The biblical model of leadership. One or many leaders?

Grace Fellowship believes there are two divinely appointed church offices: elders and deacons. (I Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9) The New Testament model for leadership in the local church calls for a plurality of elders/pastors not one singular pastor. Grace Fellowship believes that pastoral oversight of the New Testament church was committed to a plurality of elders and not invested in a professional clergyman called the pastor. The New Testament points to a plurality of elders because the Greek word for elder is plural. Not only are there explicit statements of shared leadership but also examples of shared leadership are evident throughout the New Testament. Eldership rule best fits the concept of the priesthood of believers and bridges the mystical gap between clergy and laity. (1 Peter 2:4-5).

This does not mean that all have equal abilities. (1 Cor. 12:4). Within the framework of elders’ ministries there will be great diversity as each exercises his Spiritual gifts. (1 Cor. 12:7). Some will demonstrate special giftedness in the areas of administration or service; others will evidence stronger gifts of teaching, exhortation, or other abilities. Some will be highly visible; others will function in the background. All are within the plan of God for the church.