This is an entry from a theoogical dictionary on different views of church government, including Presbyterian, Congregational, and Episcopalian.

This article is about the fourth membership vow: "Do you agree to submit in the Lord to the government of this church and, in case you should be found delinquent in doctrine or life, to heed its discipline?" Who runs the church? Jesus is the only king and head of the church. How does he rule the church? He delegates his authority to pastors and elders and reigns through His Word and Spirit.

This article is about submitting to the government of the church. Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Who are these leaders, and how should we submit to them?

Your church documents reveal a lot about the life of the church. What do your church calendar, budget, prayer list, newsletter, bylaws, and attendance form say about your church?

Church government has its foundation in the truth that Christ is the head of the church. How does Christ govern his church? This article explains that Christ rules the church by his Word and Spirit, and it is through the special office bearers that his Spirit brings his Word to the members of his body. The article looks at the role of pastors, elders, and deacons in church government. It also explains how Christ speaks through the keys of the kingdom.

This author highlights some areas of church government that need to be considered and examined carefully.