Organizational Structure

A local body of Christ, a local church, can be viewed like God; that is, as a trinity. There are three groups that make up a local church: laypersons and two classes of leaders, deacons and bishops (also called elders). In Philippians chapter 1 the entire church (saints, deacons and bishops) is addressed by Paul and Timothy and no one is excluded: "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons" (Philippians 1:1). Thus, bishops (elders) oversee deacons and the congregation. Deacons aid bishops in fulfilling the needs of the church: "I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me" (Numbers 11:14). "One man cannot effectively serve as shepherd to five hundred people, let alone five thousand or fifty thousand! It would be impossible for [an elder] to do the job the way it should be done if he tried to oversee that number of people. The alternative is to have plurality of leaders, these elders/overseers/shepherds. That way, it does not matter how many members there are; you never have to split up the congregation. You appoint new leaders [chosen by God] each time the congregation grows, and you keep a certain proportion between the number of leaders and the number in the congregation."²⁰⁵ As a general guideline, we recommend churches maintain a ratio of one elder to at most fifty men (age twenty-one and older), beside women and children.

In addition, to those elders focusing directly on the flock, we also recommend that at least two elders have no direct responsibility for members. These elders—pillars per Galatians 2:9—should give themselves "continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). Apostles would be the first choice for these offices, then prophets, and then pastors and/or teachers. "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues" (1 Corinthians 12:28). Apostles are "not on a higher level than the [other] elders, for there is no individual or body over the elders ... The elders are the leaders, and you cannot get any higher than they ... The senior ministry is the apostle, followed by the prophets and evangelists, pastors and teachers, but they are all co-elders. In terms of their authority outside merely local matters, their authority is ranked, but within the local church, they are equal. The apostles cannot become a group above the elders. Nevertheless, because of the apostolic ministry in certain matters, particularly those of doctrine, theirs is the highest authority."²⁰⁶ A mutual fulfilling of responsibilities is required for the church to be successful. Balanced leadership is called for, not dictatorships. When, however, there is trouble among the elders, like a single elder trying to exercise lordship, apostles or prophets must take corrective action, as did John.

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. (3 John 1:9-11)

Here we see the spirits of tradition, idolatry and entrepreneurship at work already in the early church. Diotrephes wanted to be the top elder, the pastor, the local lord, if you will. John, however, has to exert his authority as an apostle to bring the situation under control. "It is a fact that, in every aspect of the Christian life, and in every aspect of the local congregation, there is this element of authority and discipline. Where Christians refuse scriptural discipline, the result is chaos and disaster."²⁰⁷

Sample Ministries

Below are sample listings of services (auxiliaries or ministries) that local churches provide. The first table represents suggested ministries to be led by elders (bishop) and the second table represents suggested ministries to be led by deacons.

Services/Ministries (Elders)

Services/Ministries (Deacons)

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