1 Timothy 2:12 says, “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” In the Greek the words “to usurp authority over” are translated from one word—authenteo. It means to dominate or to have authority over. The connotation of “usurp” is to take what is not given, to take hold of what is not yours to have. This connotation—to take what is not yours—is not necessarily implied in this passage. The ASV translates it as, “to have dominion over.” The ESV says, “to exercise authority over.” The NKJV translates it as, “to have authority over.”

The Greek word for “nor” in the above passage is “oude.” This is a very strong negative. Strong’s Dictionary includes the phrases “never” and “not (even so much as)” as meanings for this word. Paul wanted everyone to be clear on this point.

Then he gave the reason: “For Adam was formed first, then Eve” (1 Timothy 2:13).

Faithful men and women whose desire is to please God would never consider elevating a woman to a position of authority over the men in the church. Yet there are other areas where in our service to God in which some may not always be so diligent. Consider the following items as you meditate about this subject.

Consider the issue of withdrawing of our social fellowship from one who is walking disorderly and will not repent. When the elders have exhausted their influence and resources and announce to the congregation that a brother or sister has been withdrawn from as far as social fellowship is concerned, do you sometimes usurp the authority of the elders as well as the commandment of God by having social fellowship with this person? (I am not talking about a spouse. That is a different matter.) But if you engage in social fellowship with a friend or even a child (living outside the home) who has been disfellowshipped are you not usurping the authority of the elders and of God by such actions? (See 2 Thessalonians 3:6.)

Another area where some have perhaps not clearly understood this principle is seen when a person disagrees with the elders in some matter so they withhold their financial contribution. If the elders are making decisions that are unscriptural then the proper way to deal with the situation is to meet with the elders and ask them about these unscriptural practices, and if they do not have scriptural justification or repent of the unscriptural practice then you have no choice but to move your membership to a faithful congregation. But if you are upset with the elders or leaders of the church for a decision that is within their authority to make, then to withhold your contribution, or send it to another church or work in protest is to usurp the authority of the elders which God has given to them (Acts 20:28-30; 1 Peter 5:1-7). You are not punishing the elders. You are disobeying God when you fail to financially support the congregation where you are a member (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

Another way that authority is usurped is when the elders make a decision and you get your feelings hurt because your idea was not incorporated into the plan. Therefore you decide that you will not be involved with this or other good works of the church. Remember that the elders must watch out for the entire flock. A lot of people have a lot of good ideas that they present to the elders. The elders must weigh these ideas and consider what will be the most expedient for and in the best interest of the entire congregation. Their final question on all their decisions is this, “What will be best for the church.”

It is not sinful to question elders concerning their decisions. It is wrong to disrespect and disobey the elders for exercising the authority which God has placed into their hands (Ephesians 4:11-12). Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey those [elders] who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”

Back in 1959 a group of energetic and optimistic Christians got together and began meeting in the old theater building on Main Street in Forest Park for the purpose of establishing a congregation of the Lord’s church in this area. It began with about 40 people meeting together to worship with a weekly contribution of about $200. Paul Bowers preached the first sermon.

After a short time it was apparent that a permanent building was needed. In the fall of 1959 land was purchased and a 500 seat auditorium was completed in July 1961. At that time it was located within the city limits of Forest Park. Later the city limits were moved and the building is now located just inside the Lake City boundaries.

The first fulltime preacher was Malcolm Hill. He labored with the congregation, strengthening the members for about eight years. He was also very active in the community doing much evangelism and bringing growth to the congregation.

The first elders appointed to oversee the congregation were Jerry Hillworth, O.C. Simpson, and Harris Smith. Down through the years Jack Oswalt, John Maner, Tommy Durden, Frank Stinebaugh, Paul Bowers, Herschel Chapman, Harry Talbott, Ken Golson, J.V. Copeland, Gene Russell, Joe Satterfield, Bobby Redd, Larry Obert, Jim Whitmire, served as elders. Presently the elders are Eddie Bettis, Greg Howard and John Maner. John Maner has been serving as an elder since 1965.

Other men who have preached at Forest Park were Richard Harp, Daniel Hamm, Demar Elam, Trent McClusky, Bill Denton, Holger Neubauer, Randy Kea, Stacy Ferguson, and Steve Vice. Presently our minister is Steve Vice.

Since 1972 Forest Park has overseen the Martin family as they evangelized in the Pacific Islands. In 1989 the English family joined that work. In 1994 the Vice family joined the team. In 2004 the Treat family took the Vice’s place on the mission team. In 2005 the Ferguson Family began working with the Pacific Island Bible College. Forest Park has also been involved with Jimmy and Randy Judd’s efforts in Malawi, Africa for many years. Through these and other good mission works Forest Park has supported there have been an estimated 90,000 souls baptized into Jesus Christ.

Homecoming is a special time to renew old friendships, create new ones, and to remember the labors and sacrifices of our spiritual brothers and sisters who have made it possible for the blessings we now enjoy. It is not good for man to be alone. The fellowship we enjoy in this family is a blessing and a bond that encourages and strengthens each of us who realize that it is by the grace of God that we have a part in this family.

Forest Park has a rich history from which she can take comfort. She has a foundation that is grounded on the firm foundation of the word of God. And with the blessings of our heavenly Father she has a bright future ahead. The local outreach program is alive and active. Our Sunday Night for the Savior makes contacts with our visitors. The House to House/Heart to Heart publication goes out to over 12,000 homes in this area.

If you were asked to describe the family of God at Forest Park what words would come to mind? For me it is the words home, family, loving [God and one another], caring, full of grace, benevolent, giving, faithful, working, sacrificing, kind, long suffering, and Christ-like.

We thank God for the rich blessings He has bestowed upon the people of this congregation. And by His grace, the future will continue to be even more blessed than the past. In Christ’s name may it be so.