A biblical reality
Just as a Christian is not to be a lone-ranger but should be part of a local church, so also each local church should not exist in isolation from other local churches.
The various models
In the long history of the church, four models are identifiable. They are the Episcopal, Denominational, Associational, and Fellowship models.
Church Government
In order not to "get lost in the forest because of the woods," it is but
essential to see the big picture of church goverment structure.
An evaluation of the various models
Here will we see the characteristics that are in the various models of which
have the biblical warrant.
|
|
The nature on how a church is governed affects its way on how it will relate to other (true)
local churches of Christ. Actions taken by churches unto another will either be
opposed (when it is permitted) or allowed (when it is unwarranted).
This makes a number of organizational style to be adopted by churches in order to have
that relationship they need. But which of these have the closest resemblance
the Bible had without compromising Scriptural principles?
|
|
