Foundations of Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG07

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F O U N D A T I O N S O F C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

c. Congregational form of church government

(1) The church is self-governing (autonomous).

(2) The church functions by democratic processes (voting).

d. Non-governmental: stress upon the Holy Spirit working through the members of the body

C. Pastoral authority varies greatly depending on the governmental structure of the church.

1. In episcopal forms, the authority of the pastor conforms to the authority allowed for at his level of ministry function .

2. In presbyterian forms, the authority of the pastor is determined by his or her role as a teaching elder (no higher levels of ministry exist [such as a bishop]).

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3. In congregational forms, the authority of the pastor may vary from strong, independent, authoritative leader to one who serves at the beck-and-call of the congregation .

4. In non-governmental forms, the authority of the pastor is based on the individual group’s definition of the pastoral role as it reads the NT.

D. Implications for our understanding of the pastoral ministry

1. Virtually all forms of church government recognize the significance of the pastoral ministry.