The elders are teachers, those who represent the congregation with prayers and if necessary, they judge in the congregation. The ministerial servants are primarily working in the material stewardship of the Christian congregation. In 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 14, the Apostle Paul gives instructions for the Christian meetings to proceed in order.
In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, the Apostle Paul shows that in a congregation there is a diversity of spiritual gifts to build the congregation, which represents the body of Christ: « Now you are Christ’s body, and each of you individually is a member. And God has assigned the respective ones in the congregation: first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then powerful works; then gifts of healings; helpful services; abilities to direct; different tongues. Not all are apostles, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? Not all are teachers, are they? Not all perform powerful works, do they? Not all have gifts of healings, do they? Not all speak in tongues, do they? Not all are interpreters, are they? But keep striving for the greater gifts. And yet I will show you a surpassing way » (1 Corinthians 12:27-31).
In 1 Corinthians 14, the apostle Paul insists that Christian meetings should be conducted in order: « For God is a God not of disorder but of peace » (1 Corinthians 14:33). Let everyone speak for the purpose of spiritually building the congregation (1 Corinthians 14:26). This teaching must be understandable for the whole congregation: « Nevertheless, in a congregation I would rather speak five words with my mind, that I might also instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue » (1 Corinthians 14:19).
As part of congregational meetings, in the spiritual sanctuary temple, in the framework of teaching, women are not allowed to speak in any way: « As in all the congregations of the holy ones, let the women keep silent in the congregations, for it is not permitted for them to speak. Rather, let them be in subjection, as the Law also says. If they want to learn something, let them ask their husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the congregation » (1 Corinthians 14:33-35).
The expression, « As in all the congregations of the holy ones », shows that it is not simply a local decision, or only applying to the congregation of Corinth, but a divine instruction applied to all Christian congregations of holy ones. Moreover, this biblical instruction is repeated in the first letter to Timothy: « Let a woman learn in silence with full submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but she is to remain silent » (1 Timothy 2:11,12).
All situations can not be written, it is up to the elders to make the right decisions, based on the Bible to administer the Christian congregation, in order to give glory to God and to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Corinthians 10:31; Hebrews 10:24,25).
***
The Administration of the Christian Congregation, According to the Bible (Colossians 2:17)
Christ and the apostles give specific instructions for administering the Christian Congregation…
Jesus Christ first commends this congregation for its endurance and vigilance, but then warns it against its lack of love…
Jesus Christ does not reproach this courageous congregation, but encourages them by showing them the extraordinary reward that awaits them…
Jesus Christ commends this congregation for its courage in the face of trials, but he reproaches it for its spiritual deviation regarding teaching and sexual morality…
Jesus Christ commends this congregation for its good deeds, but reproaches it for tolerating the presence of a woman who behaves like Jezebel…
Regarding the congregation of Sardis, Jesus Christ says something terrible: it is spiritually dead…
Jesus Christ expresses his « brotherly affection » toward the members of this congregation…
The message addressed to the congregation of Laodicea is particularly harsh: « you are miserable and pitiful and poor and blind and naked »…
The messages of Jesus Christ to the seven congregations are indications on the administration of the Christian Congregation…
***
Table of contents of the http://yomelyah.fr/ website
Reading the Bible daily, this table of contents contains informative Bible articles
Table of languages of more than seventy languages, with six important biblical articles, written in each of these languages…
***