Church Governance

It is also very clear from the above-quoted scriptures that, not only have the elders/pastors/overseers been given the spiritual oversight of the church, they also have been given the governmental authority. Quite simply, the elders/pastors/overseers are in charge, and the members of the churches should submit to them:

Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account (Heb. 13:17).

Of course, no Christian should submit to a pastor who is not submitted to God, but he should also recognize that no pastor is perfect.

The pastors/elders/overseers have authority over their churches just as a father has authority over his family:

An overseer [pastor/elder] must be above reproach....He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God? ) (1 Tim. 3:2-5, emphasis added).

Paul went on to say,

Let the elders [pastors/overseers] who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching (1 Tim. 5:17, emphasis added).

Clearly, elders are to govern the church.

Provide a toilet for Makanka

Problem: Makanka is from Zimbabwe and she has Spina Bifida. Her family has a hole in their backyard they use for a toilet but it is too difficult for Makanka to use by herself.

Solution: An indoor Western-style toilet will allow Makanka to use the toilet by herself without injury.

Still Needed: $245. Any size
gift will help.

•     The Ministry Gifts
•     Were Some Ministry Gifts Only for the Early Church?
•     How do You Know if You are Called?
•     A Closer Look at the Office of Apostle
•     True and False Apostles
•     The High Rank of the Apostle
•     The Office of Prophet
•     The Office of Teacher
•     The Office of Evangelist
•     The Office of Pastor
•     Church Governance
•     Unscriptural Elders
•     The Plurality of Elders?
•     Authority to Serve
•     Paying Elders
•     What do Pastors do?
•     More Responsibilities
•     So What are Pastors Supposed to do?
•     The Office of Deacon