Discussion Thread Organizing a Church

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Liberty University *

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202-001

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Religion

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Jul 3, 2024

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docx

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Discussion Thread: Organizing a Church 300 words Imagine that you are starting a church. You are responsible for creating an organizational structure to help the church operate. From the three forms of church government described in the course material (Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Congregational) describe the nature of church government you would choose and why. Episcopal- highly structured The bishop has the authority Different levels depending on the denomination Presbyterian- Primary authority is the elder Less emphasis on the office and officeholder The elders function on behalf of the individual believer Only one level of clergy Only one teaching elder or pastor Congregational Stresses the role of the individual Christian The local congregation is the seat of authority Autonomy- independent and self governing No external power that dictates the course of action to the local church Democracy- every member By autonomy we mean that the local congregation is independent and self-governing. Millard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine , ed. Arnold L. Hustad, Third Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2015), 408.
There is no external power that can dictate courses of action to the local church. By democracy we mean that every member of the local congregation has a voice in its affairs. They Millard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine , ed. Arnold L. Hustad, Third Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2015), 408. I would choose a congregational church because it allows the church body to be a part of every aspect of church policies. I have also been a part of congregational churches my whole life and that’s what I am used to. A congregational church helps to encourage a sense of participation from members while giving the members a sense of ownership since they are a part of the decision-making process. It also encourages accountability and allows for changes along the way. Each church is autonomous and self-governing. “By autonomy, we mean that the local congregation is independent and self-governing 1 .” Even churches in the same denomination are independent, able to make decisions, and have authority over their church body. The church decides its bylaws and structure and chooses its leaders, such as pastors, committee members, and deacon members. It also takes care of its finances and manages its own matters. The democratic process is used when making decisions in the church, and it includes all members. Major decisions such as calling pastors, budgets, and major changes are brought to the church body for a vote. Before the vote even happens, there is a public discussion where information is provided, and questions can be asked. “Every member of the local congregation has a voice in its affairs.” Open communication is encouraged, and all members can participate. 2 ” Having regular meetings is a way to make sure members are informed and aware of what is going on. In my church, the pastors, deacons, and committee members are voted on by the whole church body. The paid staff members are accountable to the personnel team and the whole congregation. For example, I am on staff at my church, and all of the purchases I make, or any staff member makes, are viewed by the pastor and financial director and seen by the finance committee. Any 1 Millard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine , ed. Arnold L. Hustad, Third Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2015), 408. 2 Millard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine , ed. Arnold L. Hustad, Third Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2015), 408.
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