Biblical Church Structure

LEVELS OF RESPONSIBILITY

A Structured, Multi-ministry Approach to Building a Local, Interlocking Fellowship

1. Jesus the Cornerstone,
Also translated as “capstone”or head of the corner, Jesus is the foundation and alignment point for the Church. His person and ministry has first place, and everyone has connection channels open with Him. [Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-7]
2. Elders 1: Apostles and Prophets are the foundations of church growth. They have developed multiple giftings over years of service. Apostles are able to start churches, combining evangelistic, teaching and administrative gifts. Mature prophets keep the church on the right track, spot problems and trends in the church and in society. They hear and speak out what God wants... [1Tim3:1-7; 2 Peter 1:20-21]
3. Elders 2: Teachers, Evangelists, Pastors/ Shepherds.
Teachers can be seen as theologians, but problems arise when they speak only to one another—using language and ideas too complex for shepherds to apply in people’s lives.
There is also a question about how scriptural certain titles are [Matthew 23:9]. “Pastor” is not always appropriate for church leaders—many are gifted in teaching or prophecy rather than shepherding. Titles themselves can sometimes encourage pride, burnout, or even a kind of idolatry among those who depend too much on leaders. True pastoring is best expressed in smaller, house-church settings where accountability and personal care are possible.
Leaders also need supportive small-group relationships, modelling genuine love for one another. Elders should have a deep knowledge of Scripture and clear ministry gifts. Churches often choose leaders for administrative skill, but caring for people is their first responsibility to the Lord. [Titus 1:5–10; 2:3–5]
4. Deacons 1:
Deacons are responsible for organizing ongoing tasks and people in the church, as illustrated in the diagram. Their level of responsibility can increase as they demonstrate their commitment and desire to serve; their stability, and both spiritual and natural abilities. [1 Tim 3:8-13]

5. Deacons 2:
Deacons can carry out specific tasks. Their attitudes and aptitudes are key indicators of readiness to take on more challenging responsibilities involving people. [Also see Act 6:2]
The word deacon means servant, and is also translated minister—though the modern use of minister has changed greatly from its original meaning. In truth, we are all called to be ministers: servants of the Lord, working under His authority and not ruling over others. [1 Peter 5:2–4]
The diagram illustrates this—showing the “larger bricks” at the base, supporting the rest of the church and staying aligned with Jesus, the Cornerstone. Sadly, many churches mirror the world’s pattern, where the “important” people are elevated, and everyone else is expected to hold them up.
6. New Nembers in training
New members need time to build a strong foundation—learning how the gospel speaks into every part of their lives and gaining a firm grasp of the core truths of Scripture. The workbook "The Gospel from Head to Heart" is of value here, available from the author. This grounding ensures that when they begin to serve, their ministry grows from understanding, not just enthusiasm. [1 Tim. 3:6]
7. New Believers.
New believers—and the families and friends who come with them—should receive the same loving focus and attention that Jesus showed toward the one lost sheep. [Luke 15:3–7]
Each person is deeply valued by God, and careful nurture in these early stages of faith helps them grow strong and secure in Him. They also carry precious connections with others who have not yet met Christ, making their encouragement and growth a vital part of reaching more lives..

THE CHURCH OF MAN OR THE CHURCH OF GOD

There are only really two churches - the church of man and the church of God. There are only two kingdoms as well, so we are dealing with a serious problem here. What is the core difference? The church is here to "show God to the people"... You could say, we are individually and collectively "God's expression of Himself on the earth"... But to the extent that any church, or any member of a church, does not show God to others, is the extent to which human nature is still ruling in them, weakening the true church.

I have been concerned when leadership sets a bad example of this to others, they will be accountable to God for that. I do see it as an infiltration of worldly cultures, where leadership is from the top down, where the "little people" have to hold up the big guys. If you take this to its conclusion, it's no wonder so many church leaders feel uneasy, and are also sometimes afraid to promote gifted people, for they may lose their top position. And instead of linking in and supporting other churches - like holding hands around the city - there is competition and bad feeling - as if we weren't all on God's side, for His purposes! The prime rule - to love - has been forgotten, as has happened so tragically through the ages. Nothing illustrates the church of man so graphically, as a lack of real caring love, that reaches out to uphold others. How do leaders expect their members to behave, with this example? Love is the sign of true maturity - the perfection that scripture speaks of. [Matt 5:48; Eph 4:13; Heb 5:14]

The kind of leadership Jesus showed by his life, and taught to his disciples, was of one who served, looked after others, didn't think about himself. [Mark 9:35; 10:44] I strongly suspect that the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes [Rev. 2:6; 2:15] was actually about the wrong kind of leadership - 'nike' means conquer (like the sports gear!) and 'laity' just means people. Somewhere, somehow, 'laity' came to mean 'those who are not ministers', and a separation was created. John the apostle reported the Lord as even hating the deeds and doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, yet it is a fact that we do not really know what this was about, although scholars have made some guesses. I prefer to think that the Lord didn't leave it there for us to guess - the meaning of the word itself is plain.

Wrong kind of leadership is about building up an empire of self, about trying to feel important by having a lot of influence - but it won't be real. And it will not impress the Lord when there is an accounting for stewardship. In God's eyes, we are born important - a God-created bundle of amazing ability and wonderful potential! To develop our gifts, to give of these to help others in many varied ways, is our calling as a human being. It certainly is not the prerogative of a few! A church leader is to serve by doing all he or she can to help others develop their gifts - that is the highest calling. It is the people confronting the lost in their homes, shops and workplaces that need real support. The aim is to spread the Gospel far and wide - the church is called to expand sideways - not downwards!

I think the model of 1-10 Moses was given, was a healthy balance as to how many people one is looking after directly. More than that, there will be some who are overlooked. Think about the tithe as well, if ten families give ten percent to the one looking after them, that would give an average income - then ten percent of this income is given to one looking after the hundreds (the leader of the leaders of the ten), and so-on... There'd be no more of leadership living above the people... Of course the thought of a home group leader (pastor) getting a wage does seem a little ridiculous to us, and who would pay for the church buildings, and missionaries etc?... But it does bear some thought.

I'd like to finish with King David's last speech:

The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, He that rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. 2 Samuel 23:2-4

Please feel free to comment, there is a lot more to be said, and I can add to this anytime, acknowledging any contributions.

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