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LEADERSHIP
Believing in the priesthood of all believers and recognizing that the Bible prescribes various offices of church authority, we have a simple and flat organizational structure, which provides order while avoiding hierarchy as much as possible.
All of our spiritual and local leaders are chosen from among our congregations and serve without pay.
Apostolic Christian Church Government
Local
1. Christ is the Head of the church, the chief Shepherd; and all authority flows from him.
2. A variety of spiritual and administrative leadership offices exist in the local congregations for the orderly function of the church. These offices include elder, deacon, ministers, trustees, Sunday school teachers and various other offices as found needful. Direction is sought from the congregation for filling local leadership offices either by vote or personal suggestion. The decision for appointment rests with the elder, a responsibility given to Timothy by Apostle Paul.
3. The elder (bishop) and deacons are selected in light of the desirable character qualities of leadership given in
1 Timothy 3 and
Titus 1:5-9. The congregation's sentiment for support of a ministering brother for elder responsibilities is obtained by ballot and/or interview of the local church members. The decisions for appointment of elders and ordained deacons rest with the Elder Body which utilizes an interview process.
4. Duties of elders, deacons, and ministers:
A. Ministers are responsible for preaching and teaching the Word at worship services. Ministers are also responsible for assisting the elder with providing counsel and making decisions that relate to the local congregation.
B. A deacon serves as assistant to the elder and performs all ministerial duties.
Acts 6:1-6
C. An elder is the administrator of the spiritual matters of the church. He performs the rites (baptism, laying on of hands, communion, marriage), counsels converts and members, and performs all ministerial duties.
5. Discipline of erring members is administered for their spiritual welfare and for the preservation of the church, always with the goal of assisting restoration of the erring soul to God. The elder is responsible for administering discipline in the assembly of believers with their support and for their benefit. When by God’s grace and mercy a disciplined individual is restored to relationship to God, the elder is also responsible for reinstating those individuals to membership after receiving appropriate counsel from the Elder Body.
Denominational
- There are approximately 65 active elders who meet semiannually to handle national governance matters [see photo above].
- Doctrinal authority rests with this Elder Body which depends on the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the Word for guidance.
- There is no hierarchy within the Elder Body. Each is of equal authority and responsibility except that a rotating committee of five elders elected by this body handles correspondence, prepares the agenda and conducts orderly meetings, and responds to special local congregational needs.
- The Elder Body is responsible for the approval of elder and ordained deacon candidates and establishment of major church projects.
- Extensive communication and cooperation exists among the elders. There is frequent interchurch visiting and assistance with duties such as communion, facilitation of testimonies, ordination services, and many other important matters.