Leadership

Acts 20:28

The local church’s structure of government makes a statement about the nature and philosophy of its ministry and leadership. The local church is not an undefined mass of people; it is a particular group of people that has a unique identity in God and is uniquely called by God for His mission. She is to be governed under the authority of God for the sole purposes of God. She is therefore defined by God and his Word, irrespective of popular demand and cultural relevance.For the local Christian congregation that sincerely desires to follow the biblical church model, Jesus Christ is the Head, the Chief Shepherd; Scripture is the final and sufficient authority; and the elders are Christ’s overseers with deacons as their delegated authority set in place. Deacons are called by God appointed by the elders. Using a different but compatible imagery, Paul refers to the Elders as “God’s Stewards” (Titus 1:7). According To this model, the authority to govern and teach in the local church resides in the plurality of elders – with Christ as the Chief shepherd and His appointed elders as His overseers. We refer to the biblical terms of elders and deacons not with the emphasis on the terms bhutto apply the principle.

Philosophy and Doctrine of Church Government

1. Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd

The church and all its members belong to God. The ultimate authority and object of worship is God and will always remain God. He is The Healer, The Counsellor and the Lord of all. We are but stewards of a people belonging to God, paid for by Christ’s own blood. Christ is the one and only Head, leader over all the Church.

2. Scripture is the final and all sufficient authority

The church belongs to God, for the purposes of God. Scripture is the only and final authority that defines the church, its purpose, its foundations and its governance. Scripture is supreme above all earthly powers and opinions, gifts and experiences, responsibilities and commitments, positions and titles. The Word of God is God Himself guiding us in every essence of life.

3. Plurality of Elders – Leadership

Christ’s overseers, God’s household managers (Titus 1:7), has been given delegated authority to govern, preach, teach and equip the local church for works of service. The lead elder is to lead and care for the appointed elders and to raise new elders. The eldership team as a whole is to lead and care for the local church through biblical governance. The leadership of the elders is to be exercised in a way that models Christ-like, humble, servant hearted and loving leadership.

4. Deacons – Delegated Leadership

As elders are responsible for leading and caring for the church, this task can only be accomplishedas a team of leaders. We therefore place a high value and priority on the function of deacons. We might not use the term deacons but absolutely believe in the principle of delegated leadership functions. God’s call is unique on every member and we value the diversity of gifts, talents and callings without esteeming the one higher than the other. We see all as important and essential to the success of leading the church.

5. Priesthood & Kingship of all believers

We believe that every believer has been called by God to be a minister. Firstly, to minister unto God, secondly to minister unto the church and finally to minister unto the world. We also believe that as much as we are all priests, we are also called by God to be kings. We are called to rule and reign over every area and domain God has entrusted and will entrust to us. Every born again believer is called by God into full-time ministry.