New Testament Principles of Governance

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Jesus began laying the groundwork for a new type of governance; the rule of God (kingdom of God) on earth. It will be a new type of governance not because of a particular organizational structure... it will be a new type of governance in that it will be driven by a new type of thinking.

This is part of a series of messages covering Godly Governance. Here are links to the other installments of the series:

  1. Godly Governance: Is It a Spiritual Concern?
  2. The Real Problem With Government
  3. The Heart of Biblical Governance

  4. New Testament Principles of Governance

     

church governance
Family
New Testament Principles of Governance
Last time I was here we reviewed examples of various governance structures found in the record of Abraham and Israel. We saw that there was not one single model for organizing the people of God. Instead we saw that God's priority was the ethical considerations that drove how people acted withing any and all organizational structures.
We reviewed examples from the tribal unit in the time of Abraham, rule by elders and judges, the monarchical period through to the complex imperial, multi-layered situation Jesus encountered when He came in the flesh as part of a subjugated people.
Today, we are going to review some of what we find in the writings of the Gospels, Acts and the Epistles. Its a more narrow band of time (IE. the first century). Once again God’s focus is on character & ethics rather than the structure itself.
Building on the Foundation
Jesus did not come to do away with all the lessons taught under the old administration. He came to add depth and clarification. So it is with principles of governance. The teaching of Jesus and the apostolic Church on governance builds upon the already existing foundation established by the law and the prophets.
That foundation is justice, freedom from greed, fairness, compassion, equity, mercy. All of these are assumed in the new covenant and built upon with some important principles not previously expounded.
A Brief Recap
Diving into principles of governance among the new testament people of God (the Church) we'll carry forward a few broad principles we found in reviewing biblical principles of governance:
  1. Some form of organization is necessary.
  2. God and Christ never give up their position as Head of the assembly of God's people (or worldly governments) in ether the new or the old covenant setting.
  3. Godly character, motives, ethics drive success in any given organizational pattern.
The Beginning of New Testament Magnification
While He walked the earth Jesus made Himself subject to existing religious and civil authority and He set the example for us. Yet, in His teaching He began laying the groundwork for a new type of governance; the rule of God (kingdom of God) on earth. It will be a new type of governance not because of a particular organizational structure... it will be a new type of governance in that it will be driven by a new type of thinking (a new type of ethic).
You are placed within God’s Church (which is a form of earthly, organizational governance) to learn that new type of thinking. Thinking that will extend into His millennial rule, with carefully prepared administrators seated in places of heavenly ordained authority. This rule and dominion is everlasting... so, the 1,000 years is just a beginning, or an initial phase.
This new type of thinking is exemplified in two simple analogies:
  1. The Church is the Body of Christ
Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Ephesians 1:23, 4:4, 11-16; 5:23, 30
The point is grounded in the reality of human existence (rather than complex abstract theories);
  • There are different components that make up the whole.
  • The various components must work together to survive and thrive. IE. Those governing and those governed must work towards the welfare of the whole.
These two hardwired facts of reality picture the unified example of the Father and the Son. If different body parts start competing against themselves they will not survive. They will break-up and return to dust. Likewise, fragmentation of the Body of Christ strikes against an important God breathed principle of governance (and being governed). It would die, if God allowed.
1 Corinthians 1:10 ... is Christ divided?
This first analogy embodies the principle of unity, harmony, and self-care. You must take your place within the whole and you must care for the whole. Otherwise, how are you preparing to be seated with Christ at His return?
  1. The Church is the Family of Christ
Specifically, the first fruits are designated not merely as children, or members of the family of God, they are being prepared to be the bride of Christ. Meaning; within the family unit they are submissive to His authority, yet the bride will hold  a position of their own authority… just as a wife and mother has within a properly functioning human family.
Subject to authority, yet a powerful authority herself.
Ephesians 3:15; 5:22-32, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Revelation 19:7-9
The family analogy also has direct application within the governance that is to be exercised within the Church.
1 Timothy 3:4-5 a person who is to exercise governance within the Church must rule his own house well otherwise, how will that person be effective in any authoritative role within the household of God? The answer is implicitly… they cannot.
This qualification is impossible to achieve without harmonious cooperation with the wife. So, she is part of his qualification to exercise governance. UCG considers the wife to be an essential part of the ministry (although people are still considered for leadership without being married).
The word "well" is kalos. it means so much more that efficiently, or effectively. It also carries the sense of something beautiful to see, a positive, uplifting relationship, that is appealing to observers outside the family.
  • Strictness sometimes isn't very appealing to look at from the outside  (you might think "they keep the rules, but I wouldn't want to be treated like that"… or perhaps when their kids gain their freedom and go wild)
  • Permissiveness can also be unpleasant in the eyes of others (such as kids who have no respect or consideration for others, perhaps because they have been trained to think that they are always the most important thing in the room).
What usually is the most appealing is a good balance. Hard to define, but you know it when you see it.
This family principle is also the basis for the relationship of the ministry to the congregation 1 Timothy 5:1-2.
Established By God
Family and marriage also illustrate another principle; governance in marriage is ordained by God, and so is governance in all human affairs ordained by God.
Yet, we see that this relationship between husband and wife can differ greatly in how it is administered (Ex. different cultures). Family life can be done differently yet still remain within Godly boundaries. American families function differently from Asian families. Some cultures value absolute authority... others value a more collaborative set-up. Yet you can find Godly examples in both.
I think I can argue in favor of both approaches using scriptural sources. But whether the model is absolute authority, or collaboration, the governance within it still succeeds or fails based on how well people are driven by biblical thinking... (respect, gentleness, mercy, honesty, fairness, etc.).
Hierarchy
Successful, Godly, families also teach us that there is hierarchy, but what makes that hierarchy work is love (both philadelphia [a free-flowing natural affection], and agape [a conscious decision to show love even to the unlovable]). By this shall outsiders know that you are my followers if you love one another.
This is what will make the rule of God on earth work... during the millenial period... and beyond.
We know there will be hierachy in the kingdom of God. Christ is supreme over all, His bride will seated alongside Him in positions of God ordained authority (heavenly places as Ephesians 2 puts it). She will administer to the affairs of the family... the ruling family that is over all things.
But what makes if work is not the chain of command. It is the heart of the people in that chain.
The Added Dimension of the Holy Spirit
The principles of working as a unified body, and a nurturing family are applicable to all human government… not just the Church of God. Many smart, powerful people recognize these simple truths. But they struggle to make it work because they are not lead by God’s holy spirit. Bodies can be sick as well as healthy… families can be abusive as well as nurturing
In God's Church we also struggle with making godly governance a reality. Whatever success we have in this endeavor is based on the presence of God's spirit, within us, and within His Church. I think that is why Pentecost simultaneously pictures the inauguration of the Church of God and the receipt of the holy spirit.
We have it. But, we have to follow it.
Isaiah 7:14 the name "Immanuel" pictured a new dimension for God's people... the Father and the Son through the holy spirit would dwell with them. This is the missing ingredient which the world does not have.
To have Godly governance, God must be present. This is also the message of the Christ’s return to implement the righteous rule of God on earth. But for now, we prepare our hearts for that great coming kingdom.
John 17:21-23
The Body of Christ - when subject to God's spirit - will function in a manner that reflects the unity of the Father and the Son. Seeing ourselves as part of a whole that is greater than our-self alone.
The Family of God - when subject to His spirit  will care for the well being of the whole with authority, with hierarchy, with affection towards one another.
Ephesians 4:4-6
Craig Scott

Craig Scott pastors the United Church of God congregations in Raleigh, Greensboro and Jacksonville, North Carolina.