The Bible stresses local government in the Church. Paul’s letters indicate there were many churches in Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Achia: Colossae, Ephesus, Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth and Galatia. The apostle John lists Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. There was a very influential church in Jerusalem (Acts 11:22; 15:1-35). All these churches had their own local leadership, but these leaders were autonomous. They, as well as the membership, are ultimately responsible to Jesus Christ who is the “head of the Church” (Ephesians 5:23)

While the people participate in electing officers, the officers, once they assume a position of leadership, are the rulers who should be obeyed and honoured. “Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account (Hebrews 13:17a). But their leadership should not be used as an opportunity to be like a dictator (autocratic) or tyrannous. “Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17b). Jesus is their example.

Elders are to “shepherd the church of God” (Acts 20:28), but the church cannot be effectively shepherded from a distance. That is why Paul instructed Titus to “appoint elders in every city” (Titus 1:5). Each church was to have a Bible based local government ruled and shepherded by qualified leaders (1 Timothy 3:1-15). It is interesting that the apostles did not ask the believers to consider whether those elected to this office had private wealth or whether they were in positions of secular power or influence. Such concerns did not enter in at all. They were simply asked to pick out men who were of good repute, and full of the Spirit and of wisdom. When disputes arose among the churches, representatives from the local churches throughout the region came to Jerusalem to settle doctrinal issues (Acts 15:1-35)

The duty of Church leaders is to keep the Church pure from sinful behavior (1 Corinthians 5:1,2; 6:1-11) and doctrinal error (1 Timothy 4:6,11; 6:3-5) and to make the offender realize his need of repentance (Matthew 18:15).

The Church is to be a voluntary welfare operation to care for the needs of its members. The Spirit Of God moved the people of the early Church to sell some of their land holdings in order to meet the temporary needs of the new Christians (Acts 2:43-47). When families are not able to care for themselves, the Church through the generosity of its members, is responsible for meeting their needs.

The Church finances its governing responsibilities through the tithe. Jesus made it clear that we are to render to God the things that are God’s (Matthew 22:21). Paul admonishes the Corinthians that God requires His people to return a portion of their income, so that the needs of the Church can be met (1 Corinthians 16:1,2). These tithes and offerings were used for helping the saints for any needs that they might have (e.g. 1 Timothy 5:9-12). A strong family society and a tithing society can create a wide variety of institutions, schools, and agencies which can take over the basic function of church, school, health, and welfare and thereby shrink the state to its proper dimensions. Social financing is necessary, either the people of God undertake it, or the state will.