Polity

What is the Scriptural form of government for a particular church?

The Bible is not explicitly clear on what the governmental form should be or is commanded to be by God. But through the hard work of studying the Bible and thinking through things theologically, the Bible makes a strong case for each local church to have the governmental form of Congregational Rule, Elder led church. The best form of church government is a local church ruling itself, led in this process by multiple Elders with the help of deacons that are chosen by the congregation.

First, the Bible is clear, every member of a local church has certain “powers” and responsibilities in their church. Jesus, when speaking and using the word “church” for the first times points to the members of the church having the keys to the kingdom (Matthew 16:13-19). Jesus and Paul also speak about the congregation as a whole (and members as part of the congregation) in having the power and requirements to discipline the sinful and unrepentant people in each local church. As part of the congregational rule and responsibility, leaders are also chosen and put in place by the local congregations. 1 Timothy 3 gives the requirements for these leaders (Elders), which the local congregation must use to chose Godly, wise leaders who use the authority of the Word of God, to lead their local church. The Bible is clear that every local congregation has a responsibility from God to worship Him, expand the kingdom, and live holy lives and they must rule themselves in doing this.

Second though, every local church must be lead and taught by a qualified group of Elders. Reading throughout the New Testament, the plurality of the Elders is continually stressed (Acts 14:23, 20:17, 1 Tim. 4:14, Titus 1:5, James 5:14, 1 Peter 5:5). These Elders are to lead the local church and have “authority” through their teaching of God’s Word. The Elders are still beneath Christ, the Head of the Church (Acts 15:22, 1 Corinthians 5:4-5, Acts 6:3-5). This means, as the Elders lead their local church, they are teaching and guiding the church through daily decisions and wisdom in the large decisions a church must make. The Elders are God’s men, guiding and steering each church and its members towards a holy life of worship and making disciples.

Practically speaking, here are some examples of how a congregational ruled, elder led church functions; the congregation would vote leaders to lead the local congregation making daily decisions and giving the congregation recommendations on large decisions, but the congregation would still have a vote in major decisions, doctrine, missions, hiring Pastors, building decisions or any aspects that impact the heart of that particular local church. The beauty of the congregational ruled, elder led church is the working together in unity of God’s people, both its members and leaders, to live as a faith family for the glory of God.