Grace Baptist Church
Striving Together for the Faith of the Gospel
I Corinthians 1:18 1Thessalonians 4:17 1 Corinthians 9:16 John 3 Philippians 1:27 John 8:12
I Corinthians 1:18
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
1Thessalonians 4:17
"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
1 Corinthians 9:16
"For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"
John 3
Philippians 1:27
"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: ...that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;"
John 8:12
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

A God-Honoring Business Meeting

Unless Acts 15 is a recorded business meeting, we have no record of one in the New Testament. Acts 15 was clearly a meeting of the elders (pastors) whose conclusions were approved by all the church (verses 6,22). But we see principles that guide us in conducting business at Grace Baptist Church.
  1. The problem was disputed or discussed among the church authority structure not among the whole church (vs. 6). Far too much is brought to the church floor in the average Baptist Church. Many immature and carnal believers cannot accept and certainly cannot spiritually participate in open discussion of differences without damaging their spiritual growth and the well-being of the church.
  2. The decision was made on the basis of Scriptural principles (vs. 15). Not on personality – Who is for it? Not on pragmatism – Will it work? Not on preference – Do I like it? Not on power – Can I push it? And not on pleasure – Will it benefit me? When there is no Scriptural issue, there is one over-riding principle – follow the leadership!
  3. No women spoke in the meeting (I Corinthians 14:34,35). Leadership in the New Testament church is given to spiritual men. Peter, Barnabas, Paul, and James all spoke. By her God-given design, a woman is more likely to speak emotionally rather than on principle. Emotions are important to consider before the meeting, but no in the meeting. A man is a natural protector and will react in defense of his wife, if she is contradicted or corrected. A wife should discuss issues with her husband and allow him to be the family spokesman. The unmarried or widow ought to speak to her father, a deacon or directly to the pastor about any concerns.
  4. The church agreed and supported the recommendation of their leaders (vs. 22). They purposed that their meeting together would be in one accord (vs. 25). If you come to a meeting “loaded for bear,” you are out of God’s will.
  5. Reports of the business meeting decision were recorded carefully and concisely (vss. 28, 29). This certainly implies a secretary. Verbal reports were to be consistent with the spirit and letter of the decision. When the church made a decision, it was to be accepted and practiced by all the church.
All things are to be done decently and in order (I Corinthians 14:40). Generally: (1) The Pastor presents business to the deacons. (2) The matter is discussed based upon Scriptural principles, all being free to speak. (3) The Pastor and deacons present their findings and recommendations to the church. (4) When the church meets, it should be a priority to display our unity and to support the direction of our chosen leadership.