CHURCH GOVERNMENT AT KEFC
I. THE ORGANIZATION OF LEADERSHIP
a. Plurality of Leaders
The conviction here at KEFC is that the structure of church leadership is entrusted to a group of godly men, both vocational and nonvocational. Those we have hired to lead are our pastors. They are the primary teacher-shepherds of our flock. Their main labor is preaching and teaching (1 Tim. 5:17), and as so, they provide vision for the ministry of the body (Eph. 4:11-12). Unless there is a valid Scriptural basis for their removal our pastors serve indefinitely as the Spirit of God leads them and the church.
In addition to our pastors, we have a congregationally chosen group of lay elder-deacons who serve for a term (they are traditionally known at KEFC as “Deacons” by title, but in terms of function they are more akin Biblically to elders). What this means is that they are held to the same standards as our pastors (1 Tim. 3:1-6), but their role is mainly supportive service. In humility, wisdom, and gentleness they work with the pastors to tend to the needs of the flock, holding one another accountable, and thereby ensuring the ministries of the Word and prayer remain unhindered (Acts 6:2-4).
Together our pastors and elder-deacons compose our church leadership. They are what the New Testament simply calls elders:
And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (Acts 14:23)
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14)
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (1 Pet. 5:1-3)
In addition to our pastors, we have a congregationally chosen group of lay elder-deacons who serve for a term (they are traditionally known at KEFC as “Deacons” by title, but in terms of function they are more akin Biblically to elders). What this means is that they are held to the same standards as our pastors (1 Tim. 3:1-6), but their role is mainly supportive service. In humility, wisdom, and gentleness they work with the pastors to tend to the needs of the flock, holding one another accountable, and thereby ensuring the ministries of the Word and prayer remain unhindered (Acts 6:2-4).
Together our pastors and elder-deacons compose our church leadership. They are what the New Testament simply calls elders:
And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (Acts 14:23)
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14)
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (1 Pet. 5:1-3)
b. Qualifications to Leadership
God has very clearly in His Word limited the office of elder to men (1 Tim. 2:12) – but not just any men either – they must be men who meet a high standard of godliness – personally, within their family, and within their community (1 Tim. 3:1-7, 8-13). So this is not a prohibition against women only – no, it is also a prohibition against men who do not meet the clear requirements.
The New Testament does affirm, however, that women of godliness may be chosen to serve either alongside their deacon husbands or of their own as deaconesses (either interpretation is valid from 1 Tim. 3:11). Since our local body places deacons in an authoritative position (hence elder-deacons) we do not permit the wives of these elder-deacons to serve in the same capacity. Instead we recognize a distinct office of deaconesses, chosen by the congregation for a term, who especially tend to the needs of women.
The New Testament does affirm, however, that women of godliness may be chosen to serve either alongside their deacon husbands or of their own as deaconesses (either interpretation is valid from 1 Tim. 3:11). Since our local body places deacons in an authoritative position (hence elder-deacons) we do not permit the wives of these elder-deacons to serve in the same capacity. Instead we recognize a distinct office of deaconesses, chosen by the congregation for a term, who especially tend to the needs of women.
II. THE ROLE OF THE CONGREGATION
The example of churches within the New Testament provides only a few parameters for church governance. The structure of leadership, noted above, is one. Another is that local churches appear to govern themselves – they are autonomous (1 Cor. 5:4). The only exception to this in the New Testament would be the apostles themselves who had a unique authority as Jesus’ representatives (1 Thess. 2:6). The autonomy of the local church means that the congregation is the highest authority of the church under Christ who is the Head (Eph. 1:22).
Within this autonomous authority, how a congregation organizes itself for governance varies from church to church. In KEFC, the decisions of the church are upheld by an Executive Board. The members of this board are representatives of various church committees including Trustees, Christian Education, Elder-Deacons, Deaconesses, and Missions as well as some particular offices that are elected to lead the Board. The Executive Board represents the congregations and acts with their authority.
Within this autonomous authority, how a congregation organizes itself for governance varies from church to church. In KEFC, the decisions of the church are upheld by an Executive Board. The members of this board are representatives of various church committees including Trustees, Christian Education, Elder-Deacons, Deaconesses, and Missions as well as some particular offices that are elected to lead the Board. The Executive Board represents the congregations and acts with their authority.
III. RELATIONSHIP TO THE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF AMERICA (EFCA)
While KEFC is an autonomous local body, it is nevertheless distinguishable as an Evangelical Free Church. If the EFCA has no authority over our decisions, then what is the role that the denomination plays?
For one, the EFCA gives us a theological identity through the Statement of Faith. This is comprised of ten articles that reflect the core essentials of the gospel.
Secondly, the EFCA provides guidance, support, and outlets for the overall growth and health of the local church. Some examples include credentialing for pastors, missions opportunities, conference teaching, and camp resources.
In short, the EFCA is like a team of well-trained stagehands who are unwaveringly committed to the success of the show. Their work is behind the scenes so the leading role of Christ’s church can continue flourishing even when she misses a line, needs specialized training, or has lost her way. We thank God for the supportive role this organization plays in our church.
For one, the EFCA gives us a theological identity through the Statement of Faith. This is comprised of ten articles that reflect the core essentials of the gospel.
Secondly, the EFCA provides guidance, support, and outlets for the overall growth and health of the local church. Some examples include credentialing for pastors, missions opportunities, conference teaching, and camp resources.
In short, the EFCA is like a team of well-trained stagehands who are unwaveringly committed to the success of the show. Their work is behind the scenes so the leading role of Christ’s church can continue flourishing even when she misses a line, needs specialized training, or has lost her way. We thank God for the supportive role this organization plays in our church.