Single Elder-led Congregationalism The last governmental structure worthy of consideration is single elder-led congregationalism. This view denies the bishop hierarchal structure espoused in Episcopalianism. It likewise denies the interdependent connectional structure espoused in Presbyterianism. Like plural elder-led congregationalism, single elder-led…
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…
Plural Elder Led Congregationalism We have given consideration to who an elder is and what an elder does. But now we must consider how an elder cooperates with a congregation. The Bible’s discussion of church leadership always assumes a congregational…
The Qualifications for Eldership Not everyone in the church is gifted for the spiritual office of elder. This office has qualifications that restrict who can and who cannot serve the church in this role. Although not everyone is gifted and/or…
The New Testament uses multiple terms interchangeably to describe this office: elder, overseer (bishop in the King James Version), and shepherd. The Particular Baptist Nehemiah Coxe helps establish these interchangeable titles: The officers that we are now treating of, which…
Introduction Those called to preach and teach the Bible have the responsibility to teach the whole counsel of God. When preaching, much attention is (rightly) given to soteriological and Christological doctrines but often at the expense of neglecting other key…