THE INVISIBLE AND VISIBLE CHURCH

INVISIBLE - She is the body of Christ, His bride, His fullness, etc. She is the Church seen from the point of
view of God. We have a somewhat blurred vision of this Church. It can indeed only be visualized
integrally by God. VISIBLE - The visible Church is the present expression of the invisible Church. It is
composed of all those who profess the true religion everywhere, which is faith in
Jesus Christ is the house and the family of God in this world.

3ATTRIBUTES OF THE INVISIBLE CHURCH

There is only one. God does not have two churches. Just as Christ has only one bride. There is only
a body of Christ. Although this Church is expressed through a plurality of local churches
in the whole world, in fact it constitutes a single Church;
INDIVISIBLE - The divisions only exist in the realm of local churches, the multiple denominations;

UNIVERSAL – It is present all over the world. It is not restricted to a race, country, or ethnicity;

TRIUMPHANT – She is victorious, as Christ triumphed over death and sin and made
possible for all who believe in Him to triumph over evil, over sin, over hell and
about Satan;

PERFECT - She has no stain, no blemish, nor wrinkle. She is glorified.

4ATTRIBUTES OF THE VISIBLE CHURCH

Its characteristic - The visible Church is the present expression of the invisible Church. It is composed of
all those who everywhere profess the true religion, which is faith in Jesus Christ; it is
the house and the family of God in this world; Who belongs - The fact that they are congregating in a
certain Christian community, of having their names listed in the roll of members of a
a certain local church does not make such members of the Invisible Church of God; It is necessary
born again - Not everyone who is part of this church is part of the other first one (John 3:3).

5WHY WE SHOULD GATHER IN THE VISIBLE CHURCH

Every true believer who is part of the Invisible Church will want to be part of the Visible Church.
You may be questioned: Wouldn't it be possible for someone to be part of the Invisible Church and not
to be part of the Visible. Look at the example of the thief on the cross, didn't he belong to any church?
exceptions justify the rules). ORGANIZATION OF THE VISIBLE CHURCH It organizes itself through
local churches. These churches are usually connected to each other through the ties of the same religion
true. Although there are some divergences, there is a fundamental unity among them.

6PURPOSES OF THE VISIBLE (LOCAL) CHURCH

CULTIVATING GOD (WORSHIP) - Organize those who believe in God into a community so that
these may perform the most noble function of the church: to worship God;

EDUCATE YOUR MEMBERS (EDUCATION) – Guide and build up the converts to live as
Christians in the world and bear good witness to their faith in Christ;

EVANGELIZE THE WORLD (EVANGELIZATION) - As a consequence of true worship, the mission

The main purpose of the Church is to evangelize. A Church that does not evangelize is BETRAYING its mission (Mt.
28:19)
HELPING THE POOR (CHARITY) - We do not perform good works for salvation but rather
because we are saved we must practice them for the honor and glory of God and for the good of our
next.

7ECCLESIASTICAL ADMINISTRATION

Ecclesiastical Administration is the study of various matters related to the work of the pastor in
what concerns your role as the main leader or administrator of the church you serve;

The church is, simultaneously, ORGANISM and ORGANIZATION:

Organism – It is the mystical body of Christ on Earth;

Organization – It is the institutionalization with its rights and duties;

Organized in a triple aspect:

Spiritual

Social;

Economic;

To fulfill the mission for which God has appointed her.

8ADMINISTRATION AND THE BIBLE

According to God's plan, authority comes from the higher levels to the lower ones; 'And you among
all the people seek capable men, God-fearing men, men of truth, who hate
greed; and puts us over them as overseers..." (Ex) She brings with her great responsibility;
people endowed with authority are divinely ordained to use it responsibly, to
the heavenly purposes. Thus, the organization is biblical, it is universal; it is as old as the very
humanity. Archaeology has proven it. "Let everything be done decently and in order" (1
What 14.40).

9Managing is not doing 'a thousand things'.

WHAT IS MANAGEMENT? Managing is not doing 'a thousand things'. It is the 'science of generating an organism
taking it out of inertia, leading it to a better functionalization of the resources that justified its
creation, with the least expense and without compromising its future." It is to distribute the
responsibilities and not 'executing all tasks'. It is to make everyone participate in the
work. The good administrator leads people to perform their tasks better and better and to
we will do at work. It is to help people grow, to assist them in doing the work, instead of
execute it himself. Many times we think that the manager works a lot, but their
the main mission is to motivate other people for work.

105 PILLARS OF ADMINISTRATION

Foreseeing - It is to prepare for the future with the necessary anticipation through programs of
action. (Mt). Organize - It is to gather means and material and human resources, distributed
rationally and in such a way harmonized that they can function as a whole, and without solution
of continuity. Command - It is to determine the measures so that the entire organization
function according to current regulations (MACRO VISION); Coordinate - It is to maintain the organism
in homogeneous and integrated operation in its various activities. It is to provide the
development of each organ, seeking to maintain the balance of the operational system. That
This will avoid friction, loss of time, and undesirable complications (VISION
MACRO);Control - Evaluate and regulate the work in progress and finished.

11SYSTEM DE GOVERNMENT YES CHURCH LOCAL

THE MONARCHICAL TYPE - One rules. Ex. Roman Apostolic Church. Its supreme leader is the
Father; THE EPISCOPAL TYPE - In this system, the church is governed by bishops. The bishops form the
Episcopal College. Ex. Methodist Church; THE OLIGARCHIC TYPE - Government exercised by a few
people. A small group, an elite controls the entire congregation. Ex. Presbyterian Church;
CONGREGATIONAL TYPE - All members have equal rights. E.g. Baptist Church; The church in
your relationship with God falls under the aegis of the Theocratic Government, but in your relationship with
with its members exercises Democratic Government. Texts that substantiate the government
congregacional:VT–A escolha dos homens sábios e experimentados–Dt. 1:15;NT - O primeiro
church council–Acts 15: 1-33;NT–The selection of deacons–Acts 6: 1-6.
12REQUIREMENTS
FOR SER MEMBER DE A UMA CHURCH LOCAL
Spiritual requirement - The candidate must provide evidence that they are truly regenerated by the power of
God. Needs to be converted. The message of the NT is: "repent" (Mt. 3:2), change your mind,
to think (metanoia); Social requirement – The candidate for membership must present themselves
before this is showing a desire to join your ranks. This candidate must have a way of
social life according to the ethical standards established by society, such as for example:
single or married. After the examination, which will be conducted publicly, regarding your belief.
And faith, the church will decide on your acceptance or not: Every person is free to belong or not to
church, just as the church is free to accept it or not; There needs to be unanimity in
acceptance. If there is a contrary vote (as long as it is rational), the candidate will not be
accepted; Formal requirement - Despite the dangers of rituals, there are two ordinances that
must be addressed in the light of the Bible: baptism and the Lord's Supper. The new convert must
to fulfill them.

13WAYS DE SER MEMBER DE A CHURCH LOCAL

Transfer letter - Any member in full communion with the church has the right to
request your transfer to another church of the same faith and order when deemed appropriate.
The church has the duty to send the transfer letter to the church that the member wishes to join.
The church that the member wishes to join must request the letter from its sister church; The letter of
transfer does not go beyond a recommendation, a certificate of moral integrity and
spiritual; Reconciliation - A church accepts the excluded person through reconciliation when it
check that it is in fact fully restored and that there is nothing preventing it from returning to
communion; Declaration or Acclamation - This is done in two moments: believers of a church of the
same faith and order (denomination) that the church dissolved or when, after requesting, for more
or less than a year, the transfer letter was not attended to for some reason. Believers of a
church that is not part of the same denomination; Water Baptism – There is no set time
determined for the new convert to be baptized. However, it is advisable that this
participate in the class of new believers in the E.B.D. After the proper preparation, the same is
referred to the Ordinary Assembly, where he will give a profession of faith.

14WAYS TO STOP BEING A MEMBER OF A LOCAL CHURCH

By exclusion – Exclusion demonstrates that the church cares for its body and has a discipline.
biblical; By death - Upon dying, the believer ceases to belong to the visible church, but remains in
Invisible; By Transfer Letter
15TYPES DE DISCIPLINES APPLIED PELA CHURCH LOCAL
Formative / Regulatory Discipline - Believers receive formative discipline through the
sermons, exhortations, studies, through the EBD, and other ordinary meetings or
extraordinary membership. This discipline aims to shape character and consciousness
of the believers; Corrective Discipline - This discipline aims to correct those who commit some fault.
The aim is always to rehabilitate the offender and not simply to exclude them. When applying discipline,
the church must do it with gentleness and kindness (Gal. 6:1); Surgical Discipline - When sins
they bring scandal and public offenses to morality, the church should not show leniency. Exclusion is
the way. By applying discipline, the church demonstrates that it loves the brother and does not condone the
sin.

16HOW ORGANIZE A CHURCH LOCAL

Avoid, as much as possible, organizing factional groups in the church; Avoid insinuating or even guiding.
to organize into church congregations, preaching points, scattered members from others
churches; Avoid establishing the temple close to other churches of the same order and faith or others
denominations for ethical reasons; Churches without a pastor that wish to promote organization in
church of some congregation should invite an experienced worker to guide them;
the organization of a church can be verified when a congregation is already well grounded in doctrine.
and has the administrative and economic capacity to manage.

17A CHURCH E YOUR ORDINANCES

Baptism: Why perform it? - Baptism is not seen as a sacrament but rather as an ordinance.
The biblical basis is in Mt. 28:19: "Therefore go... baptizing them..."; Grace or Virtue? - None
of the two. Baptism does not confer grace or virtue. Hence, we do not baptize children. The most notable
The text of the Bible that assures us of this truth is what speaks of the 'thief on the cross': 'Jesus, remember me
of me, when you enter your kingdom. And Jesus said to him: Truly I say to you, today you will be
"with me in Paradise" (Lk. 23:42-43); When to baptize? – To all who believe that Jesus Christ is the
Lord and confess Him as Your only and eternal Savior. Through baptism, it is also done
insertion into the roll of members of the local church, after the candidate has gone through the class of
instructions (new catechumens), or if you prefer class of new ones.

18A CHURCH E SUAS ORDINANCES

"Ceia" or "Ceia do Senhor" are the names used for the ceremony instituted by Christ.
when he was, for a few hours, in this world with his disciples. It should not be called-
the one of 'Last Supper', like the Roman Church and others. Since it is an ordinance and
which also doesn't grant grace, calling her that is somewhat unnecessary. When to carry it out?
We have no determination. The Bible does not specify the times in which it can be performed except: 'all'
as often as you drink, in memory of me" (1Co 11:25b). We Baptists normally
we do it on the first Sundays of every month.

19A CHURCH E SUAS ORDINANCES

Why perform it? - The celebration of the Lord's Supper brings some benefits: It brings to memory the
the sacrifice of Christ; It helps to awaken in the attendees of the celebration worship a
feeling of submission; Increases the sense of brotherhood among the members of the church to the point
if it is possible to exchange elements among themselves in an act of communion. Who can carry it out?
The church was authorized by the Lord to act through its officials. To the president pastor
complete this mission, but in necessary cases it can be carried out by which other officer (pastor
assistant, deacon or even by a well-regarded brother from the congregation); What are the
elements? – Bread of any type or shape and grape juice. Be careful to add wine with
Alcoholic looking for an excuse to fulfill all the scripture: "A little yeast leavens"
"a little leaven leavens the whole lump" (Gal. 5:9).

20A CHURCH E SUAS ORDINANCES

What are the types of supper? – There have been, over the centuries, three positions among evangelicals,
Regarding participation in the supper: Free Supper - Some denominations advocate that the Supper
it should be given to members of any cult. They also opine that it can be given outside of the
church, in particular cases, to the sick in their beds, in social gatherings, etc.; Restricted Supper - It is
the type in which only members of a certain denomination can participate. The
Baptists, for example, adopt this type; Ultra-restricted Supper - Only church members participate.
local.

21A CHURCH LOCAL E O YOUR PASTOR

In the New Testament, we find three titles that express the pastoral ministry. They are not
three categories of officials, as some denominations teach. The titles express ideas
biblical roles of the ministry and their functions. Pastor, Bishop, or Elder, what is the difference? Acts 20:28 is
be very clear: "Take care... of all the flock (pastoral office) over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you
I appointed bishops, to present (pastoral exercise) to the church of God..." Writing to the
Timothy, Paul emphasizes that the ordination of a pastor is done by the laying on of hands of the
"presbytery" (1 Tim. 4:14); In the letter to Titus, Paul, guiding him on the ordination of presbyters,
call them bishops (Tt. 1:5-7), (1Pe). These texts clearly prove this truth; there are three
titles, yet one single office.

22A CHURCH LOCAL E O YOUR PASTOR

The titles Elder–term of dignity–It is the elder. (Acts 11:30, James 5:14); Bishop–term of
It is the administrator, the curator;
of tenderness–The oldest title is that of presbyter, but the one that has taken root the most is that of shepherd.
although it occurs only once in the epistles of the NT, with the meaning we know (Eph.
The servant of the Lord, in his mission, performs the functions of elder, bishop, and apostle.
and of the pastor (SERVANT OF THE SERVANT). “And I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who will...
shepherding with knowledge and with understanding (Jer. 3:15).

23PASTORAL CONSECRATION It is God who calls the worker to the ministry. It is up to the church
observe such a call through some indispensable requirements and carry out some protocols
Important: Spiritual: It is essential that the candidate demonstrates a conversion experience.
genuine; The candidate needs to be endowed with cardinal virtues that form the spiritual fabric,
like faith, love, and humility. Morals: The candidate must possess a high standard of character; That
let the testimony of outsiders reflect your moral life (1 Tim. 3:7). Intellectuals: Let it be
at least a bachelor's degree in theology from a serious institution; that they be a person of capability
intellectual, capable of teaching, of exhorting; That they be studious and always seek to develop themselves.
intellectually.

24CONSECRATION PASTORAL Maturity:

One should not rush in the ordering of a newly graduated candidate; it is advisable that
the candidate should not be a neophyte both in chronological age and in conversion; Another way
it is advisable to observe the guidelines left by the apostle Paul himself to Timothy: "A
no one should hastily lay hands on...” (1 Tim. 5:22). Timely: It is up to the church,
when discovering that a person is truly called, proceed with their ordination, because
the candidate, even though he feels that God has called him, should not, for ethical reasons, propose his
consecration; Be careful with candidates who start to undermine your consecration or will, to
few, undermining ground in churches, aiming for the approval of some brothers, to recommend
Oh God who calls places, at the exact time, in your work your servant. To offer oneself, beyond
infringing on an ethical principle can demonstrate a mercenary spirit.

25MINISTRIES PARALLELS
In light of the letter to the Ephesians, there are several types of ministries. Those of Religious Education and Music.
Sacraments serve to assist the pastoral ministry and the church, never forgetting that to one
principle of subordination and obedience to the leader. DIACONATE MINISTRY deacon is chosen
by the church for the ministry of benevolence; Its area of action is confined to its church; The
the deacon must be morally equipped (of good reputation); the deacon must be spiritually
equipped (filled with the Holy Spirit); The deacon must be mentally equipped (filled with
wisdom). See 1 Tim 3:8-13

26MINISTRY DIACONAL Duties do deacon - Serve to the tables

Of the Lord - Prepare and serve the Lord's Supper. There is no explicit order regarding this in the NT.
Nothing prevents the pastor from choosing another member of the congregation who has the sympathy of
same to exercise this function; Of the Pastor - Taking care of the pastor's sustenance is one of the duties
more honorable of the deacon. The pastor, out of a matter of scruple, does not address the church to
to tell him what he needs, nor to claim honors for himself (note from the speaker) From
needy - Social and philanthropic problems in a way absorb a lot of the
pastor's time. For example, the primitive church elects men from its congregation to
"serve tables" (Acts 6:2), so that the pastors are not overwhelmed and can
dedicate more to the ministry of the Word of God.

27A CHURCH E OS LEADERS EXTRABIBLICAL

CharacteristicsThe leader must be a faithful believer in the Lord, especially in tithes. It is inconceivable
a leader who is not an example for his followers in everything. The leader must be an active believer;
líder deve ser um crente espiritual;O líder deve ser um servo em tudo;O líder deve ser leal:À
churchTo the pastorTo the companionsThe duration of the positionIts permanence in the position has validity
for one year; Can be re-elected, if the church so wishes; When replaced by another person
One should not take it personally, since the position is above the people;

28A CHURCH E OS LEADERS EXTRABIBLICAL

Church Secretary
maturity, especially spiritual; Must be educated; Must be friendly; Must be
zealous
extraordinary and solemn), and transfer them to the competent book; Must register the minutes in the registry office
shortly after the assembly voted for its approval; Prepare and send the letters of the church (letters
transfer, invitations, etc.); Update the church membership roll; Support everyone
the church departments; Assist the church pastor.

29A CHURCH E OS LEADERS EXTRABIBLICAL

Treasurer of the church Qualifications: Must be faithful to the Lord, especially in tithes; Must be
organized in your personal accounts; Must be extremely spiritual, but with knowledge
sufficient accounting techniques; Must be present at the meetings of
church.Responsibility: Receive and record the amounts delivered to the church (tithes, offerings,
donations, others); Develop the church's financial plan; Prepare and facilitate access to the cards
the contribution envelopes to the membership; Lead stewardship campaigns launched by
igreja;Manter o livro da tesouraria atualizado (entradas e saídas);Preparar o envio de malote
two deposits in the banks; Sign checks with the pastor or another person appointed by the church
for this purpose.

30A CHURCH E Operating System

LEADERS EXTRABIBLICAL
Other leadersThere are other leaders who can implement a church program
Director of Religious Education; Director of Music; Director of Evangelism and Missions; Director
of Sunday Bible School; Director of Children's, Juniors, Teenagers, Young People Department,
Adults, seniors, among others.

31A CHURCH E USA ADMINISTRATION

Church Assembly It can be Regular (ordinary) or Extraordinary: Regular - these are those
that take place on the days already established in advance. In the case of the Baptists, it happens every
3rd Sunday of the month; Still keeping the Baptist example, it is regular and preceded by a meeting.
with your group of workers a week before, on the 2nd Sunday of the month. This meeting aims to
detail reports, goals or other matters, in order to facilitate the meeting in the assembly
There are churches that hold two regular assemblies: business and spiritual ones.
first, all matters related to finance, problems, and solutions are addressed.
second, the professions of faith, movements of members (letters that arrive and letters
Extraordinary - those that are carried out according to circumstantial needs.
to discuss a matter that, due to its urgency, cannot wait until the assembly
next.

32A CHURCH E AS RULES PARLIAMENTARIANS

Order ruleEvery business must be presented by a motion (proposal). This must be
made by one member and supported by another; A question can only be discussed after
motion, support, and its distinct announcement by the moderator; After the motion is before the church,
the proponent cannot withdraw it, except by the consent of the majority; A motion must include
only one proposition. If it contains more than one, it must be divided, at the request of anyone.
member, and issues should be addressed separately;

33A CHURCH E AS RULES PARLIAMENTARIANS

Order rule A motion before the church must be put to a vote; if withdrawn, it must be put
on the table or deferred; A lost motion should not be recorded in the minutes, except when
the church thus to deliberate; A lost motion shall not be renewed at the same meeting, except under
peculiar circumstances of necessity; While a motion is under debate, no other
may be admitted, except for a motion to amend, substitute, refer to a committee, postpone,
put on the table, for the preliminary question, or to conclude; The latter mentioned do not
they can be interrupted by any other, except to be amended in the sense of specifying
time, place or purpose; Nor can these motions be admitted to interrupt or
to invalidate any other, however a motion to adjourn is always in order (except
while someone has the word).

34A CHURCH E AS RULES PARLIAMENTARY

The speech should be directed to the moderator; If two people stand up to speak at the same time
time, preference is usually given to that which is farther from the moderator; No one
must be interrupted while speaking, unless he is out of order, or to request,
No explanations; No harsh or ungracious language will be spoken by the reporters
the speakers are allowed by the moderator; If any member uses inappropriate language, or
introduces inappropriate or out-of-order topics, the moderator, or any other member, the
will call to order, and he will take his seat, or will conform to the rules; A speaker or reporter
one can grant others the privilege of asking questions or giving explanations; but if he yields to
word to another moderator, will not have the right to speak again, without asking for the floor again.

35A CHURCH E AS RULES PARLIAMENTARY

Amendments can be made to the motions in the sense of referring the matter for study.
a committee to amend or replace words or sentences; The amendments may be
made, but are rarely necessary, and should be avoided; The amendment will be discussed and voted on.
first, and then the original resolution, as amended; No amendment will be made when
this essentially alters the nature or purpose of the original resolution;

36A CHURCH E AS RULES PARLIAMENTARIANS

Commissions are appointed by the moderator, at the request of the church, or by the church itself.
church, and its appointment can be confirmed by vote, if the church wishes; Any matter,
the business, under discussion, may be referred to a committee, with or without instructions; the committee
will report the result of your investigations to the church, and then action will be taken on your
report and its recommendations; The commission's report will be accepted by vote, which
will simply acknowledge the service of the commission and will present its report before the church for the
your action. Then, any distinct proposition or recommendation included in the report will be
treated separately, and may be adopted or rejected;

37A CHURCH E AS RULES PARLIAMENTARY

Voting is usually done by raising hands or by saying the words 'yes' or
"no". Being led first the favorable, then the opposites; After being clarified the
the moderator will announce whether the motion is upheld or lost; If there is doubt or a tie the
The moderator may request votes again, ordinarily by raising hands, and will count each side.
de novo; Members under discipline may not vote, nor take an active part in the affairs of the
church; The moderator has the right to cast the deciding vote when the meeting is equally
divided (VOTE OF MINERVA); but this right should be used rarely; No motion,
discussion or another distracting procedure should be allowed during the voting.

38A CHURCH E AS RULES PARLIAMENTARY

Appeal The moderator will announce all votes and decide all matters of order in
debate, but any member who is not satisfied with their decision can appeal to the church.
A vote will then be taken to see if they 'support the moderator'. The final decision is
from the church. Over the table The immediate and decisive action, on any issue, can be granted.
by vote or to put the resolution on the table. Postponement An indefinite postponement is
considered equivalent to a final dismissal of the issue. But a question may be postponed.
for a specific time or purpose and then summarized.

39A CHURCH E AS RULES PARLIAMENTARY

Will it be discussed? If when an issue is introduced, a member has an objection to the discussion.
In cases such as those that are irrelevant, useless, or contentious, the moderator must immediately propose the question:
Will this issue be discussed? And if voted negatively, all discussion will be avoided. Order
The church can decide to take on a particular business at a specified time. So
that business becomes the order of the day for the specified time, and it must be addressed when
when the time comes, all pending business will be postponed as a consequence.
Order Any member who presumes that a certain speaker is out of order, or
that the discussion is proceeding improperly, may, at any time, raise
if for a 'by the order'. He must, distinctly, report his question or objection, which will be
decided by the moderator.
40A CHURCH E AS RULES PARLIAMENTARIANS
The privilegesQuestions relating to the rights and privileges of the church and its members are
of primary importance and, for the time, take precedence over any other business, and are
superior to all motions except for the closing one. Closing A simple motion
to conclude it will always be in order, except when a person is speaking, take
the precedence of all motions is not debatable; If the church votes to adjourn the assembly
a specified time, does not need a vote when that time arrives. The moderator
it will simply announce that the meeting is closed. Bibliography Ferreira, Ebenézer Soares.
Church and Worker Manual. 12th Ed. – Rio de Janeiro. JUERP