The Church of Christ and Its Governance
Understanding the Biblical Structure of the Church
The Church of Christ and Its Governance
Understanding the Biblical Structure of the Church
Christ: The Sole Authority
The very nature of the Church stems from its identification as the body of Christ, wherein Christ functions as its singular head (Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 4:4). Established on Earth but with its ultimate headquarters in Heaven, the Church derives its authority and instructions solely from Christ (Matthew 28:18; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:24). Contrary to many man-made traditions, no pope, council, or human institution holds the reins of this heavenly kingdom. Christ has never delegated His authority to any human being or earthly organization.
Elders: The Shepherds of the Flock
To ensure the Church's proper functioning, elders are appointed in every congregation (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). These elders also go by various titles in the New Testament: bishops, overseers, pastors, and shepherds (Philippians 1:1; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11,12; 1 Peter 5:1-4). An elder must fulfill specific qualifications as listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-13, including being a man of faith with a wife and faithful children. Multiple elders are to serve in a single local congregation to guide, guard, feed, and rule the flock of God (1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17).
Deacons: Servants of the Church
Deacons are another crucial component in the Church's organizational structure (Philippians 1:1). These individuals must also meet specific criteria, which are outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Contrary to some practices today, deacons can only be men, as they must be husbands of one wife (1 Timothy 3:12).
Evangelists: Proclaimers of the Word
Evangelists bear the responsibility of preaching the Gospel and are commissioned to carry out this critical function (2 Timothy 4:1-5). In accordance with the New Testament guidelines, evangelists are male (1 Timothy 2:8-15). The scriptural text refrains from giving them specific, honorific titles like "Pastor," "Reverend," "Doctor," or "Father," reinforcing the idea that their primary role is as ministers of the Word of God (2 Timothy 4:5; Matthew 23:8-12).
Members: The Body of Christ
Membership in Christ's church is open to anyone who obeys the Gospel (Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 1:3). Such members have various duties, including obedience to their Elders (Hebrews 13:17), teaching the lost (Acts 8:4; 2 Timothy 2:24-25), and practicing pure religion (James 1:27).
Congregations in Transition: The Need for Qualified Leadership
A congregation without elders can function, but it operates in a state of deficiency, lacking the fullness of scriptural governance (Titus 1:5). Such a congregation should actively strive to identify and prepare men who meet the biblical qualifications for Elders, aiming to establish a more complete, God-ordained leadership structure. Operating without elders is not the ideal nor the intended structure according to the New Testament, but rather a transitional phase that should be diligently addressed.
The Criterion of a True Church
The church Christ built has a specific organizational structure comprised of qualified men. A congregation lacking this biblically mandated setup cannot claim to be the body over which Christ serves as head. Specifically, any Church with women serving as elders, deacons, or formal evangelists deviates from the biblical model and, therefore, is not the Church that Jesus built.
Conclusion
Christ's Church stands apart in its biblically mandated structure and governance, setting it in stark contrast to human-created religious institutions. Membership in such a Church represents not merely a religious affiliation but a committed act of obedience to Christ, the King.