Let Home Churches Have Government that Fits Changing Needs
About 8 minutes, based on Acts 13:1-3; 15:1-29 & Titus 15-9.
Note: This skit is meant for church leaders.
Participants (No need to memorize lines; the aim is simply to inform,
not to perform)
  Paul
  Mel
  Warren
Paul |
Mel and Warren, some of our believers argue about church government. |
Warren |
You’re right, Paul. Their different views cause confusion. |
Paul |
I’ve heard of three classic forms of church government: |
Warren |
Is Paul right, Mel? You’re our scholar. |
Mel |
It is not that simple, guys. Our churches should not all embrace just one form. |
Paul |
Okay, Mel, so which form will help our new churches serve each other? |
Mel |
We have to face an unpopular fact first, Paul. |
Warren |
So what do we do to have healthy church life now, Mel? |
Mel |
No form of rule assures our churches’ health, Warren, |
Paul |
You said the rule should fit church’s maturity. Explain that, Mel. |
Mel |
Let government be flexible and adapt to current conditions as they change. |
Paul |
So who really has the authority under Christ, Mel? |
Mel |
A church’s need shifts from one type of government to another as it matures. |
Paul |
No. Bullies would mistreat them. |
Mel |
So their dad goes with the children when they go down the street. |
Warren |
I see. That’s episcopal government. |
Mel |
Yes. Likewise, new churches with new believers need an outsider’s supervision, |
Warren |
A church I once attended had a godly bishop; |
Mel |
But he will retire. What then, Warren? |
Warren |
That’s for sure. History abounds with cases of hierarchical abuse. |
Paul |
But it also abounds with cases of godly episcopal rule. |
Mel |
Paul, your children will grow, and you will let them go out without you. |
Paul |
I see! That’s presbyterian rule by elders. |
Mel |
Yes. Presbyters are shepherding leaders, according to the New Testament; |
Warren |
Yes, but there’s also a potential flaw in presbyterian form. |
Mel |
Yes; some elders neglect their shepherding duties and only make rules. |
Paul |
I tried to get our churches’ elders to decide issues |
Mel |
They’re not ready for elders’ government yet, Paul. |
Paul |
I see. That’s congregational rule. |
Mel |
Precisely. The mature Antioch church in Acts 13:1-3 |
Warren |
I’ve seen young churches with immature leaders exercise self-rule |
Mel |
Under any form of government, leaders can fail to be accountable to others |
Warren |
Also, if rule is too democratic. Uninformed believers can make bad decisions. |
Paul |
Mel, why do some churches demand just one type of rule, |
Mel |
They inherit the form, Paul. |
Paul |
I attended a church with bylaws requiring that every January |
Mel |
To follow man-made statutes rather than the New Testament is devastating. |
Paul |
Later, things changed. The church had more than seven qualified elders, |
Mel |
The farther a church drifts from New Testament norms, |
Paul |
Mel, are there not historical reasons |
Mel |
Yes. Emperor Constantine united the churches with his Roman Empire |
Paul |
And presbyterian government? |
Mel |
It gained impetus when kings lost absolute control; |
Paul |
That was fortunate. |
Mel |
More recently, congregational rule grew along with the new democracy. |
Warren |
My church cannot govern itself now. |
Mel |
Good church rule helps all members use their different spiritual gifts |
Warren |
My flock needs guidance from the outside; it is still in the tiny tots’ phase. |
Paul |
Some in my flock do not want any kind of rule, |
Mel |
That will change. Simply adapt rule to current needs and maturity. |
Warren |
I’ve been part of our problem; I’ve fueled the squabbling among the elders, |
Mel |
Hallelujah! |