Author	Thread: church government?
FocusIsEverything View Profile History	church government? Posted : 19 Feb, 2012 10:02 AM how is it suppose to be? led by a pastor? led by a bishop? led by elders? democratic congregation? or a combination? any replys are appreciated Post Reply
View Profile History	church government? Posted : 19 Feb, 2012 10:25 AM There is no one set way, at least not by the Bible. Post Reply
View Profile History	church government? Posted : 19 Feb, 2012 01:25 PM Depends on the church you go to! ;-) When I was a young teen I went to an AoG church youth group once a week. They told me over and over I needed to "submit to the authority of the church". Problem is, they weren't my church, and when they tried to stop me praying for friends on the basis only leaders could do that, I realised why I had felt so uneasy there for the last few months. As has been asked of me, who are you accountable to? Post Reply
NRSV1953 View Profile History	church government? Posted : 19 Feb, 2012 02:14 PM In my experience, I prefer a church led by a democratically elected group of people, Elders perhaps, with the support of the Pastor, although I agree that the Bible isn't specific about the form of government. This way, no man or woman becomes a "God-like" figure as we all fall short of the mark set by Christ. Hopefully, guided by those who prayerfully consider the important issues, we stay true to what God really wants of us - "to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8 Post Reply
strick View Profile History	church government? Posted : 19 Feb, 2012 04:59 PM It is very simple listen to the elders but pray and ask the Lord for his Truth and be lead by his Spirit: Post Reply
View Profile History	church government? Posted : 19 Feb, 2012 04:59 PM At my church (Lutheran Missouri Synod) the church government is ran by the congregation. We have meetings after every few services, and whoever wishes to have a say does. I know my pastor felt strongly about having the congregation make decisions instead of having him do it, because Pastors tend to move around a lot, and the congregation are the ones who will most likely be with the church longer. With that being said, I think more often than not, if he does push for anything the congregation will let him have it. The elders also play an important role in it. Post Reply
View Profile History	church government? Posted : 20 Feb, 2012 11:17 AM Who says there is supposed to be a church government? The only instructions that we have as a church is to love one another, submit to one another, forgive one another, encourage one another, don't be drunkards or married to more than one person, keep your own household in order and watch for that plank in your eye! The rest is pretty much run by the Holy Spirit! :yay: Post Reply
View Profile History	church government? Posted : 20 Feb, 2012 09:29 PM our church is democratic congregation Post Reply
View Profile History	church government? Posted : 5 Mar, 2012 01:00 AM The only governing authority in a church ought to be the King of kings and the Lord of lords: God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The bible is basically a story about a King and His Kingdom. Kingdom concept is opposite to democracy concept. Kingdom concept of kings: - A king is never voted into power because a king's authority is in his birthright. - A king cannot be voted out of power. - A king's WORD is LAW in his kingdom. - A king personally owns everything in his kingdom. He owns the country, and the people, and the animals, and the rivers, and the sea etc. If you want to listen to more on the subject of kingdom concepts. I recommend the teachings by Dr. Myles Munroe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXDiqZ0C2vo God's government is the best government! Ken Post Reply
View Profile History	church government? Posted : 21 Apr, 2012 01:53 AM I think we should consider the roles of leadership appointed by God throughout the Bible. Elders are naturally leaders in any system and we are told to respect them, they have that right. Deacons are assistant leaders, they also have a strict set of qualifications in 1 Tim. 3. Bishops are the leaders of a church. They were appointed by apostles in the past, today they are appointed by the church. In our church, we have our bishop, he is the oldest member and the only one that meets the Biblical qualifications. We have no deacons because none of us are qualified according to 1 Tim. 3. Ephesians 4:11 also mentions other roles besides bishops and deacons. Apostles are above bishops, they were appointed by Christ Himself, so we have none of those today. Prophets are appointed by God, not man, so we can't appoint them. Evangelists are like missionaries. They have a mission to win souls to Christ. Instead of residing in a single church, they travel the world preaching the Gospel. They are more like wandering bishops because they can set up new churches. Pastors are called shepherds. They may be a synonym for bishops and deacons. Or for any Christian leader in general. Teachers are simply instructors of the Bible. Anyone can study and become a teacher. Most denominations have extra-Biblical rules for leaders. We try to be as Biblically based as possible. Blessings Post Reply
View Profile History	church government? Posted : 21 Apr, 2012 02:02 AM Many churches ignore the Biblical qualifications in 1 Tim. 3 and they appoint leaders against the will of God. If you are in a church like that or you know of one, politely inform them of the qualifications. If they ignore you(as they always do to me), then find a church that has Biblically qualified leaders. If you are Biblically qualified, then you can start a church. Just be sure not to take the title of bishop or deacon, or appoint anyone with a leadership position, unless the Biblical qualifications are met. Going against God's word results in poor leadership, which makes a bad impression on Christianity and hurts our chances of growth. Post Reply