Who runs the church

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ho Runs the Church?

The church in the New Testament is never called a Republic or a Democracy. Its structure was never partnered after any worldly form of government. It was established by Jesus on the day of Pentecost with Him as the Head over all things for the church. As the Head it is Jesus who “runs the church”. Jesus himself likened the church to a flock of sheep and gave the task of caring for the flock to certain “shepherds” (John 21:15-27). This analogy was carried on by the Apostles and early writers as the divinely appointed structure for leadership of the church. Shepherds were called “bishops”, “elders”, or “pastors” in the scripture. Paul uses this example when speaking to the Elders at the church at Ephesus in Acts 20. Acts 20:17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrive he gives them this charge: Acts 20:28 keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood. Here the elders were called “overseers” in much the same that a shepherd would oversee a flock of sheep.

Peter Agrees

1 Peter 5:1-5 to the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: [2] Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; [3] not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. [4] And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Jesus is the “Chief” shepherd and must be in control of everything for the church. The under-shepherds or “elders” must be men who seek the will of the chief shepherd in every aspect of the function of the church. Their qualities are listed in the books of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

What about the “Board”?

There is no mention of a “Church board” in the bible. This concept of church government found its way into churches in the late 1800s and is probably the product of American Government thinking. It is an unauthorized form of leadership for churches. It is usually made up of Elders and Deacons or Trustees and officers who conduct business on the basis of a majority vote. This system can often lead to division, splits and dissention within body. Great care must be taken to utilize a system of government within the church that is biblical and won’t give the enemy room to work.

What about Deacons?

Deacons are listed in the New Testament and certainly have their place and function within the church. First of all the word Deacon comes for the Greek wok diakonos which means “servant” or “attendant”. In its usage within the bible it is always attached to a specific task or function whereas a “servant” would be such without the mention of a special tasks. And early example of deacons can be found in Acts 6:1-6 where a group of seven brothers were given a specific task of caring for widows in the congregation. Their service freed the overseers (apostles in this case) to devote their time and effort to the “prayer and ministry of Word”. There is no example given in the New Testament of Deacons being a position of leadership or being on a board. They were accountable to those who set them apart for their specific task and responsible to see that it was carried out. Deacons are sheep of the flock also but their calling in the ministry of the church sets them apart for special tasks. As Sheep they are accountable to the shepherds of the flock. Their qualities of a deacon are listed in 1 Timothy 3. It is well within reason that some who serve as deacons may rise in maturity and become elders within the local church - there is no restricting from this taking place; In fact, it is encouraged.

Pastors and Preachers

There can be confusion between the concept of “pastors” and “preachers”. Remember, ‘pastor’ is a term used to refer to elders not necessarily the preacher. Sometimes the elders do the preaching but not always. Here in Antrim the preacher is not an elder (and therefore not a pastor). He is a sheep of the flock that delights in accounting himself to the elders and remaining under their watchful oversight. The elders are not the opponents of the preacher or vice versa. Instead they form a strong team of godly leadership devoted to seeking out the express will of Christ and directing the church according to His leadership. The preacher often takes on a “visionary” role while the pastors (elders) take on an oversight role. The two compliment each other and the role of the Deacon just adds more strength to the entire function. The pastors help keep the preacher in line while the preacher helps empower the pastors’ vision. The goal of all this is the will of Jesus and the care of the flock.

What about Voting?

It is never mentioned or exampled in the bible and is not an authorized method of determining God’s will. The church must function on a consensus as each leader wrestles to understand and follow the will of God.

More on the meanings of the words:

Pastor, Elder, Bishop
Three words for the same function within the church. Their duty is to oversee and shepherd the flock of God - the church of the lord Jesus Christ. Usually set apart by the evangelist or missionary and accountable to them.

Deacon
A word meaning “servant” that is usually attached to a specific task or duty. Usually set apart by the elders and accountable to them.

Preacher
One who proclaims the gospel preaching and teaching. In the New Testament these servants were known as prophets who spoke to people for their strengthening comfort and encouragement. Usually set apart by the elders and accountable to them.

Sheep
People who have been transformed by the gospel and welcomed into the fold of Christ. These are people who have given their all for the cause of Christ and would willingly lay down their lives for him. They are accountable to their shepherds and submit to their oversight.