Presbyterian Church Government

 Although the following distinctives are not
When denominations were forming in the 16thembraced in an ironclad fashion by every
century, denominations often took their namesEpiscopal (Anglican) type church—especially in
from the type of church government theyour era, yet, in general, these points are
adopted.  The names Presbyterian, Episcopal andsubstantially correct.
Congregational reflect this.  The reason this was 
done was simply because in general all 
denominations subscribed to the same theology,1. The hierarchy of cardinals and bishops ordain
Reformed, their differences were found only inthe clergy, appoints the local pastor with the
their church government.  Today if theseconsent of the vestry (lay council elected by the
denominations were to again name themselves itcongregation). 
is questionable whether they would all choose 
these same names.  The reason is that now 
they do not all subscribe to Reformed theology1. The higher authorities supervise the allocation of
and therefore the great distinctions betweenthe church's financial resources.
them do not rest in their church government but 
more fundamentally in what they actually 
believe.  
  
The New Testament provides some details aboutExamples of this type of church government are
church government and the qualifications andthe Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox
work of "elders" (presbyters) in 1 Timothy 3,Church, the Episcopal (Anglican) Church, and the
Titus 1, Acts 20, and 1 Peter 5.  The EnglishMethodist church.
words "elder," "bishop," and "pastor" reflect three 
distinct Greek words that describe differentThe Congregational System – Democracy
facets of the same office.  Acts 20:17 and 
28 definitively demonstrate that all three titlesCongregational churches differ greatly among
are wrapped up in the one office.themselves, yet these distinctives substantively
 characterize this type of church.
The New Testament prescribes elders as 
overseers (bishops) and shepherds (pastors) ofThe congregational form of church
God's flock.  In order to focus on prayer, thegovernment had roots in Reformation-era
study of the Word, and leadership, the ApostlesEngland, but found fertile soil in New England,
and elders delegated certain responsibilities towhere it became the ecclesiastical counterpart of
spiritually mature men known as "deacons" (Acts"town meetings."  It has obvious appeal to the
6, 1 Timothy 3).democratic mindset.
  
Additionally, we read, "The elders who rule well 
are to be considered worthy of double honor,1. The counsel of the greater church is often not
especially those who work hard at preaching andsought, and if sought it certainly has no actual
teaching" (1 Timothy 5:17).  In this passage weauthority in the matter.
see the distinction between elders who rule 
(administer), and those who have the additional 
responsibility of "preaching and teaching."1. The finances are approved by a popular vote
 of the congregation.
Thus Presbyterian churches have both "ruling," or 
administrative elders, and "teaching" elders. 
  
Acts 15 describes the first Council of the church,1. Committees are chosen from among the ranks
comprised of apostles and elders.  It is difficult toto administer the day-to-day supervision of the
miss the obvious "connectionalism" of the earlychurch.
church.  Although both Peter and Paul were highly 
esteemed by the church, and outstanding amongExamples of this type of church government are
the apostles, yet neither were "independent"Congregationalists, Baptists, Pentecostals,
operators.  They had to answer to the generalBrethren, most Community churches, Bible
assembly in Jerusalem.  The important principlechurches and non-denominational churches. 
here, that should not be missed, is that the 
individual minister and the individual church areThe Presbyterian System - Republic
accountable to the greater church of Jesus 
Christ.  That is exactly what we find in Acts 15. Although Presbyterian churches across the globe
 differ at points, yet these distinctives substantially
So, from our brief study so far, we have learneddefine a true Presbyterian church.
two points of importance that are 
Presbyterian distinctives:  
 1. Both the Presbytery and congregation must
First, churches are administered by, andwork in tandem and harmony in this effort.
ministered to, by both ruling and teaching elders. 
 1. That approval is not arbitrarily withheld but the
Second, the local church is subject to thePresbytery does look carefully at the qualifications
authority of the greater Church through churchand faith of the pastor.
councils. 
 1. Many Presbyterian churches request that the
To evaluate the quality of a church's government,elders obtain budgetary approval from the
we must determine specifically what churchcongregation.
polity is responsible for.  In considering the 
function of church government, we can see that1. Checks and balances are important in
there are seven significant elements in thePresbyterianism.
administration of a church.  They are: 
 1. Written in 1648, it remains very popular with
1. The source of authorityBible believing Presbyterians.
2. The ordination of ministers 
3. The call of the pastor 
4. The finances of the churchAn example of this type of Church government is
5. The admission and discipline of membersthe Presbyterian Church.
6. The doctrines of the church 
7. Actions by the congregationAlthough Presbyterians see their form of church
 government to be the most balanced and
In the application of these seven issues, there arereasonable of the options, that is not the primary
three types of church government possible. reason for its adoption.  More importantly,
These are Episcopalian (Anglican),Presbyterians see the Scriptures as defining the
Congregational and Presbyterian. office of elder, giving it great honor and authority,
 and see its operation at the counsel of Jerusalem
The Episcopal (Anglican) System – Monarchyin Acts 15.  These scriptural elements demand
or Prelacythe adoption of Presbyterian Church government.