Maintaining New Congregations

by Mark Bailey
1993 Preacher's Study Notes
As members of the church of Christ, we often stress the necessity of allowing the Scriptures to be our “rule book.” In other words, we stress the importance of pleasing God by going to the Scriptures to determine how to do things correctly. We believe this to the extent that we often title sermons and newspaper articles, and designate radio and television programs as, “Back to the Bible” (or something similar). We, without hesitation, in studying with others concerning subjects such as the communion, music in worship, and other doctrinal subjects, encourage them to “go to the Bible” for their instruction. Likewise, today, we must return to the Bible to search for our pattern concerning how to have effective evangelism.

There are several examples found in the Scriptures that we can use as a pattern for effective evangelism. I would like to bring to your remembrance the fact that the Apostle Paul was very effective in his working for the Lord. With this fact in mind, notice what Paul did to maintain new congregations after he would leave an area.

Paul’s general practice was to leave the congregation in the hands of competent teachers such as Titus, Apollos, Timothy and others. Examples of this can be read in 1 Corinthians 16:12, where Paul desired Apollos to go to Corinth. In 2 Corinthians 12:18, Titus (and another brother) was also sent to Corinth. (This is a biblical precedent of sending more than one preacher to an area to work together.) Again, Titus 1:5 records that Titus was later left in Crete to carry on Paul’s work. The evangelist, Timothy, was often used by Paul to assist congregations after he left the area. In 1 Corinthians 4:17 and 1 Corinthians 16:10, Timothy was sent to Corinth. In 1 Thessalonians 3:2, he was sent to Thessalonica. In 1 Timothy 1:3, he was called to Ephesus. Most likely there are other examples of one or more preachers being sent to an area to work for a period of time after a congregation was established.

The success of Paul’s evangelistic efforts was brought about, not by arranging for the congregation to have a “hired preacher,” but by arranging for someone to be there to do the work of an evangelist — to lead the congregation to maturity. The evangelist’s work in these areas includes, but yet involves much more than, “pulpit teaching.”

By studying these examples we can clearly see that the evangelist sent to or instructed to remain in an area vacated by Paul had great responsibilities resting upon him. I believe, today, that if we would allow Paul and Timothy’s work to be our pattern, we would be much more effective in evangelism. As a result, congregations would grow to maturity at a more rapid pace.

I would like to share with you what Paul expected of Timothy when he was instructed to go and work with a congregation. Paul gave Timothy instructions concerning:

(1) personal responsibilities as a teacher,
(2) responsibilities to the congregation and,
(3) personal responsibilities as a Christian.

These responsibilities are given by the Lord in order to insure a successful and effective evangelistic work.

Responsibilities as a Teacher

1. Give attendance: (1 Timothy 4:13)
a. to reading
b. to exhortation
c. to doctrine

2. Avoid unnecessary things causing strife (2 Timothy 2:23).
3. Be gentle unto all men (2 Timothy 2:24).
4. Be meek in giving instructions (2 Timothy 2:25).
5. Be long-suffering when reproving, rebuking and exhorting others (2 Timothy 4:2).

Responsibilities to the Congregation

1. “... charge some that they teach no other doctrine”
(1 Timothy 1:3).
2. Godly edification. To charge that they not “give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes, rather than godly edification which is in faith”
(1 Timothy 1:4).
3. Encourage others to strive for a “quiet and peaceable life.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Do things that bring about peace.
4. To train, help qualify, ordain and honor Elders and deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-16 & 1 Timothy 5:17, 21-22).
5. Warn of approaching evils such as people “departing from the faith”
(1 Timothy 4:1-6).
6. Teach Christians, of different backgrounds, how to act. Examples: slaves
(1 Timothy 6:1-2); the rich (1 Timothy 6:17)
7. Teach “faithful men” to teach (2 Timothy 2:2)

Responsibilities as a Christian

1. “Holding faith” (1 Timothy 1:19). Be steadfast and allow your faith to be your shield.
2. Holding fast the form of sound words (2 Timothy 1:13-14)
3. “Holding a good conscience” (1 Timothy 1:19). Do only what you know to be right.
4. “Exercise thyself unto godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7). Use your energy in godly things instead of associating with worldly type of activities such as “old wives’ fables.”
5. Be an example of the believers (1 Timothy 4:12):
a. in word
b. in conversations
c. in charity
d. In Spirit
e. in faith
f. in purity

6. Show respect (1 Timothy 5:1-2)
a. to old and young men
b. to old and young women

7. Follow after (1 Timothy 6:11)
a. righteousness
b. godliness
c. faith
d. love
e. patience
f. meekness

8. Flee (youthful) lusts (2 Timothy 2:22)
9. Be patient (2 Timothy 2:24).

P.0. Box 170295, Arlington, Texas 76003-0295.
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