Page 67 - Ecclesiology Textbook Masters

2. Once selected, the pastor (elder) or elders do have leadership responsibilities and will be held
accountable for their guidance. God has specially selected them to guide the church and direct it in
worship of the Lord. They are worthy of their position and should be supported financially by the
congregation. The congregation, therefore, must submit to their pastor’s leadership unless that
leadership is contrary to the will of God.

3. Unity was extremely important to the church. In John 13:35, Jesus said, “By this everyone will know
that you are my disciples, if you love one another." And we know that love gives preference to another
(I Cor. 13). A church that loves Christ and puts Him first in their lives will be a church that loves each
other and will be unified in their mission.

Each local church must decide which form of government that it will create to make sure that Jesus
Christ is worshipped as Lord and that the community will see Him exalted.

Mark Dever: How your church’s polity affects your church’s members

8.4 Let’s Practice…

1-3. List and explain the three major types of church polity:

4-6. Describe what is unique about each type of church government.
1.
2.
3.

7-8. What two passages of Scripture give us a detailed list of requirements for the office of elder or
pastor and the office of deacon?

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