Church Government

First Baptist Riverview Church Government

First Riverview is committed to the Bible’s teaching that men who hold the offices of Elder and Deacon are to oversee various functions of the local church.

The Bible’s teaching on the subject of two church offices is found in 1 Timothy 3:1-16 and Titus 1:5-9.  Although there are three terms used for the offices of the church:  bishop, elder and deacon, analysis of these terms indicates that bishop and elder are used interchangeably.

Elder Qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:6-9)

• Above reproach
• Husband to one wife
• Temperate
• Prudent
• Respectable
• Hospitable
• Not a new convert
• Able to teach
• Not addicted to wine
• Not antagonistic
• Uncontentious
• Free from the love of money
• Mange own household
• Well though by outsiders

Elder Duties
The Scriptures show that the elders serve by leading and that their responsibility involves the spiritual oversight of the congregation.  All elders are equal in authority but not necessarily equal in influence.

The elders’ primary responsibilities include:

Doctrine – Ensuring that the doctrine of the church is biblical; all doctrinal issues in the church will be settled by the Board of Elders.

Direction – Ensuring that the direction of the church is consistent with First Baptist Church’s statement of purpose and the Six Channel Markers.

Discipline – Administering in love and humility the process of church discipline as outlined in Matthew 18:15-20; Galatians 6:1-4; Titus 3:10, 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; 1 Timothy 5:17-25; 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; and Romans 16:17.

Plurality of Elders – Acts 14:23; Acts 20:28; Titus 1:5; Philippians 1:1.  The Scripture does not mention any congregations featuring a stand-alone pastor and leader.  A plurality of godly elders, exercising the individual giftedness, squares with the Scripture’s teaching that wisdom is found in a multitude of godly counselors –Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 24:6.  This truth does not eliminate the possibility and likelihood that one or more elders will stand out from the others as more public in their ministries or more influential in their workings on the Elder Board.

Senior Pastor
The Senior Pastor automatically serves as an elder and because of his public presence and responsibility before the congregation, may be considered first among equals as a member of the Elder Board.  The Senior Pastor should be gifted primarily as a preacher/teacher and as a leader.

Deacons
The Bible teachers that deacons lead by serving – Acts 6.  The qualifications for elders and deacons are the same regarding an individual’s character, but they differ in aptitude.  The elders are to be able to teach while the deacons are to be able and proved as servants..

Deacon Qualifications:  1 Timothy 3:8-12

• Individual of dignity
• Not double tongued
• Not addicted to wine
• Temperate
• Husband to one wife
• Above reproach
• First tested as servants
• Spouses must be faithful
• Not fond of sordid gain
• Manages household well
• Holding to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience

Deacon Responsibilities
The Bible teaches that deacons are servant leaders of the church.  The deacons are empowered (given authority) to fulfill their church responsibilities by the elders.  Their responsibilities include:

• Benevolence needs
• Budget Responsibilities
• Building Needs and Concerns
• Areas of need agreed upon by Elders and Deacons