All About Church
Abstract:
The New Testament refers to the Church as a spiritual organism and an organized community. The Church lives through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit, but it also needs wise organization to fulfill its mission effectively. Church order and governance are not ends in themselves but means by which the church maintains doctrinal integrity, promotes unity, exercises accountability, cares for its members, and advances the gospel. In the New Testament, recognized leadership was formed by believers, orderly worship was practiced, disputes were settled, and structures were built that allowed the mission of Christ to flourish. This article considers the biblical foundation for church order and governance, understanding that all organization must be for the sake of the mission of making disciples and glorifying God.
