Last week, we started answering a new question some have regarding the New Testament church—how should church government function? We considered the word “pastor” as it relates to church government and today, we will examine the misconception that multiple congregations should operate under the authority of a governing counsel.

There are many different denominations that operate in this manner, but is it biblical? The answer is no; each congregation is autonomous, and this principle is primarily demonstrated in the silence of the Scriptures concerning a governing body over multiple congregations. When the Scripture is silent on an issue, it does not authorize; it prohibits. “For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has offi ciated at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood” (Heb. 7:12-14).

This concept shows that the “tribe of Moses” (Levitical tribe) did not speak anything concerning someone from the tribe of Judah officiating at the altar; therefore, it was impossible for one of that tribe to be a priest. Thus, Jesus could not be a priest under the law, because the law was silent concerning a person from the tribe of Judah officiating at the altar. Hence, the principle of silence of the Scriptures dictates that unless the Scriptures authorize a governing body to have authority over multiple congregations, it is prohibited by silence.

Paul also showed this principle: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:17). In whatever we do, we must be sanctified by the Word, which is truth. “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17). If we do not have the authority of Christ from His Word in direct command, example, or implication, then we are not sanctified in what we do by truth. This means that if there is no command, example, or implication of a governing body over multiple congregations, then silence prohibits it.

So, what does Christ authorize in His Word regarding church government? First, He is head of the church. The church does not have one governing body over multiple congregations. “And He put all things under His feet and gave Him to be head over all things to the church” (Eph. 1:22).

Jesus Himself confi rms all authority has been given to Him. “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:18). Secondly, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to the apostles (John 14:26) and it was in the fulfilment of this promise He endowed them with power (Acts 1:4-8). This promise was fulfi lled on the day of Pentecost when the “divided tongues as of fire, set upon each of them” (Acts 2:1-4). The new converts would then recognize this authority and continue daily in the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42).

Thirdly, the apostles had elders appointed in every city. “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you” (Titus 1:5). In Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every city. Luke records that these appointed men are to oversee the fl ock (Acts 20:17-28), and Peter records that they are to shepherd the flock (1 Peter 5:1-3).

It then stands to reason that if the elders are to oversee and shepherd, then this is the group of people whom the congregation is to “obey...for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account” (Heb. 13:17).

The Scriptures clearly outline how church government is to function— Christ as head, then the apostles, and with the death of the apostles and completion of the Scriptures (Acts 8:9-25; 1 Cor. 13:10; 2 Peter 1:3), responsibility was given to the elders, whom they had appointed in every congregation, eliminating the need for a governing body to dictate matters of church affairs over multiple congregations. The Scriptures teach the autonomy of the local congregation.

Just something to consider.