ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND CHURCH GOVERNANCE

01/01/11

{a} Organizional Structure and Church Governance forms two phases where the church of Christ has formed and operated for the delivery of the Gospel to humanity and the receiving of humanity into the fold of Christ in preparation for his second coming. It is God’s divine plan to function separate and apart from worldly structure and governance that it be a bacon of administration for humanity.

“Behold I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.[6] Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes , and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.[7] For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?[8] And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law which I set before you this day?[Deut.4:5-8].

From the pen of inspiration, it states, “As a people we should study God’s plan for conducting his work. Wherever he has given in regard to any point we should carefully consider how to regard his expressed will. This work should take special attention.” Tes.Min.pg.342.

{b} In observing this mission as God’s plan for his work and giving it the special attention it needs, for if the opposite is administered, the plan will not be God’s plan, but man’s plan. We have the right doctrines and message, but these alone are not sufficient. We must also have the right way to implement them.

{1} Organizional Structure and Church Governance began in heaven:

“And God said, Let {us} make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth…and the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the city of men builded .[6] And the Lord said, behold the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.[7] Go to, Let {us} go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understanding one another’s speech. Gen.1:26, 11:5-7.

[a] “US” represents Will-{father}, Word-{Christ},

Creative Agent-{Spirit}: “For there are three that bear witness in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”1Jn.5:7.

{2} God never intended that Organizional Structure and Church Governance be headed by one man only: Exo.18:1,9,13-17, 19-27, Deut.1:9-14,

Spirit given: “And the Lord said unto Moses, gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.[17] And I will come down and talk with thee

there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.” [Num.11:16,17].

[a] Church pioneer James White states, Review and Herald Dec.

1,1874 “Moses was simply a faithful servant in the Jewish house, while Christ is the son over his own house. Moses was not a lord in the Jewish house, he was a servant, while Christ

was Lord…Christ then is the leader of his people in all ages…But here we wish it distinctly understood that officers were not ordained in the Christian church to order , or to command the church, and to “Lord it over God’s heritage”…

Christ will lead his people, if they will be led.”

[b] The idea of humanity exercising lordship over another is a paganistic knowledge received from the tower of Babel whose leader was nimrod and has filtered down through civilization, even to our time. It is not God’s plan for the church; it’s an act of rejection of God by his people: [1Sam.8:1-22, 10:17-27].

[c]Lording over God’s heritage presents the individual image to be possessing an egotistic sense of self-importance, the same trait possessed by lucifer in heaven: “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold…For thou has said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:…I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the most high.”[Eze.28:17,Isa.14:13,14]

[d]These traits of character exhibits the person as a human idol, and the followers thus places the person before [in place of]God, thus committing the sin of spiritual adultery against YHWH: “Thou shalt have no other gods before[in place of]me…For all the gods of the people are idols: but the Lord made the heavens…As concerning thereof the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.”[Exo.20:3,1Chr.16:26,1Cor.8:4]

From the pen of inspiration, it states, “The heavenly teacher enquired, what stronger delusion can beguile the mind than the pretence that you are building on the right foundation and that God accepts your works, when in reality you are working out many things according to worldly policy and are sinning against Jehovah.”8T.249.

{3} God’s plan regarding Organizional Structure and Church

Governance was and is to be a Decentralized Organizional plan, which would mark the second point of God preparing his people for the end time. Therefore in God’s plan in regard to Church Governance, all should understand the philosophy of true leadership as taught by JESUS:

Philosophy of True Leadership: Mt.20:25-28, “[25] But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.[26] But it shall not be so among you; but whosoever shall be great among you, let him be your minister;[27] And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:[28]Even as the son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Mt.23:1,8-12: “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,…[8]But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.[9]And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is father, which is in heaven.[10]Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, even Christ.[11]But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.[12]And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”

Mal.2:10: “Have we not all one father? Hath not one God created us?....

“God has made men responsible beings, and placed them in circumstances favorable to obedience to his will. In the dignity of their God-given manhood, they are to be governed and controlled by God himself, not by any human intelligence in our world. Man is ever to acknowledge that God lives and reigns; men are never to become lords over God’s heritage. They are to consider that “all ye are brethren.” In the very fact that men are free moral agents, God teaches us not to forced or compelled into any course of action, also that as responsible beings in copartnership with God we are to represent God in character. We are to have an interest in our brother, in our neighbor, in all around…..The oft repeated “Rabbi,” was very acceptable to the

ear, but Jesus warned his disciples against this. He said to them, “But be not ye called rabbi; for one is your master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father which is in heaven. Neither be ye called master: for one is your master, even

Christ.” By these words Christ meant no man is to place his spiritual interest under another as a child is guided and directed by his earthly father. This has encouraged a spirit to desire ecclesiastical superiority, which has always resulted in the injury of the men who have been trusted, and addressed as “father”. It confuses the sense of the sacredness of the prerogatives of God.”5B.C.#1098.

{4}JESUS is leader of his church[God’s people in the endtime] and his disciples having been taught by him aught to educate all who are

followers of Christ Jesus: Jn.10:27-30: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow

me.[28]And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.[29]My father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my father’s hand.[30]I and my father are one.”

Heb.12:2: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Eph.2;13,18-22: “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ…[18]For through him we both have access by one spirit unto the father.[19]Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.[20]And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;[21]In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord.[22]In whom ye also are builded for a habitation of God through the spirit.”

1Pet.5:1-3: “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:[2]Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;[3]Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.”

Decentralized Governance

Review and Herald, Dec.1,1874; James White states “In the discussion of the subject of leadership, we propose to bring out evidence from the words of Christ, and from the teaching and practices of the early apostles, that Christ is the Leader of his people, and that the work and office of leadership has not been laid upon any one person, at any one time, in the Christian age”.

Test.Min.pg.93: “For years the church has been looking to man, and expecting much from man, but not looking to Jesus, in whom our hope of eternal life are centered”….

Test.Min.pg.477,478 :“For years there has been a growing tendency for men placed in positions of responsibility to lord it over God’s heritage, thus removing from church members their keen sense of need of divine instruction and an appreciation of the privilege to counsel with God regarding their duty”.

“Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink; and the character of our spiritual experience depends on what our minds feed upon and assimilate. By continually dwelling upon the mistakes and defects of others, many become religious dyspeptics. . . . Those who are so busy in dissecting the words and acts of others, to discover all that is objectionable, fail to discern the good and pleasant things. They do not eat of the proper food to promote spiritual vitality and healthy growth The Lord is not pleased with His people when they neglect to criticize their own soul, criticizing others instead. This is Satan's work. When you do this work, remember that the enemy is using you as a means of tempting others, in order that those who should be united in harmony and joy, building up one another in the most holy faith, shall be warring and complaining because some one else is sinning. Christ has not made you a sin bearer. You cannot even bear your own sin. Therefore be very careful not to take up any reproach against your neighbor. God wants His people to be free. . . . Shall we not remember that by the words we speak we may either wound or heal? Shall we not remember that as we judge, so we shall be judged, we who perhaps have had many more opportunities than those whom we judge? Our hearts must be melted into tenderness and love for one another. We may criticize ourselves just as severely as we please. The one who criticizes another gives evidence that he is the very one who needs to criticize himself. Pray God to show you what you must remove from yourselves in order that you may see the kingdom of God.... There is a crown for the overcomer. Do you want it? Do you want to run the race with patience? Then do not seek to find something to condemn in your neighbor, but look right to Jesus Christ. Behold His purity, and you will be charmed and will reflect His likeness”. Our Higher Calling.pg.233.

. ”.

God’s plan regarding Organizional Structure and Church

Governance was and is to be a Decentralized Organizional plan, which would mark the second point of God preparing his people for the end time. There are FOUR forms of Church Structure and Governance that exist today in the Christian world, and as we examine them, we will see where we fit as an organization, created by God to fulfill his will, to present the final message. Three of the four forms hold the structure of One Man at the top having the final say in all matters relating to the church, and only one holds the structure as required by God in scripture and spirit of prophecy. These are as follows:

[a]Hierarchal or Papal [b]Episcopal [c]Congregational [d]Representative or Decentralized

Centralized Church Governance

Pope/Bishop/Elder/Pastor

1Man/Small Group

Members/

Groups

Hierarchal/Papal :

Built upon 1 individual or smallCommittee[college of cardinals]

:Roman Catholic Church is the

archetype of this type of governance structure

:Pope has absolute authority,

leader makes decisions:

Pope’s directives are expected to be accepted without

modifications, additions, or deletions

Episcopal Form:

Anglican Church of England developed this form

:Reigning Monarch is the Leader of the

Anglican Church:

Archbishop of Canterbury is called the Primate Great Britain

:Possess some elements as the hierarchal

form, but is less centralized; each bishop is almost a law to himself in terms of

authority; the running of the dioceses are largely in their hands

Congregational Form:

Every Church has its own authority/autonomy

:The Congregations has the rite to

hire or fire its own pastor:

Church handles its own finances:

Accepts missionary projects

Decentralized Form of Governance

Decentralization is the antithesis of hierarchialism, therefore the endtime church is not to show itself any resemblance of a hierarchical system. There is a history of this system creeping into the S.D.A.Church[General Conference/SDA Organizations], thus let us briefly examine such: [a] The concept of decentralization is intimately linked with the issues of Religious Liberty, Justification by Faith, and Church Governance;“Now it has been satan’s determined purpose to eclipse the view of JESUS and lead men to look to man, and trust in man, and be educated to expect help from man. For years the church has been looking to man and expecting much from man, but not looking to JESUS, in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. Therefore God gave his servants a testimony that presents the truth as it is in JESUS, which is the 3rd Angel message, in clear, distinct lines”. T.M.#93.

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, which the Holy Ghost hath made thee overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchase with his own blood.[29]For I know this, that after my departing, shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.[30]Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.[ 31]Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I cease not to warn every one night and day with tears.”Acts.20:28-31.

“…It has been proven in the preceding chapters that the idea of a primacy is unknown in the scriptures, and that the primacy which was established, was only accomplished by unholy ambition and an unchristian seeking for spiritual supremacy, entirely foreign to the spirit and teachings of Christ and the Apostles. We have also seen that it was accomplished after long centuries of plotting and scheming, and especially the union of this then-apostate with the Roman State and many other states under the control of the church; that a large part of the Christian church always protested against it; and that the separation between churches of the east and west in the 11th century was to some extent over this question; for the Eastern Church never accepted the supremacy of the Bishop of Rome. Since that time, numerous bodies of Christians have denied the doctrine of the primacy. The great Reformers of the 16th century made the denial of the primacy a cardinal feature of their work, and it is held none but the Roman Catholic Church. This church firmly maintains this doctrine as a fundamental portion of its creed”. M.E.Kellogg, The Supremacy of Peter#259,260.

“….There is to be no primacy. The Gospel is designed for all the world. Churches are to be raised everywhere, but there is no provision in the Christian system whereby one man, or a conclave of men in continual session is to take the charge of the work of the Gospel in all the world. Such a task would be entirely beyond the capacity of man. The world is large; and the idea that one man, or one body of men, could take into consideration the spiritual needs of all believers in Christ, or the spiritual needs of many thousands of believers in Christ, which are scattered throughout the world is preposterous.” M.E.Kellogg, The Supremacy of Peter pg.260

Ministerial Humility

Psa.11:3:- “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

In the organization of the early church structure and governance, Jesus himself performed the functions which was followed by the disciples, and which should continue until he returns;Acts.1:1-11, Mt.24:14: “And this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come”.

[a] Jesus himself ordained the first workers of the christian church: Mk.3:13-15: “And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. [14]And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,[15]And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:”[b] Their mission as is with all ministers of Jesus today is to address physical and spiritual needs of humanity, returning humanity back to God: Mt.10:5-8: “The twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them saying, Go not into the way of the gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not;[6] But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.[7]And as ye go, preach saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.[8]Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the out devils: freely ye have received, freely give….” Lk.9:1-6: “….[3]And he said unto them, take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor script, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.[4]And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.[5]and whosoever shall not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.[6]And they departed and went through towns, preaching the Gospel, and healing everywhere.”

[c]Jesus therefore gave ministers then as also today his own ministry: Mk.1:14,15: “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the kingdom,[15]And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel.” Mt.4:23: “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.”

“The Gospel plan is a better way than this; it allows a greater degree of freedom and independence to the members of the church, and also provides for such concentration of effort as will carry the Gospel to the world, and furnish pastoral care to the churches already established. This may be seen by referring to the Acts of the Apostles. As the apostles went forth proclaiming the Gospel, churches were raised; and after these had been sufficiently proved and elders had been ordained in every

city(Tit.1:5), these churches took their places as independent parts of the church of Christ. Not that they were independent of the advisory power of the general council, if anything among them needed to be considered by that body upon its

convention, but aside from that they were independent. These churches would naturally form into associations for mutual council and cooperation, but in them existed no arbitrary authority more than exists in every separate church for the correction and discipline of its members.” M.E.Kellogg, The Supremacy of Peter pg.265,266.

Representative or Decentralized Governance

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Acts.1:8: “But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

[d]Then came the time for the disciples to go to the world with the Gospel message, but they must as was the nation of Israel, have an upper room experience to share the work with Moses, their upper room experience came preparing them for the world:

Acts.1:12-14:- “Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a Sabbath day’s journey.[13]And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, and abode both Peter, and James, and John and Andrew, Phillip and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes and Judas the brother of James.[14]These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.”Acts.2:1-8: “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.[2]And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.[3]And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each one of them.[4]And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.[5]And there were dwelling there at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.[6]Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.[7]And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans?[8]And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born.”

“The time has come when we must expect the Lord to do great things for us. Our efforts must not flag or weaken. We are to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord. Before the work is closed up and the sealing of god’s people is finished, we shall have the out-pouring of the Spirit of god. Angels from heaven will be in our midst….The present is the fitting up time for heaven, when we each must walk in full obedience to all the commandments of God…I know that a work must be done for the people, or many will not be prepared to receive the light of the angel sent down from heaven to lighten the whole earth with his glory. Do not think that you will be found as vessels unto honor in the time of the latter rain, to receive the glory of God, if you are lifting up your souls unto vanity, speaking perverse things, in secret cherishing roots of bitterness brought from the conference at Minneapolis. The frown of god will certainly be upon every soul who cherishes and nurtures these roots of dissension, and possesses a spirit so unlike the spirit of Christ…. Brethren we have little time in which to work. Certainly we need to stop complaining about each other, and lay our whole hearts open before God, that we may receive the Holy Spirit. Years ago the time came for the Holy Spirit to descend in a special manner upon God’s earnest self-sacrificing workers. The Lord will greatly bless his tried and chosen ones if they will cooperate with him. When the Holy Spirit came down in the day of Pentecost, it was like a rushing mighty wind. It was given in no stinted measure; for it filled all the place where the disciples were sitting. So will it be given to us when our hearts are prepared to receive it.” Manuscript Releases Vol. 1 pg.175-176.

[e]The work of evangelizing the world became enormous and thus the apostles needed a support group, so as churches were formed, leaders were ordained and called Elders:

Acts.14:23:- “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”

*To “Ordain” means, Gk. “Cheirotonesantes”: “To elect or to appoint.” Tit.1:5 “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.”

*The word “Elder or Bishop” means Gk. “Presbuteroi or Episkopos”; “One appointed to teach and overseer. These two words describes the office and maturity of the same person.[f]The qualifications of these offices are outlined in scripture:Tit.1:6-9:- “If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.[7]For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;[8]But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;[9]Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

[d]The next group of ministers that were formed in the church are recognized as a support staff of the church are called “Deacons” and their qualifications:

Acts.6:1-7 “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a mumuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.[2]Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.[3]Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.[4]But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.[5]And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a men full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Phillip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch.[6]Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.[7]And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of priests were obedient to the faith.

1Tim.3:8-13 “Likewise must the deacons be grave{reverent}, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre{money},[9]Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.[10]And let these also be first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.[11]Even so must their wives be grave{reverent}, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.[12]Let the deacons be the husband of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well[13]For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchased to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Ministerial Functions of both ELDERS and DEACONSPhil.1:1 “Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops{overseers} and deacons:There are at least Seven different titles that identifies the responsibilities of Elders:[1]Elder is used 20 times, emphasizing the person’s wisdom and maturity.[2]Bishop, emphasizing the person’s administrative function of the office.[3]Pastor, emphasizing the person’s responsibility in caring for the church.[4]Preacher, emphasizing the person’s ministry of publicly proclaiming God’s word.[5]Teacher, emphasizing the person’s readiness in “apt to teach”.[6]Servant, emphasizing the person is to minister to others.[7]Steward, emphasizing the person’s responsibility in managing the property of others(church of Christ).

Ministerial Functions of both ELDERS and DEACONS Cont’dThe word “Deacon” is derives from a Greek word for “Servant”; hence deacons are a serving office in the church. Seven men were appointed to care for the church, therefore there is no “job description“ for a deacon, hence every christian should act like a deacon in encouraging church harmony and helping others serve Christ more effectively.

Serious Matters

[e] If there were serious matters in any church and other ministers of other churches counsels are needed, then they would come together to solve such matters. After the matters are solved, they would return to their respective churches.“The thing nearest to universal authority and headship in the church is the action of a general council. The 15th chapter of Acts of the Apostles will ever stand as unmistakable evidence that the measure of authority, which primarily belongs to the church as a whole, is, at special times, and for definite purposes, vested in a council; that the council may be summoned whenever great questions arise that threaten division in the church, or at regular intervals if necessary, for the consideration of questions which affect the interest of the whole church; and that the decisions of the councils so convened, are advisory rather than actual obligatory on the church. Stated broadly, actual legislative power is not committed to the church. All actual legislative power was done by Christ.”M.E.Kellogg, The Supremacy of Peter,pg.261-262.

…”A Christian council is a convention for a limited space of time. When it is in actual session, it is the repository of all the authority there is in the church, and therefore its decisions should not be lightly regarded. But when the council is disbanded, the general and advisory power vested therein is for the time suspended until the next council; and there is no provision in the christian system of the church government by which the authority of the general and universal council may be transferred to any one who shall represent the council between its sessions, and thus forms a general and continuous head to the church on earth. This would be an usurpation of the place of Christ, the only true head of the church.

Continuous and general authority over the whole church by men, involves a responsibility so great that god, in his infinite wisdom and mercy, thought it not best that it be committed to a man or men.” Ibid.pg.262,263.

… “The churches of Jesus Christ, in any and every country, must have organization, and men should be elected by free vote of the members to take the oversight of the affairs of the church; but these men would be heads only for a limited time over a small portion of the church. The men elected would be quite well known, probably personally known to all. They would not be removed from those who gave them their temporary authority by an exaggerated height of excellence or knowledge, and hence may attempt by them to exert an unauthorized and arbitrary power would be quickly checked by the body of the church, which is the superior authority and final arbiter in all matters pertaining to itself.” M.E.Kellogg, The Supremacy of Peter,pg.261-262.

[f]It is worldly practice to have hierarchal structures and authoritative leaders. It is not acceptable practice to Christianity. God has called for leaders who are servants and ministers: those who will counsel and guide, not rule and dominate.

“Men whom the Lord calls to important positions in his work are to cultivate a humble dependence upon him. They are not to seek to embrace too much authority; for God has not called them to a work of ruling, but to plan and counsel with their fellow laborers. Every worker alike is to hold himself amenable to the requirements and instructions of God. Testimonies for the Church, Vol.9,pg.270.

“Those whom God has placed in positions of responsibility should never seek to exalt themselves or to turn the attention of men to their work. They must give all the glory to God. They must not seek for power that they may lord it over God’s heritage; for only those who are under the rule of Satan will do this.But the rule-or–ruin system is too often seen in our institutions. This spirit is cherished and revealed by some in responsible positions, and because of this God cannot do the work he desires to do through them. By their course of action those who reveal this spirit make manifest what they would be in heaven if entrusted with responsibility.Testimonies to Ministers,pg.279,280.

“Let no plans or methods be adopted in any of our institutions that will bind mind or talent under the control of human judgment; for this is not in God’s order. God has given men talents of influence which belong to him alone, and no greater dishonor can be done to God than for one finite agent to bring another man’s talent under his absolute control, even though the benefits of the same be used to the advantage of the cause. In such arrangements one man’s mind is ruled by another man’s mind, and the human agency is separated from God and exposed to temptation. Satan’s method tends to one end-make men the slaves of men. And when this is done, confusion and distrust, jealousies and evil surmisings, are the result. Such a course destroys faith in God and in the principles which are to control, to purge from guile and every species if selfishness and hypocrisy.”Testimonies to Ministers, pg.360,361.… “In each country a man should be appointed to work in the general interest of the cause. He need not be a preacher, and he must not be a policy-man. He should be unselfish, a man who loves, who honors, and fears his God. His whole time should be devoted to the work. He should plan unselfishly, and in the fear of God. Let him be general agent for that country, and let him be connected with a council composed of the very best men, that they may counsel together, and attend to the work within their boarders.” Ibid. pg.321.

“It is not in the order of God that any man, or any class of men, should assume that God has made them conscience for their brethren, or put forth their finite hand in a patronizing manner to control the Lord’s delegated workers,…God does not confine Himself to one man, or to a set of men, through whom to accomplish His work, but says to all “Ye are laborers together with God”. This means that every believing soul should have a part to act in his sacred work,…they should reveal a depth of knowledge independent of human inventions…. Let not men prescribe laws to take the place of God’s law. Never educate men to look to men, to trust in men;”.Testimony to Ministers & Gospel Workers. Pg.208,209.“When counsel is given that conflicts with your own personal wishes, you are not to think that your own wisdom is sufficient for you to give counsel to others, or that you can afford to neglect the counsel given…It would be well for you frankly to state your plans to your brethren, that you may know how they [plans] to them when seen from their standpoint;…Counsel together.”Ibid. Pg.315.…”We must bar the mind against counsel. In our plans for the carrying forward of the work, our mind must blend with other minds…It is a mistake to withdraw from those who do not agree with our ideas. This will not inspire our brethren with confidence in our judgment. It is our duty to counsel with our brethren, and to heed their advice. We are not to seek their counsel, and when they give it, we are not to cast it away, as if they were our enemies. Unless we humble our hearts before God, we shall not know his will. Let us be determined to be in unity with our brethren. This duty God has placed on us. Ibid. pg.500.

…. “The angels of God are in our world, and satanic agencies are here also. I am permitted to see the inclination of certain ones to follow their own strong traits of character. If they refuse to yoke up with others who have had a long experience in the work, they will become blinded by self-confidence, not discerning between the false and the true. It is not safe that such ones should stand in the position of leaders, to follow their own judgment and plans. It is those who accept the warnings and cautions given them who will walk in safe paths…Our ministers and leaders need to realize the necessity of counseling together with their brethren who have been long in the work, and who have gained deep experience in the ways of the Lord. The disposition of some to shut themselves up to themselves, and to feel competent to plan and execute according to their own judgment and preferences, brings them into strait places. Such an independent way of working is not right, and should not be followed….I am free to say to our brethren who with humility of heart are following the counsel of the Lord: if you know that God would have you engage in any work, go forward. Those who have the light and consciousness that God is leading need not depend upon any human agent to define their work. They are to receive the counsel of the highest Authority. Safety and peace and calm assurance are to be found only by following the counsel of the greatest Teacher that ever lived in our world. Let us not turn away from his unerring counsel….Workers for Christ are to strive for unity. We are the children of the same family, and have one heavenly father. Let us not put on garments of heaviness, and cherish doubts and a lack of confidence in our brethren. ” Ibid. pg 501-502.

“ the danger of one man controlling another, or indeed, one man looking to another as his guide and controller, has fearful consequences in terms of the judgment. Therefore, the divine counsel is to break every such yoke. I write thus fully, because I have been shown that ministers and people are tempted more and more to trust in finite man for wisdom, and to make flesh their arm. To conference presidents, and men in responsible places, I bear this message: break the bands and fetters that have been placed upon God’s people. To you the word is spoken “break every yoke.” Unless you cease the work of making man amenable to man, unless you become humble in heart, and yourselves learn the way of the lord as little children, the Lord will divorce you from his work. We are to treat one another as brethren, as fellow laborers, as men and women who are, with us, seeking for light and understanding of the way of the Lord, and who are jealous for his glory. Testimonies to ministers, pg.480,481.

Lets see what the Scriptures has to say in this regard:Jer.10:23:- “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”Jer.17:5:- “Thus sayeth the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.”Psa.118:8:- “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”

SummeryThe foundations of the past are brought to the present to educate the church and to take the church into the future to sound the final message{the loud cry}, and to see Jesus’ return:

Psa.11:3:- “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?”[a] The early pioneers of the Advent truth are the righteous who are responsible for foundations and pillars of Church Structure and Governance:Pro.10:25:- “As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.”“We are to repeat the words of the pioneers in our work, who knew what it cost to search for the truth as for hidden treasure, and who labored to lay the foundation of our work. They moved forward step by step under the influence of the Spirit of God. One by one these pioneers are passing away. The word given me is, let that which these men have written in the past be reproduced…Let the truths that are the foundation of our faith be kept before the people…We are now to understand what the pillars of our faith are,--the truths that have made us a people, leading us on step by step.”Counsels to Writers and Editors.pg.28,29.

[b] The pattern of Church Structure and Governance as set up by Jesus is and will always be the true foundation:Isa.28:16:- “Therefore thus sayeth the Lord God, behold, I lay in Zion{the Church} for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.”Acts.4:10-12: “Be it known unto you all, and unto all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.[11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.[12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

[c] We are to be identified with they that rebuild the true Church Structure and Governance foundations of the past:Isa.58:12,11:- “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.[11]And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. ”

[d] The truths of Jesus Christ are the only foundation that anyone can build on regarding the topic discussed{Organizional Structure and Church Governance}:

1Cor.3:5-7,9-11: “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?[6]I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.[7]So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither is he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase….[9]For we are laborers together with God: you are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.[10]According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.[11]For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

“Let not those who have been placed in responsible positions think that God has given them light to controvert the work of the faithful ones who have died in the faith. God wrought through these old pioneers of the cause, and no voice or pen should be brought into action to demerit their labor, which was full of self-denial and self-sacrifice. Their works were wrought in God….To the church in___I would say, “Your only safety lies in walking humbly with God.” Let each bear in mind that he is a thread in the great web of humanity, to act a part with his brethren and sisters in church capacity. All are to earnestly seek to make an entire surrender to God.”Manuscript Releases Vol.9, pg.133. Fin.