The government of the church is a vital aspect of ecclesiology, ensuring that Christ’s body operates in an orderly and biblical manner. As the head of the church, Christ has established its governance through His Word, entrusting the oversight and administration of His people to elders, deacons, and the congregation under His ultimate authority. This doctrine, outlined in Scripture and articulated in the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF), provides a structure for church leadership, accountability, and ministry.
For the church in Greenville, South Carolina, understanding biblical church government is essential for fostering unity, protecting doctrinal purity, and equipping the church for its mission in the world. A well-ordered church reflects the glory of Christ, nurtures its members, and serves as a faithful witness to the surrounding community.
Christ as the Head of the Church
The foundation of church government is the truth that Christ is the head of the church. Colossians 1:18 declares, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
This truth affirms that Christ governs His church through His Word and Spirit, and all authority exercised within the church must conform to His revealed will. The WCF (25.6) emphasizes this point:
“There is no other head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Christ’s headship safeguards the church from tyranny, whether from secular powers or unbiblical ecclesiastical authorities. It also shapes how leadership is exercised within the church: elders, deacons, and the congregation serve under Christ’s authority, reflecting His model of servant leadership. Mark 10:42-45 underscores this, “Whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.”
By submitting to Christ as the head, the church maintains its focus on His mission and avoids the dangers of human pride or authoritarianism.
The Biblical Offices of the Church
Christ has ordained specific offices for the government of His church, including elders and deacons, who serve distinct roles in shepherding and serving the congregation.
1. Elders
Elders, also referred to as overseers or pastors, are responsible for the spiritual oversight of the church. Acts 20:28 commands them, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
Elders are called to shepherd God’s people by teaching sound doctrine, administering discipline, and providing spiritual care. The Larger Catechism (LC 45) affirms that Christ, through His Spirit, calls and equips elders to lead His church. Elders work collectively to guard the church’s purity and ensure that it faithfully proclaims the gospel.
2. Deacons
Deacons are responsible for the practical care of the church, particularly in ministering to the physical needs of the congregation. Acts 6:1-6 describes the appointment of deacons to ensure the equitable distribution of resources to widows, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. The WCF (31.1) states that both elders and deacons serve under Christ’s authority, and their duties must align with Scripture.
Deacons model Christ’s compassion by meeting tangible needs within the congregation, reflecting the love of God in action.
Models of Church Government
Throughout church history, various models of church government have developed. While the Reformed tradition affirms the Presbyterian model as the most biblically faithful, it is helpful to briefly examine other systems to understand their differences.
1. Episcopal Polity
Episcopal polity is a hierarchical system of governance led by bishops who hold authority over multiple congregations. This model is prominent in Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. While it emphasizes order and oversight, its hierarchical structure can lead to a concentration of power and deviations from congregational accountability.
2. Congregational Polity
Congregational polity emphasizes the autonomy of the local church, with decision-making resting in the hands of the congregation. This model, common in Baptist and independent traditions, affirms the priesthood of all believers but can sometimes lack the connectional accountability seen in Scripture.
3. Presbyterian Polity
Presbyterian polity, as articulated in the WCF, emphasizes shared leadership, the parity of office among elders, and the connectional nature of the church. This model is rooted in the biblical principle of collective oversight, seen in passages like Acts 14:23, where Paul and Barnabas appointed “elders in every church.”
Distinctives of the Presbyterian Model
1. Plurality of Elders
The New Testament consistently presents a pattern of shared leadership among elders. This plurality ensures that no single individual wields unchecked authority. Titus 1:5 highlights Paul’s instructions to appoint elders in every city, affirming the importance of collective oversight.
2. Parity of Office
Within Presbyterian polity, all elders share equal authority and responsibility, though some may focus on preaching and teaching (1 Timothy 5:17). This parity prevents the concentration of power in one individual and promotes mutual accountability among leaders.
3. Connectionalism
Presbyterianism recognizes that local congregations are part of a broader church body. This connectional nature is evident in Acts 15, where the Jerusalem Council addresses doctrinal disputes affecting multiple churches. Connectionalism fosters mutual accountability, doctrinal unity, and cooperative ministry.
The Role of Church Discipline
Church government includes the responsibility to exercise discipline for the spiritual health of the church. The WCF (30.1) describes discipline as a means of addressing sin, preserving purity, and restoring repentance. Matthew 18:15-17 provides the framework for church discipline, emphasizing private confrontation, escalation to church leaders, and, if necessary, public action.
Discipline is not punitive but restorative, reflecting God’s holiness and love. Hebrews 12:6 reminds us, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.”
Properly administered discipline guards the church’s witness, deters sin, and fosters spiritual growth. 1 Corinthians 5:6-7 illustrates the danger of unchecked sin, likening it to leaven that spreads through the whole church. Discipline, therefore, serves both to protect the purity of the church and to call sinners back to repentance.
The Role of the Congregation
While elders and deacons provide leadership, the congregation also plays a vital role in church government. The New Testament demonstrates that congregations are involved in choosing leaders (Acts 6:3) and participating in decisions (2 Corinthians 2:6). This shared responsibility fosters unity, accountability, and active engagement in the life of the church.
Congregational participation reflects the biblical teaching of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9). By actively supporting and submitting to godly leadership, the congregation contributes to the health and mission of the church.
Historical Development of Presbyterianism
The Presbyterian model of church government finds its roots in the New Testament but was further developed during the Reformation. John Calvin’s work in Geneva emphasized shared leadership and the authority of church courts, laying the foundation for Presbyterian polity. In Scotland, John Knox built upon Calvin’s principles, establishing a national church governed by elders and presbyteries. The Westminster Assembly formalized these practices in the WCF, creating a framework that continues to shape Reformed churches today.
Application of Church Government
1. Unity Through Leadership
In Greenville and beyond, churches often face challenges that can lead to division. A biblical understanding of church government promotes unity by providing clear roles and structures for leadership and decision-making. When leaders and members understand their God-given roles, the church can function harmoniously.
2. Accountability and Protection
Biblical church government protects the church from false teaching, moral failure, and spiritual abuse. It ensures that leaders are accountable to God, to one another, and to the congregation. Connectionalism also provides an external framework for resolving disputes and maintaining doctrinal purity.
3. Faithful Witness
A well-ordered church reflects the glory of Christ and serves as a faithful witness to the surrounding community. As 1 Corinthians 14:40 exhorts, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” When the church operates according to biblical principles, it demonstrates the wisdom and beauty of Christ’s design.
4. Equipping for Mission
Church government equips believers to fulfill the Great Commission by fostering accountability, collaboration, and spiritual growth. Elders and deacons play a key role in equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). A well-ordered church provides the support and structure needed for effective evangelism and discipleship.
The Challenge of Faithful Church Government
Implementing biblical church government is not without its challenges. Churches must resist the temptation to conform to worldly models of leadership, such as authoritarianism or consumerism. Instead, they must strive to follow Christ’s example of servant leadership and uphold the principles of shared oversight and connectionalism.
Church members, too, are called to actively participate in the life of the church, supporting their leaders and submitting to Christ’s headship. This requires humility, trust, and a commitment to the health and unity of the body.
Conclusion
The government of the church is a gift from Christ, designed to ensure the faithful proclamation of the gospel, the care of God’s people, and the advancement of His kingdom. Rooted in Scripture and guided by Christ as its head, biblical church government provides the structure and accountability necessary for the church to thrive.
For believers in Greenville, this doctrine calls us to support and submit to godly leadership, participate actively in the life of the church, and labor together for the glory of God. May we strive to reflect the order, unity, and holiness of Christ’s church, proclaiming His reign to a watching world. As Ephesians 4:15-16 reminds us:
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”