Church Government
A brief study
By Earl Jackson
Many of the forms of church governance which we see in churches today bear no resemblance at all to anything in the Bible. Many churches feel that Bishops are an exalted form of minister who oversees many churches either in a large city, or geographical area. Some churches make these superintendents to be subject to even higher authorities etc. These notions of church governance involve a hierarchy of oversight and a top down dictatorship over the local assemblies. The high ups, tell the locals what to preach, how to conduct worship, what lessons should be taught and so forth.
Then there is the ever recurring “no officers” theme, where a total rebellion against “organized religion” ensues, and where paid clergy of any kind are considered to be mercenary spiritual prostitutes. According to these people the church functions as a body just fine, with the head, Jesus Christ, being the Governor and all the members as priests ministering to each other equally. The only problem with this view, while much of it is true and commendable, is the serious flaw that it offers no explanation for Phil. 1:1, and all the other verses where specific offices and officers are clearly mentioned in the church. All of the good points which might be derived from these Plymouth Brethren types are negated by their inability to address the clear Biblical precedent for officers in the churches. Yes we are to worship God in spirit and in truth, but part of the truth is that the body of Christ is the temple of the Holy Spirit, a temple which is patterned after the temple in heaven, and of which the Old Testament temple was a picture and type. Even a casual perusal of the relevant passages will show with crystal clarity that both these temples are organized with different offices having different functions and purposes. The Levites were paid officials who’s only job was to run the temple, and minister as priests in all of its functions (Num. 4:16; Num. 31:14; 2Kn. 12:11; 2Chr. 34:12, 17). My purpose is not to evaluate the temple governance construct, but to show the church governance construct. It is to that end that I mention the temple. I believe that both temple and church are organized ecclesiastical forms, with specific offices, officers, duties and functions.
Paul mentions two offices side be side in Phil. 1:1 - Bishops and Deacons. These two offices are the primary offices in the church of Jesus Christ. Other offices are mentioned elsewhere. Lets look at all the passages where mention is made of the various offices in the body of Christ.
1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Rom 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
Eph 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Php 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
1Ti 3:1-2 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
1Ti 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
1Ti 3:12-13 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
1Ti 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
1Ti 5:17-19 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
Tit 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
Tit 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
Tit 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Heb 13:24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
1Pe 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
1Pe 5:1-3 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
From these it becomes easy to see the terms used to describe the offices of the church. The designations used are:
apostles,
prophets,
evangelists,
pastors,
teachers,
presbyters or elders,
bishops or overseers,
and deacons.
Evangelists and teachers are typically not set forth as offices of rule, and are therefore not considered governmental offices. They are associated with official spiritual gifts to the church such as, “miracles, healings, helps“etc (1Cor. 12:28), but they are not considered to be official ecclesiastic departments, because they are never used in an administrative sense.
Apostles are considered to have all died in the first century, but their spiritual authority continues in the church from their heavenly position (Lk. 22:30; Rev. 21:14), from the fact that they are the foundation office of the church (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 2:20), and the writings which they left behind. Apostles have ceased being an office of active church administration.
This leaves the two offices which Paul mentions, Bishops and Deacons. The Bishops are also called Presbyters, Elders, and Overseers and Pastors. Deacons, however, are always called deacons. This leaves only prophets, and that is a term which seems to describe a particular type of ministry function, rather than an office. It is that of foretelling future events, or preaching the words of God as in forth-telling. Prophets are considered to be a gifting rather than a governing body. “The spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophets“ (1Cor. 14:32), so they seem to regulate themselves spiritually as far as their message is concerned. So the only remaining offices in the church are Bishops and Deacons.
Bishops/Elders/Pastors
This is the office of spiritual leadership in the church. The pastors of the churches are the ones with whom total oversight of the local congregation resides. There are stringent qualifications set forth for this office, which are directly related to the work to be performed (1Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:6-14). “apt to teach” (1Tim. 3:2), “ruling and taking care of the church of God” (1Tim. 3:4-5), “a blameless steward of God” (Tit.1:7), “holding fast to the word of God” (Tit. 1:9), “ Exhorting and convincing with sound doctrine” (Tit. 1:9), rebuking heretics in order to get them to embrace sound doctrine (Tit. 1:13), able to recognize and stay clear of religious traditions and humanly devised legalism (Tit.1:14).
From a practical viewpoint it appears that there was usually a plurality of elders in each church, but there is nothing that says that it must be this way. Two or more elders seem to be in keeping with the important trust and stewardship of the office. One man rule tends toward dictatorship. My-way-or-the-highway type governance is not consistent with the idea that ministers are humble servants (Matt. 20:27; Matt. 23:11; Mk. 9:39, Mk. 10:44; 1Cor. 7:22; 1Cor. 9:19; Gal. 1:10; 2Tim. 2:24).
While all the elders of a church are equal in status, authority and rule, most churches have one paid elder who is the senior pastor. He is responsible for the regular teaching and preaching, and He gives himself to prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4). This being the case he assumes the bulk of the pastoral functions in the church, but all the elders have to meet the same requirements, so should he become disabled or unable to preach, one of the other elders should be ready to do it, so that there is no absence of eldership direction. Other churches having larger staffs have seen fit and found it quite workable to have elders over the various aspects of the ministry in the local church, there will be an elder over music, perhaps one over the youth ministry, perhaps one over the teaching program. It is important to always remember that the elders are equals. This is especially important should one be overtaken in a fault. The others, being equal, are there to lovingly admonish, help and restore. It is infinitely superior over a one man ruler system.
This system also makes it easy for churches to raise up future senior pastors from among the existing elders. It is a provision which if followed closely, will protect the church from discontinuity of leadership and purpose.
Deacons
This is the office of property, finance and benevolence in the church. The record of this office being established is found in Acts 6:1-6. It is not the office of spiritual leadership, that is what elders are for. This office concerns the materialistic affairs of the church i.e. money, giving, charity, buildings and maintenance, paying bills etc. The qualifications for deacons are similar to that of elders (see 1Tim 3:8-13). Many churches find that accountants, lawyers, bankers, hospital workers and school teachers make excellent deacons, and have skill sets that are helpful in fulfilling the duties of the office, but they must still meet all the requirements.
These are the two lasting offices in the church. Considered Biblically their presence and function within any local assembly renders committees and boards useless. We would need none of these man made things if we follow the Biblical pattern for the governance of our churches and had scripturally qualified elders to take care of the spiritual things and deacons to take care of the material things. Nothing else is needed, and nothing man could ever invent could improve upon God’s perfect plan for the church. It is a glorious body, this wonderful body of Christ. Let us keep her that way, and honor God in by following the New Testament pattern for her health, welfare, growth and administration.
©2009 Earl Jackson All Rights Reserved
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A brief study
By Earl Jackson
Many of the forms of church governance which we see in churches today bear no resemblance at all to anything in the Bible. Many churches feel that Bishops are an exalted form of minister who oversees many churches either in a large city, or geographical area. Some churches make these superintendents to be subject to even higher authorities etc. These notions of church governance involve a hierarchy of oversight and a top down dictatorship over the local assemblies. The high ups, tell the locals what to preach, how to conduct worship, what lessons should be taught and so forth.
Then there is the ever recurring “no officers” theme, where a total rebellion against “organized religion” ensues, and where paid clergy of any kind are considered to be mercenary spiritual prostitutes. According to these people the church functions as a body just fine, with the head, Jesus Christ, being the Governor and all the members as priests ministering to each other equally. The only problem with this view, while much of it is true and commendable, is the serious flaw that it offers no explanation for Phil. 1:1, and all the other verses where specific offices and officers are clearly mentioned in the church. All of the good points which might be derived from these Plymouth Brethren types are negated by their inability to address the clear Biblical precedent for officers in the churches. Yes we are to worship God in spirit and in truth, but part of the truth is that the body of Christ is the temple of the Holy Spirit, a temple which is patterned after the temple in heaven, and of which the Old Testament temple was a picture and type. Even a casual perusal of the relevant passages will show with crystal clarity that both these temples are organized with different offices having different functions and purposes. The Levites were paid officials who’s only job was to run the temple, and minister as priests in all of its functions (Num. 4:16; Num. 31:14; 2Kn. 12:11; 2Chr. 34:12, 17). My purpose is not to evaluate the temple governance construct, but to show the church governance construct. It is to that end that I mention the temple. I believe that both temple and church are organized ecclesiastical forms, with specific offices, officers, duties and functions.
Paul mentions two offices side be side in Phil. 1:1 - Bishops and Deacons. These two offices are the primary offices in the church of Jesus Christ. Other offices are mentioned elsewhere. Lets look at all the passages where mention is made of the various offices in the body of Christ.
1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Rom 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
Eph 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Php 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
1Ti 3:1-2 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
1Ti 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
1Ti 3:12-13 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
1Ti 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
1Ti 5:17-19 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
Tit 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
Tit 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
Tit 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Heb 13:24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
1Pe 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
1Pe 5:1-3 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
From these it becomes easy to see the terms used to describe the offices of the church. The designations used are:
apostles,
prophets,
evangelists,
pastors,
teachers,
presbyters or elders,
bishops or overseers,
and deacons.
Evangelists and teachers are typically not set forth as offices of rule, and are therefore not considered governmental offices. They are associated with official spiritual gifts to the church such as, “miracles, healings, helps“etc (1Cor. 12:28), but they are not considered to be official ecclesiastic departments, because they are never used in an administrative sense.
Apostles are considered to have all died in the first century, but their spiritual authority continues in the church from their heavenly position (Lk. 22:30; Rev. 21:14), from the fact that they are the foundation office of the church (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 2:20), and the writings which they left behind. Apostles have ceased being an office of active church administration.
This leaves the two offices which Paul mentions, Bishops and Deacons. The Bishops are also called Presbyters, Elders, and Overseers and Pastors. Deacons, however, are always called deacons. This leaves only prophets, and that is a term which seems to describe a particular type of ministry function, rather than an office. It is that of foretelling future events, or preaching the words of God as in forth-telling. Prophets are considered to be a gifting rather than a governing body. “The spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophets“ (1Cor. 14:32), so they seem to regulate themselves spiritually as far as their message is concerned. So the only remaining offices in the church are Bishops and Deacons.
Bishops/Elders/Pastors
This is the office of spiritual leadership in the church. The pastors of the churches are the ones with whom total oversight of the local congregation resides. There are stringent qualifications set forth for this office, which are directly related to the work to be performed (1Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:6-14). “apt to teach” (1Tim. 3:2), “ruling and taking care of the church of God” (1Tim. 3:4-5), “a blameless steward of God” (Tit.1:7), “holding fast to the word of God” (Tit. 1:9), “ Exhorting and convincing with sound doctrine” (Tit. 1:9), rebuking heretics in order to get them to embrace sound doctrine (Tit. 1:13), able to recognize and stay clear of religious traditions and humanly devised legalism (Tit.1:14).
From a practical viewpoint it appears that there was usually a plurality of elders in each church, but there is nothing that says that it must be this way. Two or more elders seem to be in keeping with the important trust and stewardship of the office. One man rule tends toward dictatorship. My-way-or-the-highway type governance is not consistent with the idea that ministers are humble servants (Matt. 20:27; Matt. 23:11; Mk. 9:39, Mk. 10:44; 1Cor. 7:22; 1Cor. 9:19; Gal. 1:10; 2Tim. 2:24).
While all the elders of a church are equal in status, authority and rule, most churches have one paid elder who is the senior pastor. He is responsible for the regular teaching and preaching, and He gives himself to prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4). This being the case he assumes the bulk of the pastoral functions in the church, but all the elders have to meet the same requirements, so should he become disabled or unable to preach, one of the other elders should be ready to do it, so that there is no absence of eldership direction. Other churches having larger staffs have seen fit and found it quite workable to have elders over the various aspects of the ministry in the local church, there will be an elder over music, perhaps one over the youth ministry, perhaps one over the teaching program. It is important to always remember that the elders are equals. This is especially important should one be overtaken in a fault. The others, being equal, are there to lovingly admonish, help and restore. It is infinitely superior over a one man ruler system.
This system also makes it easy for churches to raise up future senior pastors from among the existing elders. It is a provision which if followed closely, will protect the church from discontinuity of leadership and purpose.
Deacons
This is the office of property, finance and benevolence in the church. The record of this office being established is found in Acts 6:1-6. It is not the office of spiritual leadership, that is what elders are for. This office concerns the materialistic affairs of the church i.e. money, giving, charity, buildings and maintenance, paying bills etc. The qualifications for deacons are similar to that of elders (see 1Tim 3:8-13). Many churches find that accountants, lawyers, bankers, hospital workers and school teachers make excellent deacons, and have skill sets that are helpful in fulfilling the duties of the office, but they must still meet all the requirements.
These are the two lasting offices in the church. Considered Biblically their presence and function within any local assembly renders committees and boards useless. We would need none of these man made things if we follow the Biblical pattern for the governance of our churches and had scripturally qualified elders to take care of the spiritual things and deacons to take care of the material things. Nothing else is needed, and nothing man could ever invent could improve upon God’s perfect plan for the church. It is a glorious body, this wonderful body of Christ. Let us keep her that way, and honor God in by following the New Testament pattern for her health, welfare, growth and administration.
©2009 Earl Jackson All Rights Reserved
PERMISSION IS GRANTED to post this article on any website or blog, or other electronic media, provided it is posted in it's entirety without alteration, and a clear link is included back to this website. No permission for hard copy, print, or other use is hereby granted. This article may not be sold or used on for profit websites or projects. CLICK HERE to send us any links to the places where you put this article.
