Would you please inform me about which is a more Biblical/Apostolic model of polity? As I understand it the three main forms are Episcopalian, Presbyterian, and Congregational. I came to the faith in a mix of the latter two, but I do not want to blindly accept that as the "best." Please challenge my assumption of how to govern the church.
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Church Government, or How Shall we Govern Ourselves?
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Church Government, or How Shall we Govern Ourselves?
Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith? -Galatians 3:5 -
Be glad too as this is a topic I work with.
Initial random thoughts if I wrote a church constitution:
The pastor has to be accountable to other members of the church.
There would be strict rules against the involvement of the pastor's relatives (besides his wife) in church leadership. Under no circumstances could any of his relatives be employees of the church. Under no circumstances would the son, son-in-law, other relative be allowed to succeed as the pastor of the church. This would probably also include the other major leader positions in the church. I am really trying hard to avoid having the church becoming the family business.
The pastor would not be head of the legal organization (i.e. the 401(c)) that takes care of the church's earthly requirements to exist.
I'll add as I think of items."For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6
"Theology can be an intellectual entertainment." Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
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Originally posted by Thoughtful Monk View PostBe glad too as this is a topic I work with.
Initial random thoughts if I wrote a church constitution:
The pastor has to be accountable to other members of the church.
There would be strict rules against the involvement of the pastor's relatives (besides his wife) in church leadership.
Under no circumstances could any of his relatives be employees of the church.
Under no circumstances would the son, son-in-law, other relative be allowed to succeed as the pastor of the church.
This would probably also include the other major leader positions in the church. I am really trying hard to avoid having the church becoming the family business.
The pastor would not be head of the legal organization (i.e. the 401(c)) that takes care of the church's earthly requirements to exist.
I'll add as I think of items.The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
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Uh, ok. Yes, that's a good idea. On the other hand, I might have phrased poorly my question? I want to know why Apostolic Succession is superior to the Presbyterian's "Bible-centered" model, or why either one misinterprets history or Scripture, etc.Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith? -Galatians 3:5
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I like our Church's form of government....
I lead, but I present plans to the Church Leadership Team, and we talk them through. They often have insight I didn't have, or think of things I overlooked. We then present the modified proposal to business meeting, which is a meeting of adult Church Members, and I have ALWAYS preferred a MAJOR majority rather than a "51% or better".... if I don't have the support of the BIGGER majority of the people, it's going to be hard to implement or get support for the idea or plan.The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
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Originally posted by Pentecost View PostUh, ok. Yes, that's a good idea. On the other hand, I might have phrased poorly my question? I want to know why Apostolic Succession is superior to the Presbyterian's "Bible-centered" model, or why either one misinterprets history or Scripture, etc.The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
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Originally posted by Cow Poke View PostI lead, but I present plans to the Church Leadership Team, and we talk them through. They often have insight I didn't have, or think of things I overlooked.Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
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Originally posted by Jedidiah View PostA little off the main stream here, but the Church I served in as an Elder required (that is we as a group required - no written rule) all actions be unanimous. If we had any significant differences we would table the action and all go home to pray about it. No unanimity = no action.The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
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Originally posted by Pentecost View PostUh, ok. Yes, that's a good idea. On the other hand, I might have phrased poorly my question? I want to know why Apostolic Succession is superior to the Presbyterian's "Bible-centered" model, or why either one misinterprets history or Scripture, etc."For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6
"Theology can be an intellectual entertainment." Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
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Hi Cow Poke,
I get all your points. However, I have yet to see father to son actually work. Also I'd be concerned about doing something just to please the pastor rather than following the will of God. In this case, I would rather get in trouble for not allowing exceptions.
I think I would also make sure was a clear plan if something suddenly and unexpectedly happened to the pastor.
I'd go further but since the OP has clarified the question, I'm risking"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6
"Theology can be an intellectual entertainment." Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
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Originally posted by Thoughtful Monk View PostHi Cow Poke,
I get all your points. However, I have yet to see father to son actually work.
Also I'd be concerned about doing something just to please the pastor rather than following the will of God. In this case, I would rather get in trouble for not allowing exceptions.
I think I would also make sure was a clear plan if something suddenly and unexpectedly happened to the pastor.
I'd go further but since the OP has clarified the question, I'm riskingThe first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
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Originally posted by Pentecost View PostUh, ok. Yes, that's a good idea. On the other hand, I might have phrased poorly my question? I want to know why Apostolic Succession is superior to the Presbyterian's "Bible-centered" model, or why either one misinterprets history or Scripture, etc.
As far as other things go, my priest deliberately does not handle the money nor know who the big givers are, because he wants to treat everybody the same. He meets regularly with the church officers to discuss issues, but typically only in an advisory capacity. He thinks of it as our parish, not his; he's just a caretaker. He gets 10% of the budget set aside to spend as he wishes (a level set by the parish, not him), but that usually goes toward charitable works.Veritas vos Liberabit<>< Learn Greek <>< Look here for an Orthodox Church in America<><Ancient Faith Radio
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I recommend you do not try too hard and ...research as little as possible. Such weighty things give me a headache. - Shunyadragon, Baha'i apologist
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Originally posted by Thoughtful Monk View PostAlso I'd be concerned about doing something just to please the pastor rather than following the will of God.Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
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Originally posted by Pentecost View PostWould you please inform me about which is a more Biblical/Apostolic model of polity? As I understand it the three main forms are Episcopalian, Presbyterian, and Congregational. I came to the faith in a mix of the latter two, but I do not want to blindly accept that as the "best." Please challenge my assumption of how to govern the church.
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