Biblical Accountibility

The Lord has established three offices in the church: pastor, elder, and deacon. Their primary responsibilities are as follows: Pastors preach the Word of God and administer the sacraments (1 Corinthians 9:14). Elders together with the pastor exercise spiritual oversight and administer accountability (1 Timothy 5:17; Acts 20:28). Deacons assist and support the pastor and elders in those services which involve physical and material needs (Acts 6:1-7).

 

The ascended Lord Jesus Christ chooses His leaders by directing the congregation to elect qualified men to serve as its leaders (Acts 1:23-26; 14:23; 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-13).

 

The Bible requires all believers to be accountable to a faithful Church. “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17). Those who reject Christ’s leaders reject Christ himself (Luke 10:16).

 

This does not mean the church’s officers are perfect and never err or make poor judgments. Pastors and elders can err, which is why they also must be held accountable. Reformed church government helps to ensure that a church’s leaders are held accountable. When the early church was confronted with a serious question of doctrine, the elders of the local congregations met as a synod and passed resolutions based on Scriptural precepts which were binding on all congregations (see Acts 15:6; 16:4-5). This teaches us the need for general assemblies (synods) of the whole church. This also teaches us that congregations are not to be independent of each other. Rather, they are to be bound together in mutual submission and accountability. Therefore, it is biblical to be a denomination and to seek to join together and work with other faithful denominations.