The Church
Ministries and gifts
Ministries are performed in the Church. They are given by God to teach, strengthen and improve, all this aimed at leading to its unity and growth, for it to attain the whole measure of the fullness of Christ [384].
Each member is given one or several gifts from the Spirit in order to be involved in the work for God through his ministry [385]. God gives out gifts to whom He wishes, as He wishes and when He wishes [386], but any believer must eagerly desire them [387].
All ministries are not required to be found in every Church, and some of them go beyond the local Church [388].
Each gift is expressed in an orderly way [389], humbly [390] by members submitted to one another in the Church [391]; each gift must be tested and be proved right by the Church [392].
The Church must be wisely organised according to the biblical pattern [393]. Elders and deacons must be appointed according to whom God has chosen and to the call of God [394]; the Church acknowledges their ministry according to the direction from the Holy Spirit, through the faithful service and the fruit borne [395]. The members test the persons wishing to be involved in a ministry, then sets them apart by placing their hands on them [396] and appoints them [397] giving them the right hand of fellowship [398].
Elders and deacons serve their brothers without ruling over them, devotedly, humbly, as was Christ, being examples to the flock [399], keeping watch over their souls, since they will have to give account about them to God [400]. They accept the right of inspection from all the Church upon their life and teachings [401]. However, no accusation can be made against them unless it is brought by two or three witnesses [402]. As a token of their gratitude and faithfulness, the elders and deacons are worthy of honour, respect, material support when their service needs it [403]. The church submits to its leaders and obeys them [404]. Shepherds as Christ was, the elders lead the Church in dependence on the Great Shepherd [405].
God grants ministries and gifts to men and women as well [406]. The women undertake their ministries being submitted to their husbands and under the elder’s authority [407].