2012 APRIL WEEK ONE LESSON

Church Government and Administration

Main Text: Efesofo 4:11-12

Memory Verse:  Heb. 13:17a

Government is the exercise of authority over an organization, institution, state, district, etc. to offer direction, control, rule and/or management. It involves, people, territory and leadership. As people come together, they need to be organized by a structure with a set of rules and policies. Some people are appointed, selected or elected to have responsibility of ensuring that the organization functions by the set rules at the various levels.

The church therefore has a governing and administrative system that has been established at all levels. Acts 6:1-4

·         Government is God ordained and so it is biblical

·         Government is needed to prevent anarchy/chaos  Judges 17:6

·         There are divinely ordained realms in government; Heavenly, Home, Nation & Church

Types of Church Government

Episcopal: This is the form of government where decisions are taken mostly by one person who is usually the founder and leader of the church. In some of this kind of Church government, there is a continuation of a class of superior clergy – bishops. It is based on the development of tradition in the early church.

Congregational: the congregational type is fully democratic in nature where every member has a stake in the decision of the Church. Every member has a vote. Authority lies in the direct action of the people themselves. Churches in such an institution are united not organically but on the basis of voluntary fellowship.

Presbyterial: It is the form where authority is vested in a representative chosen by the people, both clergy and laity, who act in their name – representations are at all levels. This is the form of government the Church of Pentecost upholds. Here, decisions are taken by the Presbytery at all the levels.  The presbytery is made up of ordained Ministers, Elders, Deacons and Deaconesses. At the District level, the highest decision making body is the District Presbytery and at the Area Level, the Area Presbytery. The general council is the highest decision making body of the Church.

Points for Discussion

1. How is the Church of Pentecost organized?

2. How is the church administered at the District Level?

3. How is the church organised at Local level?

4. How should members relate to their leaders?