Evaluate the Biblical Principles of Church Government
Evaluate the biblical principles of church government
Church government is the branch of ecclesiology (study of the church) that addresses the organisational structure and hierarchy of the church. There are three main models of leadership or church government that have developed in the various Christian denominations. These all take their root in the bible and the general truth correlates with many parts of the scriptures. We need to respect the authority and power of government in the church. The three main models are examined below.
Episcopal
In this model Bishops rule over the affairs in a church in a region called diocese and from the many bishops a presiding Bishop called Archbishop is appointed. The emphasis of this model is on character, qualifications and skills. Under this model the authority from the Bishop to the local priest in charge usually referred to as the Rector or Vicar. Titus 1:5-9 explains how this model works from ordaining elders in every city to upholding law and order as well as the responsibilities of a Bishop, what they should do and should not do. The archbishop rules as the final authority over the denomination. An example is the Pope at the head of the Catholic Church with various bishops and priests under his authority.
Other examples are Anglican, Methodist and Roman Catholic.
Presbyterian
This model of church government is commonly described as Church by elders ("Elder-run" or "Presbyter-run").
The highest authority in this type of Church is said to be the Elders of the church. Those elders are typically elected by the congregation on a periodic basis (usually a term lasts about 3 years). Sometimes elders are elected by the drawing of lots. The elders are appointed into leadership based on experience, leadership skills or good standing in the congregation.
Those who are elected to office serve their terms as the spiritual/theological/moral/visionary leaders of the congregation. They also participate in
Church government is the branch of ecclesiology (study of the church) that addresses the organisational structure and hierarchy of the church. There are three main models of leadership or church government that have developed in the various Christian denominations. These all take their root in the bible and the general truth correlates with many parts of the scriptures. We need to respect the authority and power of government in the church. The three main models are examined below.
Episcopal
In this model Bishops rule over the affairs in a church in a region called diocese and from the many bishops a presiding Bishop called Archbishop is appointed. The emphasis of this model is on character, qualifications and skills. Under this model the authority from the Bishop to the local priest in charge usually referred to as the Rector or Vicar. Titus 1:5-9 explains how this model works from ordaining elders in every city to upholding law and order as well as the responsibilities of a Bishop, what they should do and should not do. The archbishop rules as the final authority over the denomination. An example is the Pope at the head of the Catholic Church with various bishops and priests under his authority.
Other examples are Anglican, Methodist and Roman Catholic.
Presbyterian
This model of church government is commonly described as Church by elders ("Elder-run" or "Presbyter-run").
The highest authority in this type of Church is said to be the Elders of the church. Those elders are typically elected by the congregation on a periodic basis (usually a term lasts about 3 years). Sometimes elders are elected by the drawing of lots. The elders are appointed into leadership based on experience, leadership skills or good standing in the congregation.
Those who are elected to office serve their terms as the spiritual/theological/moral/visionary leaders of the congregation. They also participate in