Part One an Interview with Rev. Kihei Takiura
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From the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland | February 2020 The Need for Ministers and Elders in the Church Pages 3-4 The Marks of the Church: Part One Pages 5-6 An Interview with Rev. Kihei Takiura Pages 12-14 CONTENTS EDITORIAL Dear readers, Another edition of Good News is here and I’m pleased to introduce a new doctrinal series on the marks of the true Church, written by Rev. Bill Matthess. Bill and his wife Sarah recently moved over to Scotland from Northern Ireland and I’m glad that he was willing to help us with this series. The contemporary topic focuses on CONTEMPORARY ISSUES our need for ministers and elders. What great The Need for Ministers & Elders in the Church | Rev. Dr. Tim Donachie .... 3-4 need there is and we look to the Lord to supply it! I would encourage all to read it seriously and PRACTICAL especially for the men to read it reflectively and Improving Our Worship: Part Six | Rev. Stephen McCollum ................... 5-6 prayerfully. In that regard, please also note that DOCTRINAL the Presbytery News highlights the upcoming The Marks of the Church: Part One | Rev. William R. Matthess .............7-8 special collection for training men for the minis- VISUAL THEOLOGY ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9 try. There is a need for men and there is a need CHURCH HISTORY of finance to help train the men. I hope that by Act of Presbytery (1765) ......................................................................... 10-11 setting this need before you many of you may INTERVIEW be moved to give, even if like the widow you can only give your two mites (Mark 12:41-44). An Interview with | Rev. Kihei Takiura (Japan) .................................... 12-14 Our historical piece is an Act from the RPCS NEWS back in 1765 giving reasons to fast and lament Presbytery News & Congregational ........................................................ 15-17 Global News ................................................................................................ 18-19 the state of the church and nation in that day. Perhaps some would think that it is irrelevant TEENS Q&A Rev. Peter Loughridge ................................................................................................................ 20 to today, yet in a society that has gotten worse perhaps our thinking should be guided by these Children’s Story & Quiz ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21-22 Recommended Reading ..................................................................................... 23 men of old. Whilst the language is outdated there Poster ................................................................................................................ 24 will still be something thought-provoking for us. I’m thankful to Beth Bogue for deciphering the handwriting and typing it up for our perusal. Fi- nally, if you have any feedback about this edition please feel free to get in touch and as always consider passing along a copy of the magazine to any who would benefit from these articles, even those outside the denomination. Every blessing, Stephen To subscribe email [email protected] Editor – Rev. Stephen McCollum, Stornoway RPCS | Assistant Editor – Scott Maciver | Website – www.rpcscotland.org Page 2 Contemporary Issues Rev. Dr. Tim Donachie The Need for Ministers & Elders in the Church The title of this article may appear practice has moved so far away people. So, the government of the to be out of step with the general from its original function that it is church was to be the responsibility title of this series, ‘Contemporary necessary to go back to founding of what came to be known as Issues’, and yet in a very real sense, principles to seek to recover the ruling elders and the teaching and it is one of the most pressing issues honour and glory of the ministerial preaching in the hands of those of our day for the professing church and presbyterial office. Under the who were both teaching and ruling of Christ. In a past generation, the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ, elders, most often designated by the role of the minister and the elders the congregations that were formed title minister. The New Testament was well known and highly regarded, after Pentecost, were placed under constantly emphasised the wholly at least, within Presbyterian and the care of a plurality of godly men spiritual nature of both teaching and Reformed churches. Sadly, however, who were variously described as ruling as the qualifications for both that is no longer the case in ‘bishops’, ‘presbyters’ or ‘elders’ clearly show - see verses above. many professedly reformed or Titus 1:7; Acts 20:17, 28; Acts 14:23; Presbyterian congregations, with the the requirements for their office The responsibility of leadership and ministerial role being nothing more being specifically stated: They were ministry in the Church of Christ is to than a job and the eldership a status to be men, 1 Tim. 2:11 – 3:7, and they be exercised only by those who are symbol. It is important therefore to were to possess certain spiritual believers, who are mature in the faith, consider what the Word of God has characteristics 1 Tim. 3:1 – 7. Amongst who have a good reputation within to say concerning these obligations those men, there were those who and outwith the congregation and and how and why these roles should not only had the responsibility of have a genuine desire to serve the be desired and carried out. exercising rule in the church, but had Lord. In addition, they should have also been given the gifts and calling a firm grasp of the doctrines of the Much of Presbyterian and reformed to minister the Word of God to the faith, be self-controlled, personally Page 3 disciplined, kind and gracious. As c. As spiritual self-examination is ii. by protecting them Acts 20:28. well as these characteristics, a man necessary for all believers, it is even Elders are to protect the flock desiring to exercise the ministry more so for those aspiring to hold against false teachings. Titus 1:9 of Word should be aware of a office in the Church of Christ. In divine personal call to preach the particular, the examination of motive iii. by leading them in the ways of the unsearchable riches of Christ. Both is absolutely fundamental, for if the Lord. motivation is anything other than the eldership and ministry are solemn B. They exercise oversight over the and daunting responsibilities and glory of God and the advancement flock 1 Peter 5:2 for that reason, some eminently of the kingdom of Christ it will lead qualified men shy away from seeking to personal spiritual shipwreck and i. they stimulate the members to the offices because of their own great harm to the cause of Christ. good works perceived inadequacy. Although that is far preferable to the situation of d. It is vitally important both for ii. they warn the members of possible those who seek the offices without those who believe that God may be dangers to their Christian profession directing them towards office in the the necessary qualifications in order Acts 20:29-30 Church and for all Church members to advance their own reputation or to be praying earnestly that God will C. They must be examples to standing, it is still not helpful for the raise up godly ministers and elders. the flock 1 Peter 5:3 - Elders cause of Christ for a congregation to A congregation cannot flourish as must live in such a way that the lack overseers because of false views it should without godly elders to congregation can imitate their of personal adequacy. care for and pastor the flock. It is conduct. Philippians 3:17. All Christians should be seeking sometimes erroneously asserted that it is the minister who pastors It should be clear therefore that to serve the Lord in whatever way godly elders in a congregation are they can and failure to do so cannot the flock, but the scripture would seem to suggest that it is the role essential, are a great blessing and bring the blessing of the Almighty should be fervently prayed for. God. Inadequacy in relation to the of both teaching and ruling elders. offices of minister and elder is a When Paul called for elders of the The teaching Elder (minister), as well given if that is referring to natural or church to meet him in Miletus he as fulfilling the responsibilities of the ‘ fleshly adequacy, but Paul’s words in said to them, Therefore take heed to ruling Elder carries the privilege and Philippians 4:13 are apposite here; ‘I yourselves and to all the flock, among burden of the proclamation of the can do all things through Christ who which the Holy Spirit has made you truth of God. strengthens me’. The work of the overseers, to shepherd the church of eldership and ministry are spiritual God which He purchased with His i. He must immerse himself in the works and to perform them spiritual own blood’. Acts 20:28. The minister Word so that he might correctly wisdom and spiritual strength are has the major role of teaching the interpret it for the people. Word of God so that the people required, and that our God graciously ii. He prays over the Word that it supplies. of God are fed, and sinners brought to saving faith, as well as seeking to might be effective in the lives of a. It is a good thing to desire shepherd the flock. The elder, whilst those that hear. he must be ‘apt to teach’ 1 Timothy the eldership 1 Timothy 3:1. The iii. He proclaims the Word faithfully 3:2, has a lesser role in teaching, but aspiration to serve as an elder is and impartially seeking only to be has the responsibility to ‘oversee the legitimate and praiseworthy, but that faithful to God. should be done in conjunction with flock’. a consideration of the qualifications The crying need for the church in It may not seem to be very important necessary for the office 1 Timothy Scotland today is twofold: to church members that they have 3:2 – 7.