The church appoints women as deaconesses, but they are not to instruct or have authority over men. They can instruct the other women (1Tim 2:11-13).

1Timothy chapter 5 explains the ordering and instructions to the church so all can work together for the glory of God. All should pray for the ministry, supporting and helping whenever the opportunity arises.