Who has the Final Say?

CHURCH

Differences over Church Governance Some churches are bishop governed. Some churches are elder governed. Some churches are congregation governed.

Acts 14:23 - Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every church. Titus 1:5 - I left you (Titus) on the island of Crete so you could . . . appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. appoint = chairontonesantes -can mean “appoint elders” or “have elders appointed” -chairontonesantes literally means “to stretch forth your hands” higher ups stretching forth hands to ordain higher ups facilitating a congregation in electing elders with an upraised hand (Acts 6:1-7)

The church at Ephesus (or anywhere else) Plurality of elders in every church/city Was the church a network of home churches or one large congregation?

I Decided 1. A biblical case could be made for all three traditions. 2. Christians have honest differences with each other over the matter of church governance. 3. Each position falls short of dogmatic certainty.

I Decided 4. Churches are free to govern themselves in any of these ways. 5. With human nature being what it is, there is no form of church government that we can’t screw up. 6. The most important thing is that spiritually- minded leaders are placed in positions of influence and given decision making authority.

“We’ve staked the whole future of American democracy upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves according to the commandment of God.” (James Madison)

Congregationally Governed Churches . . . 1. believe power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. 2. . . . in soul competency. 3. . . . in the priesthood of all believers. 4. . . . that every church member is to be an active participant in the life and governance of the church.

Congregationally Governed Churches . . . 1. . . . believe power corrupts 2. . . . believe in the ability of every believer to know the will of God. 3. . . . in the priesthood of all believers. 4. . . . that every church member is to be an active participant in the life and governance of the church.

I John 2:20, 27 (20) But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth . . . I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. (27) As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

Acts 17:11 The Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Congregationally Governed Churches . . . 1. . . . believe power corrupts. 2. . . . believe in the ability of every believer to know the will of God. 3. . . . practice the priesthood of all believers. 4. . . . that every church member is to be an active participant in the life and governance of the church.

Priesthood of all Believers 1 Peter 2:5- Like living stones, you (laity) are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 - You (laity) are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Congregationally Governed Churches . . . 1. . . . believe power corrupts . . . . 2. . . . believe in the ability of every believer to know the will of God. 3. . . . practice the priesthood of all believers. 4. . . . believe that every church member is to be an active participant in the work of the local church.

Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens (to me), conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.

Baptists are not exempt from submission.

Members in a Baptist Church A testimony of salvation A Christian baptism Agreement with the church’s statement of beliefs Agreement to live by the church covenant Agreement to comply with the decision making procedures outlined in the church Constitution and Bylaws.

Leadership roles in a Baptist Church Titus 1:5-9 1 Timothy 3:1-13 Acts 6:1-7 Spiritually Maturing Decision Makers