Opposing Views to Plural Elder Led Congregationalism
The first major opposing view to plural elder-led congregationalism that we will consider is Episcopalianism. There are different groups that hold to different theological convictions that use this form of church governance. The Episcopalian governance structure teaches that bishops are a distinct office, above deacons and presbyters.[1] Some groups affirm that the bishop is seen as being of a higher order in ministry, belonging to the historical episcopate, and of being in apostolic succession.[2] The Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Eastern, Old Catholic, United (e.g., Church of South India), and Anglican churches, as well as a few national Lutheran churches (e.g., in Scandinavia), ascribe to this view.[3] Some Methodists and Lutherans also hold to a form of Episcopalian church governance, but with different nuances from the previously mentioned groups. In these denominations, “bishop” is used of the clergy-person who is the superintendent of a given area wherein are multiple parishes and pastors. However, as bishop-superintendent, he or she is not considered above other clergy in terms of holy hierarchy, divine order/appointment, or unique relation to the apostles and the apostolic age.[4]
In Anglicanism, bishops are not completely in charge of their denomination. In this denomination, bishops have the responsibility of ordaining elders and deacons and caring for them. Bishops do not make every decision for the church, but instead, the dioceses and providences are governed by synods; parishes are governed by local councils.[5] In Anglicanism, a synod consists of a house of bishops, a house of clergy (presbyters and deacons), and a house of laity; each major decision in this denomination has to be approved by all three houses.[6] Roman Catholicism and the Orthodox church differ in their ecclesiology on this matter. In these two groups, a synod only consists of bishops.
Episcopal church governance is problematic for many reasons. Episcopalism fails to observe that bishops are described both in the plural and in the context of local churches. As Paul and Timothy wrote to the church at Philippi, they wrote to all the saints at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons (Phil. 1:1). John Gill observes the following about the overseers serving at Philippi:
These pastors or bishops were all upon an equal foot; one had not any authority or power over another, or more authority than another; they were not metropolitan or diocesan bishops, but pastors of a particular church; and were neither lords over one another, nor of God’s heritage. [7]
Additionally, Episcopalian church government fails to observe that bishops/overseers and presbyters/elders are used interchangeably in the New Testament to describe the same spiritual office. They wrongly distinguish bishops/overseers from presbyters/elders. The biblical fact that these offices are synonymous terms, and the scriptural observation that local churches had people serving in this office are enough to oppose the Episcopalian church structure.
[1] The Episcopalian structure of church governance distinguishes the office of Overseer (Bishop) from Elder (Presbyter).
[2] Peter Toon, “Episcopalianism,” in Who Runs the Church?, ed. Paul E. Engle and Steven B. Cowan, Zondervan Counterpoints Collection (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004), 21.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid. 22.
[6] Ibid. 22.
[7] John Gill, An Exposition of the New Testament, vol. 3, The Baptist Commentary Series (London: Mathews and Leigh, 1809), 115.
Austin has been one of the pastors of Covenant Baptist Church (Clarksville, TN) since February of 2024. He holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Spurgeon College, a M.A. in Pastoral Studies and a M.Div from Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary.
By God’s free and sovereign grace, Austin was saved early in his adulthood. He is married to Rachel, and together they have three children: Geneva, Benjamin, and Bristol.
