Since the head of the church has expressed His leadership through self-giving service, we conclude that this attitude is the only acceptable possibility for the church to adopt. Jesus directs His church through the gifts He gave it, just as He directs men through the gifts He gives them.

For instance, the one with the obvious gift of teaching should teach and not try to assume the responsibility and authority to be the prophet. We should recognize him as a teacher and receive life through him. As we recognize each other’s gifts and submit to them in their area of gifting, we will find the body fits together perfectly.

"Oversight" is not only a responsibility to the accepted - it is a gift that the head of the church gives to some members. Overseers serve the body by functioning responsibly in that gift. Those who are not given oversight are free from the responsibility to make sure the "church is run properly." They can concentrate on using their gift to serve the body.

When our Lord ascended, He gave several gifts (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher) to the church for the purpose of equipping the saints. These gifts (gifted ones), serve the body by equipping others to do the work of ministry. They rob the body when they do all the ministry themselves.

We have concluded that the most biblical and most practical form of church government is through elder oversight. The elders are men who are recognized as having the ability to see the whole picture of the church, how it relates to the body of Christ at large and how each project fits into the local vision for this church.

Leadership is developed and recognized by the following process: Relationship is established and fellowship is maintained with existing leaders, as well as with the individual members of the body, until vision is clarified and direction is sure. Responsibility is then proven in areas of service.

Then authority is given by God, not only through the existing leaders, but through the recognition of the members as we practice mutual submission. To shortcut this process is to assure problems relating to novice leadership, heavy-handed authoritarianism, political manipulation, etc.

We must never forget that the church is a living organism and not an institution. Jesus really is the head and will actually make the decisions if we allow Him to do so. In the past, church structure has often become a hindrance rather than a vehicle, because we have imposed the corporate business model on it.

This was done with good intention but with destructive results. The intention was to provide clear lines of responsibility and accountability. The problems developed because naturally gifted men were asked to perform supernatural responsibilities and to submit to positions rather than to each other.

Ephesians 5:17-21

Hebrews 13:17-18

I Peter 5:1-11