Reformed Forum The Structure of Church Government, Part 1 | The Doctrine of the Church (Lesson 6)
Jan 5, 2026
Dive into the fascinating structure of church government, exploring how authority is exercised within the congregation. Discover the roles of elders and deacons, with insights on their biblical foundations. Learn about the importance of congregational recognition in selecting officers, and the distinction between ordinary and extraordinary ministers. Uncover the debate on church offices and how the roles of overseers and elders intertwine. This lesson also highlights qualifications for pastoral roles, turning conventional checklists on their head!
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Christ Is The Church's Primary Governor
- Christ is the primary executor of the keys of the kingdom through his prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices.
- Church officers exercise delegated authority derived from Christ, not independent power.
The General Office Undergirds Special Offices
- The general office of believer vests power in the whole body and undergirds special offices.
- Believers indirectly exercise the keys by recognizing and calling officers from among themselves.
Let The Congregation Elect Officers
- Choose church officers by the congregation's vote rather than imposing them from above.
- Use Acts 6 as the model: the people identify and elect officers while apostles facilitate the process.