A Theology of Biblical Governance

Why the shift in governance model?

A Theology of Biblical Governance

You won’t find a direct biblical example of voting as we understand it today—there are no secret ballots, Robert’s Rules of Order, or 51% majorities in Scripture. Instead, the biblical language focuses on assent, common consent, and corporate discernment. Likewise, the leader-led model of the church isn't about unchecked authority, but about accountable oversight, faithful shepherding, and spiritual stewardship.

We believe a healthy church isn't ruled by popular vote or personal preference, but is guided by godly, Spirit-led leaders and affirmed by a unified, Spirit-filled people.

PART 1: THE BIBLICAL CASE FOR LEADER-LED GOVERNANCE

From Genesis to Revelation, we see a consistent pattern: God entrusts spiritual authority to specific, qualified individuals to guide His people toward health and mission.

Old Testament Precedents - The Shepherd Model

The Old Testament consistently portrays leadership as God-appointed.

  • Patriarchs, Prophets, and Priests – Abraham, Moses, Aaron, and Samuel were called directly by God to lead His people. Their authority came from divine appointment, not popular vote.
  • Moses and Delegated Leadership (Exodus 18:13–26) – On Jethro’s counsel, Moses chose capable men to help judge Israel. These men were appointed, not elected.
  • Elders of Israel (Numbers 11:16–17) – God told Moses to gather men already recognized as elders and leaders. Their authority flowed from God’s call through Moses.
  • Kings and Prophets – During Israel’s monarchy, kings ruled and prophets spoke God’s word to correct and guide. Leadership was still vertical—God to leader, leader to people.

New Testament Evidence - The Apostle & Elder Model

The New Testament continues this pattern, shifting from national to spiritual leadership within the church. Notably, we never see the local church voting to make decisions or appoint leaders.

  • Jesus and the Apostles – Jesus personally chose the Twelve (Luke 6:12–16). He gave them the authority to establish and guide the church (Matthew 18:18; Ephesians 2:20).
  • Apostolic Appointment of Elders –
    • Acts 14:23 – Paul and Barnabas “appointed elders in every church.” The term used (Greek cheirotoneō) conveys selection through apostolic authority.
    • Titus 1:5 – Paul instructed Titus to “appoint elders in every town.” This was not a vote but a commission.
  • The Role of Overseers (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1–3) – The Holy Spirit appoints elders to shepherd God’s flock with humility, not domination.
  • The Call to Submission (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Timothy 5:17) – Believers are urged to respect and follow those who lead faithfully, because those leaders will give an account before God for their care.

PART 2: THE BIBLICAL CASE FOR CONGREGATIONAL INVOLVEMENT

Although formal voting is not mentioned in Scripture, the people of God are never passive. Scripture shows a pattern of covenantal assent—a shared commitment to God’s purposes.

Old Testament Examples - The Covenant Model

  • Exodus 24:3, 7 – The people responded with one voice: “All the words the LORD has spoken we will do.”
  • Joshua 24:14–24 – The tribes of Israel reaffirmed their covenant with God together, publicly declaring their obedience.

New Testament Examples - The Body Model

The early church demonstrates meaningful participation under spiritual leadership.

  • Acts 1:15–26 – The believers participated in selecting Matthias, praying and casting lots to discern God’s choice.
  • Acts 6:1–6 – The apostles directed the congregation to choose seven men to serve (the first deacons). The people selected, the apostles affirmed and commissioned.
  • Acts 15 – The Jerusalem Council combined elder-led discernment with congregational affirmation (“it seemed good to the apostles and elders, with the whole church”).
  • 1 Corinthians 5 & 2 Corinthians 2:6 – The church, not just its leaders, participated in discipline and restoration. Paul even refers to a decision “by the majority.”
  • Galatians 1:8–9 – The entire congregation bears responsibility to guard the gospel.

PART 3: SUMMARY - WHY THIS MATTERS

A close reading of Scripture shows that while the congregation participates in affirming leaders (Acts 6) and addressing matters of discipline (1 Corinthians 5), the New Testament consistently presents a model of qualified, Spirit-led leadership. From the church’s earliest days, the apostles appointed elders to oversee, shepherd, and guide God’s people (Titus 1:5; Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 5:17)—leaders accountable to both the church and ultimately to God Himself (Hebrews 13:17).

Unlike modern democratic structures shaped by popular vote, biblical leadership is theocratic—guided by God and discerned through the wisdom of His appointed shepherds. Their decisions are rooted in prayer, Scripture, and spiritual discernment rather than public opinion. The congregation, in turn, is called to trust, respect, and actively participate in advancing the gospel.

This proposal seeks to align our governance more closely with that biblical model—a community led by faithful elders and united under Christ’s authority.