Church Government
Harvest is committed to the Bible's teaching that men who
hold the offices of Elder and Deacon are to oversee various functions of the
local church. The Bible's teaching on the subject of two church offices is found in 1 Timothy
3:1-16 and Titus 1:5-9. Although there are three terms used for the offices of
the church: bishop, elder, and deacon, analysis of these terms indicates that
bishop and elder are used interchangeably.
These positions in the church are very important, not because of a worldly pedestal of leadership, but rather because of the sobering responsibility of leading Jesus' church with grace and prudence. Elders are shepherds caring intently for the well-being of the flock and therefore casting aside their individual preferences.
Elder Qualifications (Titus 1:6-9)
- Above reproach
- Able to teach
- Husband to one wife
- Not addicted to wine
- Temperate
- Not antagonistic
- Prudent
- Uncontentious
- Respectable
- Free from the love of money
- Hospitable
- Manage own household
- Not a new convert
Elder Duties
The Scriptures show that the elders serve by leading and that their
responsibility involves the spiritual oversight of the congregation. All elders
are equal in authority but not necessarily equal in influence. The elders' primary responsibilities include:
- Doctrine - Ensuring that the doctrine of the church is biblical; all doctrinal issues in the church will be settled by the Board of Elders.
- Direction - Ensuring that the direction of the church is consistent with the Harvest Bible Chapel statement of purpose and the Four Pillars.
- Discipline - Administering in love and humility the process of
church discipline as outlined in Matthew 18:15-20; Galatians 6:1-4; Titus 3:10;
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; 1 Timothy 5:17-25; 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians
2:5-11, and Romans 16:17.
Plurality of Elders
The Scriptures teach that a plurality of elders governed individual New
Testament churches—Acts 14:23; Acts 20:28; Titus 1:5; Philippians 1:1. The
Scripture does not mention any congregations featuring a stand-alone pastor and
leader. A plurality of godly elders, exercising their individual giftedness,
squares with the Scripture's teaching that wisdom is found in a multitude of
godly counselors--Proverbs 11:4; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs
19:20; Proverbs 24:6. This truth does not eliminate the possibility and
likelihood that one or more elders will stand out from the others as more
public in their ministries or more influential in their workings on the Elder
Board.
Senior Pastor
The Harvest Bible Chapel Senior Pastor automatically serves as an elder
and, because of his public presence and responsibility before the congregation,
may be considered first among equals as a member of the Elder Board. The Senior
Pastor should be gifted primarily as a preacher/teacher and as a leader.
Deacons
The Bible teaches that deacons lead by serving—Acts 6. The qualifications
for elders and deacons are the same regarding an individual's character, but
they differ in aptitude. The elders are to be able to teach while the deacons
are to be able and proved as servants. The three primary areas of the deacon's responsibility include finances, facilities, and benevolence.
Deacon Qualifications: 1 Timothy 3:8-12
- Individual of dignity
- Above reproach
- Not double tongued
- First tested as servants
- Not addicted to wine
- Spouses must be faithful
- Temperate
- Not fond of sordid gain
- Holding to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience
- Husband of one wife
- Manages household well
- Facilities
- Finance
- Benevolence
