Elders, Deacons, Preachers, Saints
The Laying on of Hands
指導方針
The focus of this lesson is on the symbolism and practice of laying on of hands. Of special note in this lesson is how this was used by the Apostles to commission deacons and the significance of this practice.
学生の学習成果
- Know: Understand the various biblical leadership roles and their relationship to one another.
- Feel: Recognize the necessity for effective leadership in the Church.
- Do: Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective leader in the Church.
レッスンの本文
討論の質問
以下は、授業の指導付き討論部分で使用するための提案された質問です。また、学生がさまざまな概念を理解するのを助けるための質問への提案された回答も含まれています。これらは討論を支援するために提供されており、「正しいまたは間違っている」回答とは見なされません。
Note: refer to the associated text for this question in addition to other examples individuals may provide.
Healing – Jesus and the apostles used direct hand contact to transmit the healing power of the Holy Spirit. We do not have access to this gift today.
Blessing – Jesus blessed many individuals by laying on of hands (Matthew 19:13) but this practice was not specifically noted in scripture for use by the apostles and early Christians.
Praying – It was the Jewish custom to raise open hands during prayer. The early Christians carried on this practice and many to so today as a gesture of submission to God. (I Timothy 2:8)
Miracles – In Acts the Apostles practiced laying on of hands on different disciples to transfer the power of the Holy Spirit for performing various miracles. It was always done through the apostles' hands therefore this transfer was not replicated through those receiving this power.
Appointing – Also known as, "ordination" it means to transfer authority and responsibility. In the context of the early church, it was to appoint someone to a position such as a deacon. This is still done today by some as part of the process of appointing individuals to positions in the church such as elders, deacons or ministers (Acts 6, Acts 13, II Timothy 1:6).
God is the one that grants the increase (I Corinthians 3:6-7). It is our responsibility to create an environment in which growth can occur. Part of this is through assigning individuals to fulfil roles and responsibilities for which they are qualified and in which they are willing to serve.
Everyone has a role in God's Kingdom. As we progress through life and service we change in our abilities and areas of service. We should always look to how we can better serve the Master whether in a formal role such as an elder, deacon or minister, or through quiet and faithful service. When we do as God wills, we grow spiritually and thus the church grows as well. It begins with our commitment to God's service and continues as we put into practice the gifts that God grants us.