Were Early Churches Ruled by Elders or a Single Bishop?

There is a never-ending debate amongst theologians and pastors about the proper form of gov­ernment for the church. From the bishop-led Anglicans to the in­formal Brethren churches, there is great diversity. And one of the fundamental flash points in this de­bate is the practice of the early church. What form of government did the earliest Christians have? Were the earliest churches ruled by a plurality of elders or a single bishop?

Protestant Popes

Recently Pope Francis I, the reigning pontiff of the Ro­man Catholic Church, made headlines as he visited Cuba and the United States, both for the first time. As usual he delivered a great many speeches, presided over numerous masses, met many dignitaries, and kissed not a few people. In Cuba he sought rapprochement with the Communist Par­ty and with its leader, Raoul Castro. In the United States he stressed issues related to race, justice, and the environment. This article discusses several different types of church leadership.

Mutual Censure in the Consistory

By mutual Christian censure is meant the inquiry that takes place under leadership of the chairman of the consistory at a meeting prior to the observance of the Lord's Supper. This mutual censure concerns the office bearer's discharge of his office. The discharge of the office is closely related to the personal relationship to the Lord and to fellow office bearers. Nevertheless, mutual censure does not focus on these relationships. Rather, in the first instance, mutual censure concerns the carrying out of the duties of office bearers.

Classis: Size and Shape

Of what size ought a classis to be, in order that its assigned responsibility may be discharged effi­ciently and fruitfully for the welfare of one and all? No Reformed church, to the best of my knowledge, has ever decided on this. Always it was left to a classis to determine if, when and how it should be "divided" into two or more such assemblies, with synodical approval ordinarily given. After all, area congregations know their own needs best.