Perspectives On Church Government Summary

Perspectives on Church Government is a compilation of essays from brothers in the faith who represent varying denominations and viewpoints regarding the proper Biblical perspective on church government. Each author represents and argues for one of the five most commonly practiced methods of church polity, after which the remaining authors offer points of critique and commendation. The methods of church government presented are the single elder led church, the presbytery led church, the congregation led church, the bishop led church, and the plural elder led church. The editors assert “There is certainly no consensus on the matter of just how churches ought to be governed.” Each author argues that while one’s stance on church government does
Brand and Norman contend, “In great measure, the manner in which one defines church polity will typically shape the level of importance and necessity attached to this doctrine.” The majority of the views presented in the book affirm some form of congregationalism. In my opinion, Dr. Akin successfully defends the single pastor led model even though he admits that the case for a “plurality of elders, pastors, overseers and leaders is easier to make based on the biblical evidence.” I found his union of the Old and New Testaments and his description of Moses’ leadership position in connection with Peter, James and John’s position among the other disciples fascinating. Akin makes the point that just as people worked alongside and under Moses, so did the other disciples serve alongside, but under, Peter, James and John. He goes on further to say that Peter seemed to have the highest position of leadership among all of the disciples. While I do not think I would go so far as to assign this “chief disciple” role to Peter, Akin’s point here does provide strong evidence that this model applied to church government can be traced throughout the totality of