Was the Eldership sanctioned by the Word of God? If it is not thence ought not to have anything to do with it. If it was,then we ought to be willing to teach and practice all that is said about it.
There have been many false systems of church government instituted by the denominational world. We want to cite 3 here:
- The Episcopal Form: In this system you have 3 levels of clergymen, deacons, priests, and bishops. The authority of each is greater and subject to the higher one. Examples of this system are the Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Church (called the Episcopal Church here in the United States).
- The Presbyterial Form: Although they do have elders, they have made a distinction between the teaching elder, who is always the ordained Pastor, and the ruling elder, who is always a layman. An example of this system is the Presbyterian Church.
- Congregational Form: All matters are decided by a vote of the congregation. An example of this would be most Baptist Churches.
Are any of these true to the Word of God? In the view of this writer, none are. According to the New Testament, the rule of a local congregations falls in the authority of a plurality of elders. We ask that you consider the following verses:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
- 1 Timothy 5:17
- Hebrews 13:7; 17
Are elders to be dictators? No!
Note: Part 2 of a five part article originally presented as an assignment in a class in 1977 at Cincinnati Bible College.
