What is the Church 

Church ekklesia (ek-klay-see'-ah)

A called out assembly, Christian community on earth or in heaven or both

What is the Church   Invisible Mystical Christianity Body of Christ Visible Organizational Christianity Members

The Visible Church or Organizational Christianity

 Assembly of professing believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who have been

baptized and who are organized to accomplish the Lord’s will. 1 – Those who make a profession of faith in Christ 2 – Those who have submitted to believers Baptism 3 – Those who have been organized according to scripture 4 – Those who assemble to do the Lord’s will

 

Leadership Offices in the NT Church 

Deacons diakonos (dee-ak-on-os)To be an attendant, that is, wait upon, technically to act as a Christian deacon 1Tim 3:8-10 Elders presbuteros (pres-boo-ter-os)Specifically an Israelite Sanhedrist, or Christian “presbyter” elder 1Tim 5:17-20 1Peter 5:1,5 Bishop episkopos (ep-is-kop-os) A superintendent, that is, Christian officer in general charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively) bishop, overseer. Phil 1:1 1Tim3:1-2 Titus 1:7

Historical forms of Church Government

1 – Minimal Government 2 – National Church 3 - Episcopal or Hierarchical Government 4 – Presbyterian or Federal Government 5 – Congregational Government 6 – Elder form of Government 7 – Senior Pastor form of Government

1 – Minimal Government

Prominence on the headship of Christ, organization is at a minimum, led by small group of Elders, no single minister, emphasis on the spiritual gifts, privileges, and rights of all members.

Christ the HeadElders, Laity

2 – National ChurchOrganization of Churches under the head of state which exercises a considerable amount of control over the Church.

Examples are Anglican Church of England, Lutheran Church of Germany Christ the Head State Head

Bishops Elders

DeaconsLaity

3 - Episcopal or Hierarchical Government (Bishops / Episkopos)

In the Hierarchical system the ruling body is made up of the clergy organized into orders or ranks, each being subordinate to the one above it which are in Apostolic succession. Episcopal Church Roman Catholic ChurchChrist the Head Christ the Head Bishops Pope

Elders College of CardinalsDeacons Bishops

Laity PriestsLaity

4 – Presbyterian or Federal Government(Elder / Presbuteros)

In this system the church is led by a representative form of Government

Examples Presbyterian and Reformed ChurchesChrist the HeadGeneral Assembly (High Court)

Synod (Distric Court)Presbytery (Representitives of session)

Session (Pastor/Elders)Laity

5 – Congregational GovernmentAuthority for governing rests with the members, each Church is autonomous officers of the church are elected by the members.

Example of this model is the Baptist.Christ the Head

Laity/Elders/Decons

6 – Elder form of Government (modified Epsicopal)In this system the pastor is a fellow elder ruling with the board of

elders. Elders may be appointed by the current elder board or elected by the members. The deacon board is subordinate to the elder board.

Several independent churches use this system Christ the Head

Elders BoardDeacon Board

Laity

7 – Senior Pastor form of Government (modified Epsicopal)

This system the Pastor is ruled over by the Lord and recognized by the congregation as God’s instrument to lead the church. The Senior Pastor is assisted by the elders and deacons with the church being autonomous. This system is popular with independent and community churches.

Christ the HeadSenior Pastor

Elders/DeaconsLaity