Government of a New Testament Church

Government of a New Testament Church.

Every local New Testament church is an independent, self-governing body, having Christ as its head and the Holy Spirit as its leader.

In accordance with the law of Christ, the members of each local church have the sole right to determine and safe-guard the vital and fundamental principles as outlined for its procedure her in the world for His work.

Places in the Bible where taught:

• The church receives members into its communion. Romans 14:1. Rom. 15:7.
• The church excludes unworthy members. 1st Cor. 5:1-5; II Thess. 3:6.
• The church restores excluded penitent members. 2nd Cor. 1:6-8.
• The church chose another apostle to take the place of Judas. Acts 1:23-26.
• The church chose deacons. Acts 6:1-6.
• The church chose pastors (Elders) in every local organization. Acts 14:23.
• The pastors are not to be rulers over the church. 1st Pet. 5:1-3.
• The deacons are not rulers over the church. Acts 6:1-3.

The Fundamental Faith and Doctrine of those called Missionary Baptists, Compiled and Arranged by Henry Filmore Sanders, Nacogdoches, Texas (Printed by Baker Printing Company, Nacogdoches. No date, no pagination) – with slight punctuation and formatting changes.