1. The Historical Forms of Church Government

2. Forms of Church Government There are only three forms, with many variations with each. –Episcopal –Presbyterian –Congregational

3. Episcopalian Archbishop Bishop Rector Congregation

4. Episcopalian Denominations Orthodox Anglican Roman Catholic Methodist

5. Episcopalian: The Defense Church history The position and authority of James in Acts 15 Titus and Timothy’s role over several churches It is not forbidden in the New Testament

6. The Arguments Against Episcopalianism In the New Testament, bishop is not a distinct office but a synonym for elder. There is no New Testament evidence that bishops were designed to replace the apostles.

7. Presbyterian General Assembly Synod Presbytery Session/Consistory Congregation

8. Presbyterian: The Denominations Presbyterians (PCA, OPC, RPCNA, PCUSA, ARP, Split P, etc.) Miscellaneous Reformed Churches (RCA, CRC, etc.)

9. Presbyterian: The Defense The opportunity for gifted men to serve beyond their local church A demonstration of the unity of the Body of Christ The connection between ruling and teaching in 1 Timothy 5:17 The example of the Jerusalem Council Acts 15) The command of Titus 1:5

10. The Arguments Against Presbyterianism Scripture nowhere calls for elders to have authority beyond their local flock. Acts 15 cannot be used to defend Presbyterianism: – The apostles were present and in leadership – The church at Antioch voluntarily requested the help of the Jerusalem church – The entire Jerusalem church sent the letter (15:22) – “If this narrative gives support to regional government by elders, it therefore also gives support to regional government by whole congregations!” (Grudem)

11. Congregational Ultimate authority for each local church resides within that church; each church is completely autonomous. The Denominations o Congregational o Baptist o Mennonite o Evangelical Free o Independents

12. The Many Faces of Congregationalism

13. Single-Elder (Single-Pastor) Pastor Deacon Board Congregation

14. Corporate Board Model Church Board Pastor Congregation

15. Pure Democracy Congregation

16. No Government but the Holy Spirit Congregation

17. Plural Local Elder Pastor and Elders are equal Congregation

18. The New Testament Passages Acts 11:30; 15:2,4,6,22,23; 16:4; 21:18 James 5:14 Acts 14:23 Acts 20:17 Acts 20:28 Philippians 1:1 Titus 1:5 1 Peter 5:1