What is the right type of church government – a board, congregational, or apostolic?
It’s important to realize two things when addressing church government. First, God can work within any type of church government, just as He can work within any type of natural government.
Secondly, the Bible doesn’t give an exact plan for church government. I believe God did this to allow for cultural differences. However, the Bible does stress church governing principles. The number one principle is that God uses the ministry gift of the pastor to shepherd his people. Let’s look at a very descriptive passage written to pastors.
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
(1 Peter 5:2-4 NIV)
The pastor, as a shepherd under Jesus, oversees God’s earthly flock by protective and directive means. He is to feed the flock through teaching, coordinate the ministries within the local church, and give vision and direction to the church.
Therefore a church’s governing body should be an aid for the pastor. Church government is good when it doesn’t hinder the pastor from fulfilling his God-given responsibility and the vision God has given him for the church. If church government hinders the pastor from shepherding the local church, then it’s not the type of government God intended.
On the other hand, I do believe all pastors need advisory boards and other boards that have skilled people on them. I find this necessary especially in the area of finances and natural decisions.
As a pastor, I humble myself to the wisdom of other men and women and allow them to challenge my vision, especially the timing of it. Doing this is being wise.
Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Proverbs 11:14: “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.”
Proverbs 20:18: “Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.”
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Joe Cameneti Sr. is the lead pastor of Believers Church, located in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Pastor Joe, along with his wife Gina, pioneered Believers Church in 1983 following his graduation from Bible School.
In addition to leading a thriving local church, Pastor Joe is the host of a weekly show called "BCTV." The program is aired locally, reaching over 30,000 people each month.
Pastor Joe is a gifted communicator, skilled in the art of building bridges to unchurched America. Transparent and authentic, you'll walk away challenged and encouraged to connect with God in a deeper way.