From the book, “What People Ask About The Church,” by Dale A. Robbins — 44 — Government is sometimes viewed negatively, seen as something that
inhibits one's freedom. However, government is a necessary element of human society which
serves to establish and maintain order. Anyone that doubts the need for order should think
back to their school days, and remember those times when the teacher stepped out the class
for a few moments. In the absence of authority and organization, the human nature lends
toward mischief and chaos. Since God is the author of government, it's easy to realize that He
also desires His church to be well ordered so there will be (1) organization, order and
direction of ministry, and (2) authority for leadership and correction. These are the two
main functions of church government. It is commonly agreed that Jesus is the head of the church (Col.
1:8), and has delegated His authority to be exercised through the government of the
church. However the method of church government is sometimes an object of debate, and is
one of the primary differences between some denominations. The New Testament provides the grounds for government through the
authority of its offices, but is silent in the specific methods of implementation.
Generally speaking, there are three prominent forms of church polity or government used in
churches today. These are as follows: (1) Episcopal — This system of church government considers the
bishop as the principal officer. Decisions are made at levels higher than the local
church, usually with prayerful contemplation toward God's will and nominal consideration
of the member's opinions. (2) Presbyterian — This form of government acknowledges that
Christ alone is Head of the church, and that He rules His church by His Word and Spirit.
Church officials have ministerial and declarative authority, but not legislative. They
declare, explain, and apply Christ's will as the Spirit clarifies the scripture to their
understanding. They do not seek to make new laws for the church. Presbyterians believe
they find foundation for their form of church government in the Bible, but they readily
admit that God can bless other forms as well. (3) Congregational — This is an autonomous form of government
by the church, generally by a democratic philosophy, which allows a local congregation the
freedom to determine what it considers the will of Christ. The congregation governs its
own affairs, however this does not suggest that it is self-governing apart from Christ's
Lordship. Simply stated, the members of the congregation are given the right to determine
what they consider to be Christ's will. Many will make their case for what they believe is the preferred form of church government. However history shows that God has blessed churches who have used any of these forms. This article is copyrighted © by Dale A. Robbins, 1995, and is a publication of Victorious Publications, Grass Valley, CA 95949. Unless otherwise stated, all scripture references were taken from The New King James Bible, © Thomas Nelson Inc., 1982.You may download for personal use as long as you retain credit to the author. Obtain permission before reproducing copies for any reason, by filling out our simple permission form. For media reproduction rights, or to obtain published quantities of this title, . |
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