Bible Question:
There are 3 basic forms of church government that we see in churches today; congregational governed typical in Baptist and Pentecostal churches, church hierarchy (Bishop/Pastor) governed typical in Episcopalian and Calvary Chapel churches, and elder governed typical in Presbyterian and Reformed churches. I know of no clear cut New Testament command for God’s exact church government preference, but which form of church government is best supported by New Testament witness and example? Please back up your answers scripturally. Thanks! retxar |
Bible Answer: Greetings Retxar! I agree that the "elder" organization is the most Bibilical but a more serious question is: WHO should appoint these elders today? Could we suggest that elders are divinely "called?" We see that in the early church elders were appointed according to the instructions Paul set forth. Yet, 1 Tim3:1 affirms the "desire" to assume this responsibility. Would we reason that those who are "called" of God to the position of elder or overseer also possess the desire for such a responsibility? I believe that apart from a latter day Apostle, prayer is the prerequisite for the organization and leadership of the Church. (1 Tim 2:1-9) Seek God’s will for those who HE has selected to be in authority. I have a few observations to share with you. Since God establishes all authority (Romans 13:1-2) What authority has God established for His Church? WHO is the head of the body? According to the following references, Jesus MUST be the AUTHORITATIVE head of the Church: 1. "He is the head over all rule and authority." Col 2:10 2. "For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body." Eph 5:23 3. "He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything." Col 1:18 Isn’t it interesting that Jesus uses the masculine descriptive – He is the Husband. What might we conclude then about the leaders in the Church – His BRIDE? Should they all be women? (Just stirring the pot here!) Back to the topic . . . It is wise to consider what Paul wrote to Timothy, who was commissioned to build up the Church in Ephesus. The leader is called an overseer (elder)and 1 Tim 3 lists their qualifications well. It is interesting to note that Paul says he “must be able to teach.” (v 2) Just wondering, if elders must be able to teach, how diligent are we in our churches to appoint those with this gift? (I think more often than not, elders are selected for their charisma, or perhaps their managerial or administrative skills!) In 1 Tim 5:17, Paul says that elders who do their work (preaching and teaching) well should be paid well! (A novel concept for some I’m sure.) As Christ’s representatives, Paul, in 1 Tim 1:5, exhorts us to be filled with “love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience and sincere faith.” All else (UNITY, and purpose: evangelism, service, instruction, ministry, etc) will flow from these! Paul goes on to say that “some teachers (elders?) have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things (being filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience and sincere faith) and spend their time arguing and talking foolishness.” Does this sound familiar!? With regard to the gender issue, I personally can not receive a woman as an overseer or an elder according to Paul’s criteria and organization of church leadership. Although there are references to elders in the New Testament churches, it is interesting to note that in the organization of leadership as outlined in 1 Tim 3, elder is singular while deacons are plural. Then again, the plurality of the leadership certainly supports the “giftedness” of the body of believers (1 Cor 12) to use their gifts in concert – we are not to entertain solo performances. (Yes, you can read into this here too!) What about accountability in the Church. Do we see this in action in Bilibical references? Did the early believers place themselves under any one person's authority in Jerusalem or Antioch? I believe that organizing their assembly upon the foundations of Jesus' teachings, they placed themselves under HIS authority. The activity of the Holy Spirit; His power and unifying presence was evident in the early church. I believe that even today we could entertain the notion of examining the activity of the Holy Spirit as a means of accountability in our churches! Jesus commanded us to “love one another;” for “the world will know that you belong to ME if you love one another” John 13:34-5. How have we, the Church, the Body of Christ loved one another since then - especially in our leadership? Refer back to 1 Tim 1:5-6! Frankly, I doubt that ANY organized Church leadership will measure up to what God desires for this reason: lack of love for the brethren which has resulted in loss of unity! Although we are so fractured as a body, we have the hope of our "resetting" with the eminent return of Jesus to restore and reunite our broken (dry) bones! Thanks again for this thought provoking question. Blessings, Mommapbs |