Leadership in the Church

Leadership in the Church examines the biblical foundations of church government, exploring the nature, origin, and function of the offices described in the New Testament.

Dr. R.C. Sproul begins by addressing the church as both a living organism and an organized institution, noting that these two realities are inseparable. He surveys the three major forms of church polity—episcopal, presbyterian, and congregational—acknowledging that each appeals to the New Testament for its legitimacy. Rather than adjudicating between them, Sproul turns to a careful analysis of four offices discussed in Scripture: Apostle, bishop/elder, deacon, and teacher.

The book traces the unique authority of the Apostles as those directly commissioned by Christ, explains why that office ceased at the close of the first century, and examines the continuing offices of elder and deacon in light of their New Testament descriptions. Sproul gives particular attention to the elder’s dual responsibility of extending both mercy and discipline, and to the deacon’s calling to Christlike servanthood. A concluding discussion of church leadership emphasizes the priesthood of all believers, the sufficiency of Scripture for addressing human need, and the dependence of every leader on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Key Themes

• The church as both organism and organization
• The nature and cessation of the Apostolic office
• The elder’s responsibility for mercy and discipline
• Servanthood as a defining mark of Christian discipleship
• The calling of all believers to participate in ministry

Featured Quotes

“If we do not serve, we are not disciples; it’s as simple as that.”

“The bishop or elder is responsible for at least two things: bringing the mercy and grace of God to bear on people in his church and bringing the discipline of God to bear on the people in the church.”