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Originally Posted by Contra_Mundum  I think, If JMAC thought it was a biblical office, he would try to get GCC to institute such an office. And I think that would make the news. So, I don't think that's happening. |
GCC does not appear to use the term "officer" in the same sense as Presbyterians. I note that in addition to elders, deacons, and deaconesses, they appear to have an office of usher according to
their bylaws. Ushers must meet the same qualifications as deacons, and are nominated and elected by the congregation just like other officers.
In his message, MacArthur does not use the term officer, but rather speaks of "official servants in the church" with an "official servant list". Under this category he clearly lumps these 1 Timothy 5 widows in with elders and deacons by his interpretation of v. 9, "Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number". He takes this as a reference to the official servants list.
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Originally Posted by Contra_Mundum There are roles, and then there are offices. I think these widows are of the former, and not the latter. These are women to whom the church is giving its resources. And they (rightly) would be looking for a way to give back. Obviously, not every one of them would be an ideal mentor-type. But certainly some of them would be very good in that role. |
The intent of 1 Timothy 5 seems to be to aid Timothy in determining which widows should be "numbered" to receive material assistance from the church. It does not appear to be setting out some sort of
quid pro quo of service for assistance. MacArthur seems to be saying that every woman put on the list is qualified for some duty within the church.