GOVERNMENT OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

It is very important to realize that the Christian Church/Church of Christ is not a denomination. That is, there is neither an individual nor a group (other than Christ Himself) outside of the local congregation that exercises authority over any congregation. Each Church is completely independent of all other churches.

There is no Biblical authority for such a denominational structure ruling over the Church that belongs to Christ. Each congregation will be under the oversight of men known as Elders, Bishops, Pastors, or Shepherds. These are all the names for the same office. Any man who meets the qualifications found in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 and desires the position may become an Elder of the congregation where he attends. He has no authority over any other congregation.

Each congregation will be served by men known as Deacons. Any man who meets the qualifications found in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 and desires the position may become a Deacon.

The Minister, Evangelist, or Preacher's role is primarily that of a proclaimer of the Gospel to the lost, and exhorter and teacher Christians the Word (II Timothy 4:2).

Every Christian is expected to serve in whatever area he or she has been gifted in by the Lord (Romans 12:3-8).