church government is it taboo to talk about?

[Smeadly]

I desire a local church government set up with Pauls teaching in mind but even approaching the subject is like wacking a nest of hornets and brings out dark spirits. Why is his way so hated among Christian leadership?

 

[PloverWing]

There are many forms of church government being practiced now, all with some support from the New Testament. Some churches are congregational, some have bishops, some have groups of elders, some have no ordained clergy at all. Are you unable to find a church that fits your understanding of Paul's teaching?

 

[David Lamb]

I desire a local church government set up with Pauls teaching in mind but even approaching the subject is like wacking a nest of hornets and brings out dark spirits. Why is his way so hated among Christian leadership?

I haven't come across any hatred of biblical teaching on church government among church leaders, though I suppose in denomination where the bible is not the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice, such a hatred would be more likely.

 

[Smeadly]

There are many forms of church government being practiced now, all with some support from the New Testament. Some churches are congregational, some have bishops, some have groups of elders, some have no ordained clergy at all. Are you unable to find a church that fits your understanding of Paul's teaching?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I believe a board of overseers ought to be made up of older men — fathers whose children are all in the faith and who honor them. As Scripture says, “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise) — Ephesians 6:2. That kind of honor isn’t just about childhood obedience; it’s lifelong respect, a recognition of a man’s integrity and how he’s led his household.


When such a man is asked to serve as an overseer, that’s what I believe Scripture calls double honor (1 Timothy 5:17). The first honor is earned in the home. The second comes when the congregation recognizes his faithfulness and asks him to help shepherd the church without pay. It’s not about status — it’s about proven character and the fruit of a well-ordered life.


I don’t believe overseers or ministers should come from seminaries, but from within the congregation — men already known and tested. They must be faithful, have children who are not unruly, be the husband of one wife, and live blamelessly.


And I see ministry being unpaid as essential. Paul said, “What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge…” and he warned against “filthy lucre.” He knew that seeking pay could lead to abusing the power of the gospel, and I believe that concern still holds true.


This isn’t just a personal view — it’s the biblical model I believe we’re called to follow if we want the church to remain faithful, grounded, and accountable. Your thoughts?

 

[JustaPewFiller]

.....And I see ministry being unpaid as essential. Paul said, “What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge…” and he warned against “filthy lucre.” He knew that seeking pay could lead to abusing the power of the gospel, and I believe that concern still holds true.....

Is this just for the overseers or the pastor / priest as well?

Asking as those in that position still need a place to live, food to eat, a way to pay bills etc. Are you proposing they be bi-vocational or another way?

I admit it is a touchy subject. I think the excesses of some of the mega-rich pastors are just shameful. But, I wouldn't want my pastor worrying if he could afford to to buy food, clothing, transportation, housing for himself and his family either.

As for why church government is a touchy subject. Well, it is just human nature, people tend not to want their apple carts upset. But, I wouldn't call it hatred..

 

[PloverWing]

This isn’t just a personal view — it’s the biblical model I believe we’re called to follow if we want the church to remain faithful, grounded, and accountable. Your thoughts?

I'd say that it's one model of church government that's consistent with the New Testament. It's a model that's followed in some house churches, I think.

Do you envision each congregation being organizationally separate from other congregations, or do you envision some kind of larger group (spanning a US state, or a nation, or a continent, for example) that the individual congregations would be affiliated with?

 

[Smeadly]

I'd say that it's one model of church government that's consistent with the New Testament. It's a model that's followed in some house churches, I think.

Do you envision each congregation being organizationally separate from other congregations, or do you envision some kind of larger group (spanning a US state, or a nation, or a continent, for example) that the individual congregations would be affiliated with?

Im just a guy, I have 9 married kids, 30 gk's and we go to a church that does not do it this way. A calvary chapel moses model church government) I have studied this topic for decades and fasted days on end to get it right (more probably better said I have it righter than I had it) anyway if overseers were the grandpas (according to scriptural qualifications and released if their kids go haywire) all with at least several adult children and all of their children were christian and unaccused, those guys could manage the church easily. lets say that represents the 7 largest families so at 2 kids each there is 14 young adult children and their spouses. Not to mention the unqalifed but still sold out..... Since there is enough overseers to assign the teaching if they can't or wont dont you think there is enough talent to do it without pay? If I pay a guy he is hired, and if he is hired how is he not a hireling? Use the money saved to pay hireling salaries to reach and serve and bless the lost!