Elder-led congregationalism
A view held among orthodox Christians
A form of church government in which a plurality of elders leads each self-governing congregation, while the members together decide matters such as membership, discipline, and the choice of officers.
Also called: elder-led congregational, elder-led
What it means
In this form of government each local church is complete under Christ and answers to no outside body. It is led by a plurality of qualified elders who teach, shepherd, and oversee. But the congregation as a whole has a final voice in certain matters: receiving and removing members, affirming elders and deacons, and the final step of discipline.
Its supporters see both elements in the New Testament. The church chose the seven in Acts 6; Jesus tells the wronged brother to "tell it to the church"; Paul tells the assembled Corinthian church to remove the unrepentant man, and later speaks of a punishment "by the majority". Yet the same churches were led by elders whom they were to obey.
This is the pattern of the 1689 London Baptist Confession and of many Reformed Baptist and independent churches. Churches may cooperate in associations for counsel and fellowship, but these hold no authority over the local church. The site values the plural eldership and real member involvement that this model protects.
In Scripture
The apostles asked the whole church to choose qualified men, and the proposal pleased the whole gathering.
When private correction fails, the matter is told to the church.
The church, assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus, acts to remove the unrepentant.
Discipline was carried out by the majority of the congregation.
Members are to obey and submit to their leaders, who keep watch over their souls.
Where it comes up
Confessions: LBCF 1689 26.7; LBCF 1689 26.8; LBCF 1689 26.15
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.
Single-pastor congregationalismA view held among orthodox Christians
A form of congregational government in which one pastor is the church's only elder, usually alongside deacons and a voting congregation.
PresbyterianismA view held among orthodox Christians
A form of church government in which each congregation is ruled by a session of elders, and congregations are joined under higher courts of elders (presbyteries and assemblies) for mutual accountability.
Church membershipHistoric orthodoxy
The formal, mutual commitment by which a Christian joins a particular local church, submits to its elders, and takes responsibility for its other members.