Understanding the Congregation's Authority

Church Basics

by Jonathan Leeman

Congregational authority is less about the meetings and more about the mission. Congregationalism has a bad rap for well-known inefficient meetings, upstart members, browbeaten ministers. But biblical congregationalism isn’t so much about the meetings. It’s about empowering the whole church to promote and protect the gospel. Pastors lead and equip. Members get to work strengthening one another and pursuing Christ’s mission in the world.

Genres: Church, Ecclesiology, Theology, Christianity, Christian, Leadership, Discipleship

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2016

About the author

JONATHAN LEEMAN is the editorial director of 9Marks, which involves him in editing the 9Marks series of books as well as the 9Marks Journal. He has written a number of books on the church, including Reverberation, and he teaches theology at several seminaries. Jonathan lives with his wife and four daughters in a suburb of Washington, DC and serves as an elder at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington. You can learn more about him and his writing at www.9Marks.org.

Reviews

[Micah Dorsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I’ve ever read on church structure/authority in that it shows how essential it is to healthy discipleship! Something I had never thought about before. Plus it’s a short and concise read:)

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was all over the place. He argued for Baptist congregationalism while downing presbyterian ecclesiology, but at the same time his critiques of presbyterian ecclesiology were descriptions of Baptist congregationalism. There were certain sections of this book that made me think that he didn't have the first clue about the subject, and I say that as someone who has read many of Leeman's works and never had this thought previously. I would avoid this one for no other reason than it will confuse the reader if they do not have a firm foundation on this subject.

[Brian Pate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good! I read this with our pastoral interns in Brazil.

Congregationalism = pastors training members to do their job. As priest-kings, believers have the responsibility and authority to keep God's temple (the church) holy. They have authority over the "what" and the "who" of the gospel -- affirm statements of faith and add/remove names from membership.

[Kaitlyn Pindak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book outlines the scriptural mandate of the church. Excellent, excellent book that doesn’t mince words and clearly lays out what Christ calls us to. Short and easy read with good information.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bon petit livre pour mieux comprendre comment fonctionne l'autorité donnée à la congrégation en lien avec l'autorité donnée aux anciens.

[Jónatas Rafael Lopes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um excelente livro sobre congregacionalismo.
Vale a pena ler e perceber a ligação do AT ao NT.
No fim, ainda responde a diversas dúvidas que se levantam.

[Jimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a looking for a book on elder-led congregationalism, this is a great introduction. This is part of a Church Basics series put out by B&H Publishing Group and its great that the format is something short and readable for the general audience. I do not agree with the author’s political perspective but I did find this book helpful in regards to the topic of the congregation’s authority. I think understanding what authority God gives to the congregation/church helps check a lot of the pastoral abuse and power hunger that sometimes those in ministry have and I only wish there are more works like this book. I think if readers read this it will be very helpful for their own understanding of what God wants for the church and will impact practically one’s church life.
After the preface to the series the book has five chapters, a conclusion and an appendix. Chapter one is on Jesus’ Discipleship Program and the next chapter is titled “The Big Picture” which gives the summary of the book. Chapter three is on the role and responsibilities God has given Adam which has implication of what one does in the Church. Chapter four is titled “Now Jesus Gives the Job to Your Church” which is about the task God has given the church and the next chapter balances that with “Your Pastor Train You for your Job.” There’s a conclusion that goes over “Your Job Responsibilities.” The appendix must not be missed where the author Jonathan Leeman gives answers to critiques of Elder-Led Congregationalism.
The book defines things well without it being heavily academic; I like how the author defines elder-led congregationalism versus elder rule church polity. The book also define Presbyterianism and Episcopalian (in terms of church polity, and not the name of the denominations). Leeman’s point about how church government is about discipleship (8) is a point I haven’t thought about before. Also the articulation and argument from the Scripture for the position of elder-led congregationalism is really helpful. There are times I have been concern with those whose greatest agenda is getting their church to follow “9 Marks of a Healthy Church” where it doesn’t seem that those pushing it have a concern for the Gospel and the members as a priority than implementing a program but this work should be read for those seeking the church to be more healthy to see the importance of the congregation. I do recommend this book.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m a firm believer in congregationalism as the only biblical model, but any attempt to build the case for congregationalism from the Old Testament is going to be problematic. First, the church is not in the Old Testament, but is a mystery revealed by Christ in the New Testament. That is not the same thing as saying the Old Testament has no relevance for the church. Leeman’s approach suffered from a covenant theology that has been developed theologically and not exegetically. He places the church at the end of the line of historical redemptive development as though the church is ultimate—Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, Christ, church. He actually made the church out to be another Adam, which confuses the churches’ purpose and mission. There is only the first Adam and the last Adam, which is Christ. There is the first Adam and the second Adam is Christ. Leeman puts the church in a universal, invisible kingdom where the church is another Adam taking dominion of the earth. This is an over-realized eschatology where the church supersedes Israel and serves as a second priesthood. More could be said.

Where Leeman actually addressed congregational authority from the New Testament, he did a good job. There’s definitely good in this book, but it’s a shame it’s in such a mixed bag.

[David J. Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short introductory work that summarizes Leeman's longer defense of the Baptist distinctive pastor-led-congregationalist view of church government. This is a great little book to put into someone's hands that wants to understand of major ways Baptist views of church life stand in contrast to Catholic or Protestant alternatives. He upholds the importance of pastoral leadership while maintaining the centrality of member-responsibility, all in a very practical and engaging way that lends itself to application. This is part theology, part biblical studies, part church history, part Baptist distinctives, and part Christian living all condensed into a short but helpful 80 page paperback.

[Todd Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could probably be convinced to give this a 5-star rating. This is an approach to congregational authority that is often overlooked and regularly neglected. I think every church member (including the eldership) should read this book, as it lays out a members responsibility to the Lord and His church with clarity.

I certainly would like to sit down over coffee with Pastor Leeman and discuss a few statements, but overall this is a great read.

[David Shoemaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very helpful and simple understanding on how congregationalism works. Leeman shows the benefits and discipleship that occurs because of congregationalism. He also lays out a great Biblical argument for it from Matthew 16 and 18. It really helped me get a full and better grasp of something that I knew a little about. It also helped me understand the part the elder plays in congregationalism more clearly. Great short read.

[Amber Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a helpful book on understanding exactly what the Bible says about congregation authority within a church. If you are a member of a local church but aren’t sure what your responsibilities are as a church member, this book lays it out so clearly for you. If you are aren’t familiar on what it means for a church to be elder-led Congregationalists this book will show you why it’s Jesus’ discipleship program that he shows us very clearly in the Bible.

[Marc Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great little explanation of elder-led congregationalism. I used this little booklet for the elder candidates I am training at my church. It takes arguments Leeman makes in his “Don’t Fire Your Church Members”, and condenses them down into a tight little package. My only hesitation is that because I am an already convinced Congregationalist, I might have a blind eye to any ways the arguments here may not be convincing to the skeptical.

[Jonathan Pait · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and easy synopsis that would be a good read for members of a congregational church. More of a supporting document than an argument… though Jonathan is quick to remind the reader that he wrote a book for that purpose as well. 😉

[Jarod Grubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic little book on elder-led congregationalism. Very helpful for church members. Also, I honestly think every guy who hopes to be a pastor should read this so he understands church polity, at least on a basic level.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, concise, and compelling read that helped me understand meaningful membership.

[Michael Pagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. I’m not convinced, but very good.

[Salvador Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear biblical arguments. Thoughtful response to objections! Great for discipling your church members. Often they’ll ask, “what should I do as a member now?”

A Church Member’s Responsibilities are:
1.) Attend Church Regularly
2.) Help Preserve the Gospel
3.) Help Affirm Gospel Citizens
4.) Attend Members’ Meetings
5.) Disciple Other Church Members
6.) Share the Gospel With Outsiders
7.) Follow Your Leaders

[Alex Kearney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not convincing. Redefines elder rule / oversight and congregational submission / obedience to mean elder led congregational rule, and I’m not sure how that works.

[Craig Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick guide

This great shirt book to read on elderled-congregratiolism. It just gave you a basic understanding and you to see the importance of church membership.

[Jeremy Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise read that will help you understand the authority of the members of the church and how it relates to the church and all its elements.

[Jackie Eason · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m pretty certain this book was written for someone like me- I don’t have a theology degree, and I’m not well-versed in explaining a biblical foundation for church polity. BUT I do have a basic understanding of the terminology, and I do have a good foundation for the role of an elder and the role of a church member.

That being said, I found this small book very confusing. Terms like “priest-king” and the congregation holding the keys of the kingdom? I’ve just never heard these things. That’s fine, because now I should...except that I don’t. My biggest criticism is that the structure could be the problem. He kept saying “we’ll talk more about this is chapter __.” When a book is small that is completely unnecessary- just talk to me. Reading a book means that I know there is more you want to say. It also felt like it was a big advertisement for his other book. If you really wanted me to read that book, why write this one?

The last chapter and the conclusion were the most helpful sections by far. They were organized better, and the use of Scripture was more clear.

I probably won’t read more of this series.

[Leandro Alves · Rating 3 out of 5]

É basicamente uma defesa do congregacionalismo. A expressão que frequentemente é usada é "congregacionalismo liderado por presbíteros". De forma didática, o autor navega pelas escrituras em busca de embasar essa organização eclesiástica.

Apesar de concordar que o Novo Testamento defende o sacerdócio de todos os crentes e que toda a congregação estava envolvida na tomada de decisões na igreja primitiva (principalmente de disciplina), e que a igreja era liderada por presbíteros, acho estranho o ponto de partida.

O autor relaciona essa autoridade dos crentes a um modelo que ele chamada "rei-sacerdote". Isso porque, segundo Leeman, esse era o projeto original de Deus para o homem, desde o Jardim do Éden, passando por vários personagens bíblicos do AT e chegando finalmente, a Jesus. Essa comparação de reis e sacerdotes com Jesus certamente é verdadeira, mas nada no Novo Testamento sugere que disso venha o modelo de governo da igreja primitiva.

Por isso, o livro deixa muito a desejar. Além de o embasamento ser falho, o livro é pouco proveitoso de forma prática, diferentemente de outros livros desta série.

[Alex Shepard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given this book five stars, except for the fact that one of the scripture references is a typo or misprint. Leeman references 1 Tim 1:20, which does not exist. Maybe I’m too picky here, but the rest of the book is quite excellent.

I had a very soft understanding of church governance, so I’m grateful for this book for biblically explaining what faithful authority structure in the church looks like. Leeman describes this as elder-led congregationalism, wherein the elders of the church teach the congregation how to do their job. Their job being guarding the who (church membership) and what of the gospel.

I appreciate the teaching that as a member of a church, I have a job to do of faithfully stirring up those that I have covenanted with to love and good works. I would recommend this to anyone wanting an introduction to the congregation’s authority in the governance of the local church.

“…the church maintains final say on decisions concerning what they believe and who they are…the elders must lead the congregation through those very decisions.”

[Jenny Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in an elder-led congregationalist church, I haven't given much thought to the biblical reasons behind this form of church government and why we do it this way. This book gave me a deeper understanding of some of those reasons and most of them were directly from Scripture. Chapter 5 was really helpful in understanding the relationship between the elders and the congregation members. Ephesians 4:11-12 was one of the highlight verses that hit this home for me: "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Elders have the the authority of counsel and the congregation has the authority of command. This distinction was very helpful. Short and easy to read! Definitely recommend if you are interested in church government forms!

[Rachel]

This book has a lot of insightful, compelling, and clarifying thoughts about what it means to be “the church” and a church member and/or elder. Having attended an elder-led Congregational church for several years, this book clarified some of why we do what we do, and I can attest to the amazing extent of discipleship, community and growth happening that I’ve never seen in a previous church. I wish the “proof texts” referenced in this book were more compelling. At a surface read, I found the arguments from logic and practicality more compelling than most of the Scripture references quoted. But that may be my lack of digging deep enough into the passages in their context. I think a longer book could have provided more of what I’d look for to argue the book’s points from Scripture. I don’t feel equipped to argue that other flavors of church government are wrong (maybe “not as good,” but I don’t feel like I could show from the Bible crystal clear support for a stronger position yet). I also fully intend to stay at my church, thankful for this form of government!

[Taylor Diehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love the concept that Leeman is presenting here, and having just joined an elder-led congregational church, I completely agree. However, I found his evidence to be insubstantial. When someone takes a confusing passage of scripture and claims to know completely what it means, there needs to be plenty of convincing evidence. Leeman did not convince me. There were many points where he seemed to be exclaiming something in confidence which appeared to me to be more of his personal understanding. Perhaps this is because I did not grow up in Baptist culture. That being said, his encouragement for church members to invest more deeply in each other is greatly needed and excited me.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought and read this book thinking it was the closest thing to a brief companion to the longer ‘Church Membership’ by the same author (Jonathan Leeman). It may have been the closest match in B&H’s Church Basics series, but the focus is less on membership per se and more on church polity. If you understand that and want to read a good primer on church polity, this is an excellent choice. Leeman advocates for elder-led Congregationalism and then builds a Biblical case for it while contrasting it to the weaknesses of other forms of church polity.

[Joshua Reichard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is interesting. It’s short so by no means is it meant to be a comprehensive guide on church polity. So with that said Leeman does an okay job at explaining his view of church government. My big problem with Leeman though is he is always arguing his view and not really finding biblical truth to his arguments. Yes he quotes Matt. 16 and 18 all the time. But I wish he would focus on more texts and help us see his view more clearly in the Bible. He is riding all his truth on Matt. 16,18. That’s not a bad thing but it’s also not the most helpful.

[Mark D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy all of these 9 Marks books. In the conclusion to this book, Leeman gives a list of job descriptions for church members. For so many, the think that being a church member means just showing up on Sunday. We all know that being a member of a church is more than attendance. The list provided in this book is a great resource for any pastor, or church member wanting to build accountability and buy in for church members. I am going to teach the lessons in my church with the hopes of building stronger church membership.