Leadership

The Organizational Structure of the church

Christ is the Head and the Foundation of the church. He has all authority (Matthew 28:18-20) and ultimately His Words will be the standard of the final judgment (John 12:48). The Bible teaches that Jesus bought the church by His own blood and therefore has supreme reign over all the church (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23). Jesus stated that the foundation of His church was on the confession that He was the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 16:18) This authority was confirmed in the death and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 3:11; 1 Peter 2:4-8).

Jesus commissioned His Apostles and affirmed their own authority to His words. Today we are to receive the Apostles just as we would receive Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:5-6; 5:18-20).

The Bible teaches that the church exists on two levels: the universal and the local church. Each local church is to be autonomous and governed by its own elders. All members of the local church are a part of the Lord's universal church. Elders have three descriptions of character in the New Testament. Presbuteros, translated "presbyter", describes the elder as an older man or a senior. The second term used is Episkopos, translated "overseer." This word defines the elder as the man in charge with the duty to see that things are done by others. It would be the equivalent to a superintendent or guardian. Lastly Poimein, translated shepherd, shows the elder to be the pastor of the flock, which is the church. All three Greek words are used in the capacity for the elders of the church in Acts 20:17 and 28. The Bible teaches that there should be a plurality of elders (Acts 14:20-23; 15:2; 20:17). The church members are to submit to the rule of the elders who are appointed over them in the Lord (Hebrews 13:17).

The deacons of the church are the ones who serve and minister to the congregation. Their work could include any burden needing attention so that the church can function effectively in evangelism and ministry of the local church.