Towns: pp. 660–708
What is the major characteristic of the Episcopal form of church government?
Places a high degree of authority in the leaders. It implies the rule of one position over a church or many churches.
Why should this form of church government be rejected?
The structure of oversight is not found in the New Testament.
What is the major characteristic of the Representative form of church government?
Is based on the rule of the church by presbyters or elders
Why should this form of church government be rejected?
It does not allow for the simple, divinely given system of independent, self-governing churches reflected in the Bible, where the authority of a local congregation is centered in the people.
By what principle is the Congregational form of church government based?
That ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice resides in the congregation of each local church.
Understand that as a solution, the New Testament seems to reflect aspects of all three of the above stated forms of church government. In what ways is this so?
1. Churches seem to have one leader or spokesman.
2. There seems to be a council or group of men who represented the wisdom and the desires of the congregation
3. The congregation seemed to be the final seat of authority which determined who could be received into fellowship and who would determine their leaders. and those who would be examined an/or rejected.
Know the reasons listed in the textbook why the church can be described as independent and indigenous.
1. Self-directing
2. Self-governing
3. Self-supporting.
Know the reasons listed in the textbook why local churches should be in fellowship and cooperation with one another.
1. Any cooperative effort must always be subservient to the efforts of local churches.
2. Churches should work together for growth in God's work
3. Churches should recognize and support one another so that they reflect the unity for which