How is a New Testament Church organized?
The church is autonomous in all of its decision making. Because apostles are no longer alive, above the local level there is no authority. Each congregation selects leaders from within the congregation who are called elders, pastors or shepherds (all three terms describe the same group of men), based on qualities found in the New Testament in Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1-12; Titus 1:1-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4. Elders are responsible for the spiritual leadership of the local church on earth. The congregation also selects men called deacons who aid the church, but do not have authority over it. Finally, elders often choose a preacher. Preachers, while very visible, do not have authority. Like all members preachers are under the guidance of elders who use the Bible as their authority in all matters. Does Christ’s Church Have Women As Congregational Leaders? A woman’s biblical role in the New Testament Church is critically important to the salvation of souls. However, leadership in the assemblies in
