The Bible does not prescribe one specific structure or model for how the church should be organized. However, it does provide some guidance and principles for thinking about church leadership and governance. Here are some of the main things the Bible teaches about church structure:
Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church
The New Testament makes it clear that Christ himself is the supreme leader and authority over the church. Ephesians 1:22-23 says God has put all things under Christ’s feet and gave him as head over all things to the church. And Colossians 1:18 calls Christ the “head of the body, the church.” So any church structure should recognize the preeminence of Christ.
Elders/Overseers to Lead Local Churches
The New Testament refers to elders/overseers (Greek = episkopos) who provided spiritual care and leadership for local churches. Acts 20:17 and Titus 1:5-7 indicate churches were to appoint qualified elders to oversee their affairs. 1 Peter 5:1-2 exhorts elders to shepherd and exercise oversight willingly and eagerly. And Hebrews 13:17 tells church members to obey and submit to their leaders.
Deacons to Minister/Serve
Another leadership role mentioned in the New Testament is that of deacons (Greek = diakonos). Deacons seem to have been appointed to handle practical service and administrative needs of the church. Acts 6:1-6 describes the choosing of the first deacons so the apostles could focus on preaching. And 1 Timothy 3 outlines qualifications for deacons.
Congregational Involvement
While elders and deacons provided official leadership, the New Testament also shows the involvement of the wider church community. Peter instructs the “whole community” of believers to “be shepherds of God’s flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3). And matters like discipline (1 Cor 5:4-5) and selecting leadership (Acts 6:5) involved the participation of the congregation.
Plurality and Shared Leadership
The consistent New Testament pattern was a plurality of elders/overseers in each local church (see Acts 14:23, 20:17; Philippians 1:1). There is no example of a single pastor ruling a church. This suggests shared and accountable leadership, rather than autocratic rule, is most biblical.
Male Leadership
While the Bible allows for female participation and giftedness in the church (1 Cor 11:5, 14:26), it reserves the formal teaching and leadership roles for qualified men (1 Timothy 2:11-12, 3:1-7). The office of elder/overseer is limited to men who meet the moral and spiritual qualifications.
Recognition of Giftedness
The New Testament acknowledges the diversity of gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit among believers for building up the church (Rom 12:6-8, 1 Cor 12:4-11, Eph 4:11-13). So church structure should aim to facilitate the use of these gifts for the church’s edification.
Unity and Order
While flexibility and shared leadership is encouraged, the New Testament also emphasizes the need for harmony and order in the church. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says “God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” And Romans 12:16 instructs Christians to “live in harmony with one another.”
So in summary, the Bible promotes accountable, plural leadership under Christ’s headship; shared governance with qualified elders and deacons; congregational participation; facilitation of spiritual gifts; and preservation of unity and order. While a diversity of models may fulfill these principles, any biblical church structure should embody these key elements.
Common Church Leadership Models
Various denominations and churches have structured their leadership and governance based on these biblical principles in different ways. Here are a few of the most common church leadership models:
Episcopalian Model
This model has a hierarchy of bishops, priests, and deacons. Bishops provide oversight for groups of local churches. Leadership is passed on through apostolic succession. Used by Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Methodist churches.
Presbyterian Model
Churches are governed democratically by elected lay leaders (elders) and pastors (teaching elders). Local churches belong to regional presbyteries. Leadership is shared and decisions are made collectively by clergy and lay leaders. Used by Presbyterian, Reformed churches.
Congregational Model
Local church autonomy with decisions made democratically by members. Leadership is provided by locally elected or appointed pastors/elders. Affiliation with other churches is voluntary. Used by Baptist, Congregational, Pentecostal churches.
Single Pastor-Led/Elder Board Model
A single senior pastor provides primary leadership and oversight over church operations and ministries. Elders function as a board to provide accountability and spiritual protection. Used often in non-denominational evangelical churches.
Network/Cell Models
Churches consist of a loosely connected network of small groups/cells with shared leadership and emphasis on lay participation. Oversight may be provided by apostles within the network. Used in many Charismatic, Pentecostal, and House churches.
These represent some of the most common ways churches have structured themselves, with differing approaches to leadership selection and decision-making. But most incorporate some aspects like pastoral leadership, elder oversight, congregational involvement, and service by deacons.
Assessing Church Structures
When evaluating church structure, here are some questions to consider in light of biblical principles:
- Does it recognize Christ as supreme Head and leader of the church?
- Are biblically qualified elders/overseers providing spiritual leadership and care?
- Are the gifts, talents, and participation of the wider body being encouraged and facilitated?
- Is there appropriate accountability for leaders and checks against abuse of power?
- Is there harmony, order, and unity across the church?
- Does it help the church fulfill its mission and purpose effectively?
The Bible allows diversity in application, so there is no mandated “one size fits all” church structure. But any biblical model should uphold Christ’s headship, provide qualified servant leadership, cultivate lay participation, preserve unity, and equip the church for ministry.
Principles for Those in Church Leadership Roles
For those serving in official leadership capacities in a church, the Bible provides helpful principles to guide conduct:
- Shepherd God’s people humbly and eagerly, not under compulsion (1 Pet 5:1-4).
- Oversee the flock willingly and eagerly, not out of obligation or greed (1 Pet 5:2, Titus 1:7).
- Do not lord power over others, but be examples (1 Pet 5:3, Philippians 3:17).
- Equip believers for works of service (Eph 4:11-12).
- Teach and preach the Word faithfully (2 Tim 4:2).
- Care for the church sincerely and diligently (1 Thess 2:8).
- Pray earnestly for the church (Eph 1:15-17).
- Serve rather than be served (Matt 20:26-28).
- Do everything for God’s glory and Christ’s honor (Col 3:17).
In summary, biblical leadership means being examples of humility, integrity and service as stewards entrusted to oversee and care for God’s precious church.
Principles for Church Members
For those not in official leadership, the Bible also provides guidance on relating to your church and its leaders:
- Submit to and obey leaders (Heb 13:17).
- Appreciate and esteem your leaders greatly (1 Thess 5:12-13).
- Pray for your leaders regularly (Heb 13:18).
- Provide financially for pastor/leaders (1 Cor 9:9-14).
- Protect unity and harmony in the church (Eph 4:3).
- Use your gifts to build up others (1 Pet 4:10).
- Contribute to decision-making appropriately (Acts 6:2-6).
- Receive biblical instruction humbly (James 1:21).
- Imitate the godly behavior of leaders (Heb 13:7).
- Check teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11).
Biblical church membership involves honoring, supporting and submitting to your leaders while also wisely participating in Christ’s body.
Issues to Avoid
There are a few church structural issues the Bible expressly warns against:
- Diotrephes Pride – Resisting or undermining rightful biblical authority (3 John 1:9-10).
- Single Leader Rule – Autocratic, unilateral control by one leader (2 Cor 1:24).
- Superstar Pastors – Elevating leaders as celebrities with lack of accountability (1 Cor 3:4-9).
- Nicolaitan System – Institutional hierarchy for self-exaltation (Rev 2:6).
- Sectarian Splits – Divisive factions around personalities (1 Cor 1:10-17).
- False Teaching – Distorting truth and misleading the flock (Acts 20:28-30).
Churches must prayerfully avoid structures that consolidate power, stifle accountability, foster disunity, or introduce false doctrine. Maintaining humble, faithful biblical leadership is imperative.
Keys to Healthy Church Structure and Governance
In summary, here are some key markers of healthy biblical church leadership and structure:
- Christ-centeredness – Christ’s supremacy recognized and submitted to.
- Faithfulness to Scripture – Structures derived from biblical principles.
- Qualified Servant Leadership – Humble shepherds meeting biblical criteria.
- Shared Governance – Leadership authority distributed and accountable.
- Unity and Order – Cooperation, harmony, efficiency.
- Congregational Participation – People valued and voices heard.
- Facilitation of Gifts – Opportunities to build up the body.
- Mission Focus – Organization aligned to discipleship and outreach.
- Prayerful Dependence – Seeking God’s wisdom and direction.
While many variations are possible, these foundational principles are reflective of the leadership ideals and practices we see affirmed throughout the New Testament church.
