Examining Congregational Leadership and Church Government
Gerald P. Cowen
Broadman and Holman Publishers/2003
Does the New Testament present an implicit system of church government?
What Group in the Church is Vested with Sovereignty, under God?
What is the Difference between a Paster, and Elder, and a Bishop?
What is a Deacon?
Do the Greek Words translated Elder, Bishop, Pastor, and Deacon always refer to Church Officers?
Should the Pastor-Elder be called by God or by the Church?
Does the New Testament Authorize Election of a Board of Elders or Deacons to Govern a Church?
Can a Church have More than One Pastor-Elder?
Gerald Cowen offers answers to these critical questions concerning how the New Testament church is to be governed. Who Rules the Church contends that the New Testament model for congregational government is Pastoral Leadership-Congregational Rule. In other words, authority is given by the Lord to the congregation itself, but the pastor is God-called to that congregation not only to serve and take care of the congregation but also to be the leader.
