Who Runs the Church?

Who Runs the Church?
Author: Zondervan,
Publisher: Zondervan
Total Pages: 322
Release: 2009-05-26
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0310543525

Churches have split and denominations have formed over the issue of church government. While many Christians can explain their church's form of rule or defend it because of its "tried and true" traditions, few people understand their church's administrative customs from a biblical perspective. Who Runs the Church? explores questions such as: What model for governing the church does the Bible provide, and is such a model given for practical or spiritual reasons? Is there room for different methods within Christianity? Or is there a right way of "doing church"? And, finally, how (and by whom) should the church be governed? Four predominant approaches to church government are presented by respected proponents: Episcopalianism - represented by Peter Toon Presbyterianism - represented by L. Roy Taylor Single-Elder Congregationalism - represented by Paige Patterson Plural-Elder Congregationalism - represented by Samuel E. Waldron As in other Counterpoints books, each view is followed by critiques from the other contributors, and its advocate then responds.

Perspectives on Church Government

Perspectives on Church Government
Author: Chad Brand
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
Total Pages: 370
Release: 2004-07-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1433669145

Perspectives on Church Government presents in counterpoint form the basic models of church government which have developed over the course of church history with a view toward determining which is most faithful to Scripture. Each chapter will be written by a prominent person from within each tradition—with specific guidelines dealing with the biblical, historical, and theological issues within each governance tradition. In addition, each writer will have the opportunity to give a brief response to the other traditions.

Governance and Ministry

Governance and Ministry
Author: Dan Hotchkiss
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 263
Release: 2016-01-14
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1566997712

Governance and Ministry has proven to be an indispensable guide for leaders and clergy on how to work together to lead congregations. In this second edition, veteran congregational consultant and minister Dan Hotchkiss updates the book to reflect today’s church and synagogue landscape and shares practical insights based on his work with readers of the first edition. Governance and Ministry highlights the importance of reaching the right governance model for a congregation to fulfill its mission—to achieve both the outward results and the inward quality of life to which it is called. Hotchkiss draws on governance research from business, non-profits, and churches, as well as deep experience in a variety of denominations and congregations to help readers determine the governance model that best fits their needs. The second edition has been streamlined and reorganized to better help readers think through leadership models and the process of change. The book features new material on the implications of congregation size, the process of governance change, policy choices, and the lay-clergy relationship. It also features two appendices with resources often requested by Hotchkiss’s consulting clients: a style guide for policy-makers and a unified example of a board policy book. Written with energy and humor, and offering plenty of practical examples, the second edition of this helpful resource is ideal for anyone involved in church leadership to assist in framing critical questions, creating a vision, and implementing a plan.

Constitutional Theology

Constitutional Theology
Author: Allan J. Janssen
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
Total Pages: 340
Release: 2000
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9780802848826

One of the RCAs foremost researchers here offers commentary that explains the proper roles of elders, deacons, classes, and synods and details the procedures necessary for successful church life. Based on the Book of Church Order, this helpful volume will assist church leaders in their callings and prevent the myriad difficulties that arise when appropriate procedures are not followed. A necessity for every pastor, elder, and deacon.