God has given the elders of the church a very important job. Because they are the shepherds, He gives them the authority to make many decisions to help the church work and grow. That authority does not give them the right, though, to change Jesus’ rules for the church.
This visual presents multiple options in a given situation. The teacher should present all the options and help the students identify which decision Jesus made and the choices the elder have the right to make.
Options:
The name of the church—may be Main St, may be Sutter’s Creek—but must be scripturally authorized like Church of Christ, not Baptist Church
Time of worship—may be anytime on Sunday—but must be on Sunday, not Saturday
Public leadership—may be done by any male Christian—but must not be female or non-Christian)
Preaching—may be by elders, full-time preacher, any male Christian (not female or non-Christian)—but must be done (not empty pulpit)
Evangelism—may be your neighborhood, country, overseas, or by Internet—but we must go
22 pieces of varying sizes
