Leadership

Jesus Christ is the head of his church, he gave himself for it to purify a people of his own possession, zealous for good works (Eph. 5:25-26; Titus 2:14). He exercises his shepherding and government over it through human shepherds (1 Pet. 5:1-4) who are accountable to him for the exercise of their office (1 Pet. 5:4; Heb. 13:17).

The authority of pastors is real, although it is also spiritual. It comes from the Bible, the Word of God, which also limits it. The church has the duty to seek to discover among its members those to whom the Lord Jesus Christ has granted the gifts and graces necessary to fulfill the office of pastor, according to the biblical requirements (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 3; Titus 1).

The body of elders has been authorized and is responsible to oversee the church (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-4). This includes preaching and teaching the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:20-21, 27; Titus 1:9), seeing to the welfare of the soul of all the members of the church (Eph. 11:13; Col. 1:28; 1 Thess. 2:11; Heb. 13:17) and directing it in all its tasks (1 Tim. 3:4-5).

Pastors should exercise their authority over the congregation with sensitivity (Ezek. 34:4; Acts 6:5), and as servants and examples of the church (Matt. 20:25-28; Acts 19:30; Acts 21:11-14; 1 Tim. 3:5; 1 Pet. 5:3).