Early Church Requirements

The Church The early church was founded by followers of Jesus Christ during the reign of the Roman Empire’s first emperor, Caesar Augustus. Rome spanned across Europe, North Africa, and part of Asia and bordered the entire Mediterranean Sea. The different offices held in the church have changed over time and vary between different denominations. Some people may think of a building when they think of a church, while others may think of a place their parents and grandparents go. In reality, the church consists of all Christians, local and universal. A group of people does not need to meet in a designated building in order to worship God. The Bible gives Christians a general guideline of what a church should or should not do. It also contains …show more content…
Some disagree on major theological issues, while others disagree only on minor details. The Bible clearly gives six requirements for a church. The first of these requirements is that a minimum of two people meeting together in the name of Jesus can be considered a church. “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them (NIV, Matthew 18:20).” The second is given in I Corinthians 11:24 when Paul is telling the church at Corinth to celebrate communion in remembrance of the death of Jesus on the cross. The church must also be led by qualified elders. These qualifications are listed in Titus 1:6-9. Verse six says, “An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient (NIV).” This means that women are not supposed to be pastors or elders, but are allowed to serve in other areas of ministry. A church should also worship together in song and other forms of honoring. The fifth is a church should lovingly confront members who are sinning in an effort to maintain corporate holiness. Finally, a church should be a place where believers can use their spiritual gifts to benefit other believers