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Body, Soul and Spirit

Appendix A

The various models of body, soul and spirit, that have been presented in the text, are all based on easy to understand graphics that clearly distinguish between soul and spirit. The truths in chapters 1 and 2 are foundational to all subsequent models. These truths can be extended into many other graphic presentations to create a resource library for the school of ministry in local churches. For example, Figures 14, 15 and 16 illustrate how the principles of ministry can be applied to teaching on the family. Figure 14 addresses pre-marriage counseling; Figure 15 concerns ministry between husband and wife in marriage, and Figure 16 addresses parental ministry to children.

Churches today are generally overseen by a pastor or senior pastor. This is different than the local churches of the first century, which were often a united fellowship of house churches, that were overseen by a collegial eldership. These elders were chosen by the apostles, not simply because of their spiritual giftings, but primarily because they possessed proven character qualities related to their personal, family, church and community lives (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-8). They were men who were accountable to one another. Through their lives and ministry they sought to be examples to the saints, as well as to care for and to equip them (1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28). They were supported in their ministry by deacons who facilitated the service of elders by handling tasks related to issues such as supervision of food distribution or other delegated responsibilities (Acts 6:1-6). Their character qualifica<page 176>tions were similar to those for elders (1 Timothy 3:8-13). The Old Testament pattern of elders and deacons is found in the service of Aaron and his sons (elders) and the service of the Levites (deacons) in their joint responsibility as priests in the tabernacle of Moses (Numbers 3:5-10,17-39; 18:1-8). The tabernacle was a type of the church and Moses was a type of Christ.

Figure 17 illustrates the ministry of shepherding in a local church.

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