Doctrine and Direction
What is doctrine? The basic meaning is teaching. Specifically, the teaching of Biblical truth, ethics, morality, but really the entirety of Scripture. Doctrine ranges from simple and general to complicated and specific.
- Essential for the development of character. What one understands and believes influences the way one lives.
- Safeguards against error (Matt. 22:29; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).
- Necessary to gain a comprehensive view of Biblical truths, which are scattered throughout various parts of the Bible.
- Paul mentions doctrine 10 times in 1 & 2 Tim & Titus. Very Important!
This responsibility is not just to be the watchdogs, but also to be those who contribute thought, ideas, and wisdom in the things the church body is needing to be taught. As elders you also have your ears to the ground, your fingers on the pulse of the church in ways that Pastor Mike cannot. You each reach a different portion of the congregation that is impossible for Mike and Samantha to connect with on a regular basis. Additionally, you will hear things that they will or would never hear about.
Basic Doctrines
- The Trinity – There is one God in three persons.
- The Person of Jesus Christ – Jesus is fully man and fully God for all eternity.
- The Virgin birth of Christ
- The Resurrection of Christ.
- Salvation – It is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
- The Scripture – It is entirely inerrant and sufficient for all Christian life.
- The Second Coming of Christ – Jesus Christ is coming back to earth to rule and judge.
- Monotheism. Jesus is the only way
- Baptism in water
- Baptism of the Holy Spirit
- Communion
Questions for discussion
What are examples of things you know that need to be taught at Level Church?
What are examples of things you know that might need to be corrected, if any?
What does it look like for you to be responsible for guiding and shepherding the doctrine of the church?