Discover the six ancient principles of church government and how they measure up today.
This concise examination argues that the apostolic model, not modern innovations, best reflects the Bible’s design for governance, unity, and leadership in the church.
In clear, accessible terms, the book traces how early church leaders organized congregations, taught by example, and preserved order without sacrificing gospel truth. It compares prelacy, independence, and presbytery, showing how each system aligns or clashes with what the Scriptures describe as the apostolic pattern. The discussion highlights the role of elders, the practice of ordination, and the idea that Christ alone is head of the church.
- How elders repeatedly served in plural in individual churches, and what that means for leadership today
- Why ordination and the laying on of hands were part of establishing church offices
- What the early church implied about representation, governance, and unity
- How Presbyterians interpret church government as the closest agreement with the apostolic model
Ideal for readers of church history, ecclesiology, and those exploring how different governance structures affect faith and practice.