Apostolic leadership
A view held among orthodox Christians
A form of church government in which a pastor, or a network leader recognized as an apostle, holds personal authority over the church that is not shared with or accountable to a body of elders.
Also called: Pastor-led (apostolic), apostolic oversight, apostolic network, modern apostles
What it means
Some churches, especially in charismatic and independent networks, are led by a senior pastor who holds authority by personal calling, often described as an apostolic or prophetic gift. The pastor may appoint and remove leaders, answer to an outside "apostle" or overseer of a network rather than to fellow elders, and treat challenges to his direction as resistance to God. Holders see this as a restoration of the five-fold ministry of Ephesians 4.
Confessional churches raise serious objections. The apostles were eyewitnesses of the risen Christ, appointed by Him and confirmed by signs; with the prophets they are the foundation of the church, laid once. Ephesians 4 names gifts given to the church, not an office that gives one man rule over it. And authority held by one person, accountable to no one locally, sets aside the plural eldership and the safeguards of 1 Timothy 5:19-21.
The site displays this as a pattern of government and judges each church's doctrine separately. But it treats concentrated, unaccountable authority as a serious weakness, and looks closely at whether any real accountability exists.
In Scripture
The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, a foundation laid once.
An apostle had to be a witness of Jesus' ministry and resurrection.
The signs of a true apostle were performed among the Corinthians.
Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers to equip the saints.
Even the apostle Peter writes as a fellow elder, warning against domineering.
Where it comes up
On this site: Church government
Related terms
ElderHistoric orthodoxy
A qualified man called by the church to shepherd, teach, and govern a congregation; the New Testament also calls the office overseer, bishop, or pastor.
Staff-led churchA view held among orthodox Christians
A church whose decisions are made chiefly by its paid staff or a corporate-style board, rather than by qualified elders shepherding the congregation.
Church disciplineHistoric orthodoxy
The church's loving correction of members and officers who persist in serious sin or false teaching, aimed at their repentance, the purity of the church, and the honour of Christ.