City Life Starter

Written by Stefan Johnsson

The Word

⁴ There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

⁷ Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ For it says:

When he ascended on high,
he took the captives captive;
he gave gifts to people.

⁹ But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth?¹⁰ The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. ¹¹ And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. ¹⁴ Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. ¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.

Ephesians 4:4-16 (CSB)

Reflection

Historically speaking, there have been three main forms of church governance.

1. Episcopalianism: A system of government in which the ultimate authority resides in the bishop. This three-tiered governing structure, the presbyters (priests, elders) are below the bishops, followed by the deacons at the bottom. Ex: Roman Catholic Church, Episcopal Church, and United Methodist Church
2. Presbyterianism: A system of government led by elders as representatives of the church. These elders govern in ranked authoritative structures with two types, teaching elders and ruling elders. Ex: Christian Reformed Church, the Presbyterian Church of America, and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church
3. Congregationalism: A system of government by the local congregation, in whose members ultimate authority resides. Each church is an autonomous entity, with no person or structure above it. Christ Himself is its sole head. Ex: Baptist churches, Evangelical Free churches, and Bible churches.

In recent times, we see megachurches, for example, that develop more of a business model where the CEO is the pastor and with a board of directors. Multi-site churches have structures similar to one of the three main forms of governance listed above depending on how they are set up.

As protestants, it is easy for us to look at episcopalianism as a structure that doesn’t work well. One can imagine how simple it would be for a bishop with ultimate authority to say how he has heard a word from God and enact incorrect practices and beliefs contrary to Scripture. It is also important to note that no one is without sin, and putting one person above all without true accountability leads to a lot of problems.

On the opposite side we have churches that use a congregational structure that has interpretations of the Bible that are contrary to Scripture and basic theological beliefs and practices. There is no accountability from a formal structure outside of the church and people are then led astray by false interpretations of Scripture.

Historically speaking, we may look at episcopalianism only for its flaws, but without it, would we have the accuracy of Biblical documents and translations that we have today? I believe that the problems we see in our current society are the non-denominational churches that pop up throughout the country without any connection to a structured church organization and without proper accountability. It leaves it up to each believer to seek out Bible believing churches with proper doctrinal beliefs and practices.

No matter what form of governance is set up for the church Christians attend, there is no perfect church or structure that goes without its flaws. We are fallen people and sin creeps in slowly, like a dripping faucet. This is why proper accountability for leaders with authority is needed, and to remember with humility that the head of the church is always going to be Jesus Christ. Submitting to Him as Lord and remembering His lordship over the church as His bride is what each church leader needs and members have to recognize.

Application

Paul explains to Timothy what it takes to be a leader of a church, as an overseer. Deacons has very similar roles.

This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.” ² An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy. ⁴ He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. ⁵ (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) ⁶ He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil. ⁷ Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (CSB)

Married men who can lead his own household well means a lot more than what people realize. Aspiring to be a leader in a church is all and well, but seasoned believers who have shown to lead his own family and with good reputation to outsiders are prerequisites.

The best we can do in a fallen world is to follow Christ fully and humbly. We seek after unity through our actions, showing love and care to both our fellow church members and to those in our community. Our main mission is reaching our community, country, and continent for Christ. The church is there to help us achieve this goal and this focus cannot be lost.

Pray

Father in heaven, I pray for my church. Help the leaders to lead well and by example. Let them seek You humbly and with a sincere heart. You have put a weight in their shoulders that is a burden that they cannot carry alone. Let them lean on Your goodness and mercy. And Father, help me to seek after You and to be a servant for my church in whatever capacity I can provide. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.