Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung What Is Church Government?
7 snips
Nov 25, 2025 Explore the fascinating landscape of church governance as Kevin DeYoung dives into critical topics. Discover why church polity matters and the dangers of poor leadership structures. Delve into the distinction between offices gifted by Christ, including the continuing role of the pastor-teacher. Kevin contrasts different views on the number of offices, presenting arguments for both two and three offices. He emphasizes the importance of honoring elders and deacons while discussing qualifications based on teaching and governance responsibilities.
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Christ's Gift Of Church Offices
- Ephesians 4 presents church offices as gifts Christ gives, highlighting apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers.
- Kevin DeYoung argues apostles and prophets were foundational and non-repeatable, while pastor-teachers continue today.
Debate Over Continuing Offices
- Reformed thinkers debate how many continuing offices persist, with Calvin listing four: elders, deacons, pastors, and teachers.
- DeYoung contends the pastor and teacher roles likely overlap, making pastors the continuing shepherd-teachers.
Decide A Church's Office Structure
- Churches should decide whether they hold to a two- or three-office model based on Scripture and denominational conviction.
- Kevin DeYoung endorses the PCA's two-office view while acknowledging both systems often function similarly in practice.
