Church Government

Ephesians 4:7 – 16; I Peter 5:1-3

A. Introduction: The Church can be described in many ways, a body, a family, or the bride
of Christ. When we look at the Church today we need to recognise the need for leadership
and organisation. Without leadership and administration, the Church will struggle to fulfil
the mandates given to her.

However, government is a necessary element of human society which serves to establish and maintain
order. Anyone that doubts the need for order should think back to their school days, and remember those
times when the teacher stepped out the class for a few moments. In the absence of authority and
organization, the human nature lends toward mischief and chaos. God is the author of government

Church Government is refers to as the Church polity that addresses the operational and
organisational structure of the Church, it’s also denotes the ministerial structure of the Church
authority.

The New Testament introduces us to two new concepts that the Old Testament generations never
experienced. The Church Government and diverse ministry gifts! Let us look at the Five – Fold ministry
gifts that Jesus gives to the Church. Ephesians 4:11 – These Five Ministry gifts are not “titles’, but
ministerial functions. There is nothing “elevated” about these gifts; they are for a special purpose – Eph.
4:12. The Five – Fold ministries are not self – commissioned, nor are they simply leaders of a church.
They are clearly defined ministries that have an impact on the Church as a whole.

B. Ministerial Office
I. The Apostle: - Apostle is “one chosen and sent with a special commission”. The 12 Apostles chosen
by Jesus were witnesses of the resurrection – Acts 1:15; 4:33. The ministry of an apostle includes
► Pioneering new church – I Cor. 9:2 ► Grounding the church in truth ►Preserving unity in the body
of Christ ►Setting things in order ► A breakthrough type ministry of miracle

II. Prophet: - The ministry of the prophet involve being “moved by the Holy Spirit” in prophetic
utterance – Acts 11:27 – 28, 15:32 which can be
► Predictive – Acts 21:10–11, 11:27–28 ► Directive – Acts 13:1–3 ► Corrective – Acts 15:22–23, 27.
The prophet operates best in teamwork with the Apostles. A prophet is not just someone with
prophetic anointing, but a recognized ministry to the body at large. One who speaks forth God’s word
to inspire, correct and motivate.

III. Evangelist: - Evangelists extend the frontiers of God’s kingdom – Acts 6:3 – 7, 8:5 – 40; 21:8.
The called evangelist seems to have an intense understanding of the ultimate fate of the unsaved.
He /she is often gripped with a vision or sense of the harvest field and the lost souls in it. His/her
heart aches for the lost. Soul winner/ Revivalist

IV. Pastor: - The word Pastor is the same as shepherd. Pastors like shepherds; guard, guide and feed
sheep. Pastors’ care for, discipline, pray for, love and minister to the local congregation of
believers under their charge – Acts – 20:28. The task of a true Pastor include; preaching,
mentoring and counselling with the ability to teach. One who shepherd, guides, and guards
God’s people

V. Teacher: - A Teacher is not just someone who teaches (we are all encouraged to teach – Col.
3:16), but is a ministry who brings instruction to the body at large. “Watering” ministry of

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 Apollo’s in Acts 18:24 – 28, I Cor. 3:2 – 10. Teachers are enabled by the Holy Spirit to help others
understand God’s word and God’s plan. One who trains and teaches God’s people in the truth

VI. Other Leadership Office: - Deacons (Deaconess) – Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5.
Deacons: - is simply someone older in faith, a “father or mother in the Lord” is not a particular
type of ministry, but rather is a leader in the body of Christ – I Pet. 5:1. To assist the five - fold
ministers in the administrative capacity and oversight functions.

C. The Government of Local Church: There are three major types of Church Government;
In other words Church administration refers to the way that a Church Government is set-up. Church
administration is the organisation and leadership that happens in the Church to help the Church to run
effectively. It is commonly agreed that Jesus is the head of the church (Col. 1:8), and has delegated His
authority to be exercised through the government of the church. However the method of church
government is sometimes an object of debate, and is one of the primary differences between some
denominations.
1. Episcopal – E.g. Methodist, Anglican, Lutherans. (Bishop as the principal officer)
2. Presbyterial - E.g. Presbyterian, Reformed, Bible Church (Leadership By Board Or Council)
3. Congregational – E.g. Baptist Church, Pentecostals (God-The People-The Board-The Pastor)

Clearly, the early local Churches of the first century were governed by the congregational and type of
Church government, the type of Church government under which each local governs its own affairs,
under the leadership of Christ. The government of the Church as far as it pertains to the source of
authority is an absolute Theocracy; that is, rule by God is government by divine guidance through the
Holy Spirit and the word of God. {Christian Colony Int. Organisational structure r}

We may conclude that church government, like moral and civil governments, must be a reality. Churches
must govern themselves, and if they do there must be government, laws, rulers, and moral obligation on
the part of those governed. Local churches have authority:

 To judge and punish erring members - Mt. 18:15-20; I Cor. 5 & 6

 To “mark” and deny fellowship to rebels - Rom. 16:17-19; Phil. 3:17
 To forgive and extend fellowship to penitents - II Cor. 2:6-11; Mt. 18:21-35)
 To choose their own business Deacons - Acts 6:1-8.
 To discuss freely questions in general conference - Acts 15
 To be faithful in church attendance and duties - Heb. 10:25; Acts 2:40-47
 To pray earnestly for their ministers - II Thess. 3:1; Heb. 13:18
 To covet earnestly spiritual gifts - I Cor. 1:7; 12:31; 14:1; Rom. 1:11
 To yield to the operation of the Holy Spirit - II Thess. 5:19; Eph. 4:30
 To highly esteem the ministry for their work’s sake - I Thess. 5:12-14; Heb. 13:7, 17
 To be teachable, humble, godly, stable, obedient, and holy - Rom. 16:17; Eph. 4

Conclusion: - God has established His Church and has given us both scripture and Holy Spirit to guide us
in how it should function. The only thing on the planet that Jesus died for is people. The only thing on
the earth that Jesus is building is the Church, His people.

Olowookere D. F Testimony PhD