Winning the World

Session 7: Summary 143

3. Description of the problem: the tendency to define dynamic spirituality either as the outworking of the Spirit’s organic and spontaneous growth based on the relationships of individuals alone or envision the Church as God’s organization which expands as the structure is embraced and expands into new areas and regions 4. Deepening our perspective and practice: Affirm the dynamic quality of the relational dimension of the church as well as the need for clearly defined, well honed structures that make good use of our gifts, resources, and opportunities. 1. Key text: Eph. 4.11-13 (ESV) – And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. 2. Definition of the pair: We must encourage the practice of the universal priesthood of all believers to pray, share, witness, and work in Jesus’ name while at the same time , recognize the need for apostolic governance and authority over all church planting movements, and pastoral authority over all individual congregations. 3. Description of the problem: the tendency to see the universal priesthood of believers as the sole principle of organizing body life and relationship or to emphasize oversight and governance from legitimate apostolic and bishop level leaders without appeal to the universal ministry of the believers to minister in Jesus’ name

D. Complimentary Concept Four: universal priesthood of all believers alongside apostolic oversight of the churches