Podcasts about church government

What does it really mean to be “called” to a ministry?In Pentecostal circles, pastors often testify that God specifically led them to a church, city, or ministry assignment. Congregations likewise take comfort in believing their pastor was divinely directed, not merely hired like someone applying for a job.But that raises an important question.After seeing a church advertise a pastoral opening on Facebook, a viewer asked: If ministry is truly a calling from God, is it appropriate to post pastor vacancies publicly like any other job opportunity? Does that diminish the sacred nature of pastoral ministry, or can churches faithfully combine spiritual discernment with practical processes?In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard examines the biblical concept of calling, the relationship between divine guidance and church decision-making, and how ministers and congregations can navigate pastoral transitions in a Spirit-led way.Whether you are a pastor, church leader, ministry student, or faithful church member, this conversation offers thoughtful insight into one of the most important aspects of church life and leadership.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

The sermon presents a comprehensive theological and practical defense of a two-office model of church government—elders and deacons—rooted in the sovereignty of Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the covenantal nature of the church. It emphasizes that Christ, as the head of His church, has appointed officers for the edification and perfection of believers, with all elders possessing the full range of duties including teaching, shepherding, and ruling, thereby rejecting distinctions into separate offices such as pastor, teacher, and ruling elder. The visible church is defined as a covenantal community encompassing professing believers and their children, with the church's order, worship, and doctrine systematically preserved through confessional standards that serve as enduring checkpoints against doctrinal decline. The sermon critiques modern ecclesiastical practices like seminary training and the separation of pastoral roles, advocating instead for a model that nurtures mature, locally rooted leadership through a divinely ordered division of labor within a unified elder office, all grounded in the sufficiency of Scripture and the necessity of faithful, Christ-centered governance.

When it comes to governing the church, what is the structure that God put in place? Who is the head of that church? Is it a centralized organization, is it a single man on earth that decides, or is it Christ, who is the Head of the church? Today, we want to consider how God structured the governance for the church. In this episode, we will: Examine how men and women have changed God's structure of governance over the years Evaluate why God's plan is superior over what man has come up with Examine the consequences of centralizing leadership and why it is inferior to God's plan Answer some questions submitted on this subject biblequestions.org  

Theological Foundations Weekend 2026 was a conference for young people sponsored by the Great Lakes - Gulf Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. This year it was held at Southfield Reformed Presbyterian Church, Southfield, MI. This is session 1 of 4: 1. "Presbyterian Church Government" (Jake Schwartz) 2. "Christ's Mediatorial Kingship" (Adam Kuehner) 3. "Exclusive Psalmody" (Adam Kuehner) 4. "The Christian Sabbath" (Adam Kuehner)

Where does Presbyterianism come from, and is it actually biblical? We survey the four major views of church government, trace the case for rule by elders from the Old Testament through the New, and show how those convictions shape the day-to-day life of Covenant of Grace.

THIS EPISODE   How is your church organized? Have you ever thought about it?   What are the different forms of church leadership and governmental models? Should each church be autonomous and overseen by one person, or should they be part of a collection of churches? What about house churches? There are multiple ways in which churches have organized themselves over the centuries, and in this episode, Rob and Vinnie survey the various ways that churches gather and govern, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of all.  FOLLOW THE PODCAST Subscribe to be notified of our new episodes (each Monday).  Want to help us expand the Gospel of the Kingdom? Leave a review, “like” the podcast, or share it with others.   CONNECT WITH DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES The Determinetruth Podcast is a ministry of Determinetruth Ministries. We offer free resources to equip pastors, leaders, and the body of Christ in the US and worldwide for service in the kingdom of God. You can visit us online at https://www.determinetruth.com   SUPPORT DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES Determinetruth is a non-profit 501(c)(3), and relies completely on the financial support of our partners around the world.  Please consider partnering with us and making a tax-deductible donation https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/3648601   Want a FREE CHAPTER from Rob's latest book? Sign up for email updates from Determinetruth.   https://mailchi.mp/5672d33f2b95/dt-podcast Music: “Love is Against the Grain” (Dime Store Prophets)   #BiblePodcast #TheologyPodcast #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudyPodcast #BiblicalTruth #FaithPodcast #politics #ChristianNationalism #suffering #thechurch #paul #timothy #ecclesiology #Fellowship #Mutual encouragement #Service #Corporateworship #Teaching #theWord #Communion #pastors #missions #women #complementarian #egalitarian #authority #colossians #presbyterian #housechurch #

Preacher: Chad Vegas

This is the seventh and final lesson in Dr. James Cassidy's Reformed Academy course, The Doctrine of the Church. This lesson covers the following topics: 00:00 On Gender and Church Office 08:50 The Connected Church 15:33 Areas of Jurisdiction: Governing Doctrine 25:04 Areas of Jurisdiction: Governing Worship 31:10 Areas of Jurisdiction: Government and Discipline 33:58 Conclusion Register for this free on-demand course on our website to track your progress and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to dozens of additional video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedacademy.org/course/do... Your donations help us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you worldwide: https://reformedforum.org/donate/ #church #reformed #presbyterian #ecclesiology #reformedtheology

Preacher: Chad Vegas

This is the sixth lesson in Dr. James Cassidy's Reformed Academy course, The Doctrine of the Church. This lesson covers the following topics: 00:00 The Structure of Church Government: Preliminary Considerations 11:32 The Elders: Preliminary Considerations 15:40 Presbuteroi 28:08 How Many Offices? 34:05 Overseers (Episkopos) 37:03 The Deacons Register for this free on-demand course on our website to track your progress and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to dozens of additional video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedacademy.org/course/do... Your donations help us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you worldwide: https://reformedforum.org/donate/ #church #reformed #presbyterian #ecclesiology #reformedtheology

Preacher: Chad Vegas

In this episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged, host Ben Quine continues our FPA: Building a Movement series with a powerful and timely discussion on the biblical relationship between the church and government. Joined by Greg Baker, Founding Director of the Church Ambassador Network, and Brian Allen, Director of Operations, Ben explores what Scripture teaches about God's design for family, church, and government — and how believers can faithfully navigate these institutions today. Rooted in Romans 13:1, this conversation introduces the Shepherd to Shepherd model, which connects pastors and government leaders as fellow servants under the authority of Christ. Greg and Brian share how relational ministry, prayer, and biblical truth are transforming hearts inside state capitols across the country — not through politics, but through the gospel.Listeners will hear: Why separation of church and state is biblical — and why it matters How pastors can engage government leaders without compromising the church's mission Real-life stories of prayer opening doors for gospel conversations How the Choose Well program equips churches to steward the vote biblically Practical ways everyday Christians can pray, support their pastors, and engage faithfully This episode is a compelling reminder that civic engagement is a mission field — and that God is still at work through faithful presence, humility, and truth.

Dr. Jim Cassidy concludes the Structure of Church Government. Outlines and study guides available at:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AUzBIak2ZUOPfOzu_pqo9ZaZnsJkA97E?usp=sharing

Saturday, October 25, 2025Dr. Cassidy covers the Use and Limits of Church Power and Authority and the Spirituality of the Church, then introduces the Structure of Church Government.Outlines and study guides are available at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AUzBIak2ZUOPfOzu_pqo9ZaZnsJkA97E?usp=sharing

With SNAP (food stamps) benefits possibly not being provided soon due to gov't shutdown, Greg explores the theological and practical considerations of how needs are best met. He shares listeners' thoughts on government vs church assistance for the hungry and poor.

In this episode, we explore T.D. Witherspoon's compelling case for the beauty and order of Presbyterian church government—rooted not in human hierarchy, but in Christ's rule over His people through the courts of the church. Discover how these biblical principles safeguard unity, protect liberty, and strengthen the church's witness today.

Summary: The Word of God provides for orderly church government. Order in Offices (art. 30) Ministers Task? Elders Task? Deacons Task? Order in Elections (art. 31) Legitimate election Application: internal/external call Application: parity of ministers Application: esteem ministers and elders (Heb. 13) Order in Worship (art. 32)

This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with JOURNAL author Matthew Kennedy about his  article, “Are Pastors and Church Government Biblical? Authority and the Church in the New Testament Era and Beyond” https://www.equip.org/articles/are-pastors-and-church-government-biblical-authority-and-the-church-in-the-new-testament-era-and-beyond/Related articles and podcasts by this author:Episode 433: ‘Am I Racist?' Reveals DEI's Counterfeit Redemption‘Am I Racist?' Reveals DEI's Counterfeit RedemptionEpisode 405 Non-Christians, Death, and Comforting the BereavedNon-Christians, Death, and Comforting the BereavedEpisode 391 Who May Come To The Lord's Table—Eucharistic Welcome And Warning“Who May Come To The Lord's Table—Eucharistic Welcome And Warning.“ Don't miss an episode; please subscribe to the Postmodern Realities podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Please help spread the word about Postmodern Realities by giving us a rating and review when you subscribe to the podcast. The more ratings and reviews we have, the more new listeners can discover our content.

Discover why replacing Spirit-led community with rigid hierarchy may be crippling the church. What if Jesus gave us a model of leadership that works without control, titles, or coercion?

Chapters 30 and 31 explain that Christ has given the Church the authority to govern itself to direct its ministry in an orderly manner and protect its purity for the glory of Christ. The Church does this through ecclesiastical courts (deliberative governing bodies) and the appropriate use of discipline. 

In Episode 196 of Theology In Particular, Dr. James Renihan joins me to discuss congregationalism, especially the power that belongs to church members.    Announcements:  IRBS OTR, May 10 Unity Baptist Church near Memphis,  Faculty conference on Church Planting May 16; Commencement May 17; IRBS OTR, Grace Covenant BC, VA Beach May 24; IRBS OTR, Iglesia Biblica Por Su Gracia in San Diego CA May 31; IRBS OTR Grace BC, Rangely CO, June 14   Contact: For information about International Reformed Baptist Seminary, go to irbsseminary.org. For feedback, questions, or suggestions, email Joe Anady at tip@irbsseminary.org.  

David K. Bernard clarifies what it means for a local church to be affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church International. Does affiliation give the UPCI control over a church's pastor or property? What about voting membership and adherence to the UPCI Articles of Faith? Hear the answers to these important questions and learn about the benefits and process of becoming an affiliated UPCI church.Check out the following resources for more on this topic:The Apostolic Church in the Twenty-First Century by Dr. David K. Bernard The official UPCI position paper "Church Government"Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Welcome to Season 4 of Down Under Theology, a podcast equipping and encouraging Australian Christians to get down and under the theology impacting the life and mission of the church.In this episode, we're joined by Rev. Dr John McClean to talk about the Westminster Assembly and all to come out of it. We discuss the Westminster Confession of Faith, the other Assembly Documents (Shorter and Larger Catechisms, Form of Church Government, Directory of Public Worship), how the Assembly came about, and its impact on the church going forward.Rev. Dr John McClean is the Vice Principal and Lecturer is Systematic Theology at Christ College, and co-editor (alongside Murray Smith) of the 'We Believe' series (Lexham Press). Thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch with us at downundertheology@gmail.com.---Episode Hosts:Allister Lum Mow (@allisterlm)Cameron Clausing (@cam_clausing)Murray SmithJohn McCleanProducer:Nick RabeEpisode Sponsor:Christ College, Sydney---S4 Episode 13 - Show NotesRecommended Resources - Confessing the Faith: A Reader's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith by Chad Van DixhoornThe Westminster Assembly: Reading its Theology in Historical Context by Robert LethamFair Sunshine: Character Studies of the Scottish Covenanters by Jock PurvesChrist College, SydneyPreparing leaders for God's church and its gospel-centred mission in the world.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

What is the purpose and healthy practice of church government? What is the relationship between the structure and life of the church? Listen to Mark's message on Acts 6!

God created governmental authorities to serve his purposes and the Scriptures provide wisdom for navigating these contentious political moments.

God created governmental authorities to serve his purposes and the Scriptures provide wisdom for navigating these contentious political moments.

Church Government : Pastor Raef Chenery : 09-22-24 by Park Community Church

In Episode 162 of Theology In Particular, I'm joined by Dr. James Renihan to discuss the ecclesiology and polity expressed in chapter 26 of the Second London Confession and to make a case for congregationalism from the Scriptures.   Contact: For information about International Reformed Baptist Seminary, go to irbsseminary.org. For feedback, questions, or suggestions, email Joe Anady at tip@irbsseminary.org.    Announcements: Southern California Reformed Baptist Pastors' Conference Dates: November 4-5, 2024 Location: Trinity Reformed Baptist Church, La Mirada, CA Topic: Second London Confession Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling For more information and to register, go to scrbpc.org.

Content: Elders of Ephesus Ordination process? Episcopal, congregational, presbyterian Become a CTC Partner: https://crosstocrown.org/partners/ What Is New Covenant Theology? An Introduction — https://crosstocrown.org/product/what-is-new-covenant-theology/ Featured playlist: The Church (That Meets in My Home) — https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5Yobt1jZDd9Zzn8Ufa-BNciyYv04Cl6m My books: Exalted: Putting Jesus in His Place — https://www.amazon.com/Exalted-Putting-Jesus-His-Place/dp/0985118709/ref=tmm_pap_title_0 God's Design for Marriage (Married Edition) — https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Design-Marriage-Married-Amazing/dp/0998786306/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493422125&sr=1-4&keywords=god%27s+design+for+marriage God's Design for Marriage (Pre-married Edition) — https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Design-Marriage-What-Before/dp/0985118725/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top crosstocrown.org @DougGoodin @CrossToCrown

Sunday Evening Bible Study

The United Pentecostal Church International Manual, the handbook by which UPCI churches and ministers operate, notes that the organization practices a "congregational form of church government." What does this mean? More importantly, what does the Bible say about church government? Dr. David K. Bernard looks to the New Testament for clues on how churches should be organized, operated, and led, and how it compares with the leadership structure of the UPCI and its member congregations.For more information on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book The Apostolic Church in the Twenty-First Century, available at PentecostalPublishing.com. Visit UPCI.org/Statements-Archive to access the UPCI's official position paper titled "Church Government."If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.