San Diego is a military county. Camp Pendleton lies to the north of my church, Miramar to the south, and the city itself is the homeport of the Pacific fleet. To say we are influenced by the presence of military personnel is an understatement. These men and women appreciate the need for order, structure, and clear communication. For them it can mean the difference between life and death.
In the church the stakes are different but the needs are similar. In this article, we’ll look at how a simple priority with shared authority can be a trellis for the vine and a blessing to the body of Christ.
Unlike a tree or flower, vines need something to grow on. Without support the branches will cling to and follow the direction of anything they can find. Churches are similar: clear structure supports ministry like a trellis, which makes it more likely to be fruitful.
Assuming that’s true, a natural question arises: Does the Bible have much to say about church structure? In short, yes! At the core is a biblical understanding of elders, deacons, and church members, and their varied authority and various responsibilities.
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