| We Have No Human Head |
There is no man, or group of men, who legislate for the church. We have no one to
answer to but Christ. He is at the head of the church (Colossians 1:18) which leaves no
room for any human head. As was true in the first century, so also there is no
intercongregational organization, but rather independent congregations in different
locations with Christ as Lord and Master. According to the authority of Christ, when
a congregation matures to the point where men meet the qualifications, overseers (also
called bishops, elders or pastors) are appointed to look after the spiritual welfare of the
congregation. Such men are appointed only when they meet all the qualifications listed
by Paul in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. They then have the responsibility to “feed
the flock” with the spiritual food found in the scriptures, and to be examples for others
to see (1Peter 5:1-3). Our preachers are not “pastors” (unless they meet the
qualifications and are so appointed) but are simply teachers of the gospel.
answer to but Christ. He is at the head of the church (Colossians 1:18) which leaves no
room for any human head. As was true in the first century, so also there is no
intercongregational organization, but rather independent congregations in different
locations with Christ as Lord and Master. According to the authority of Christ, when
a congregation matures to the point where men meet the qualifications, overseers (also
called bishops, elders or pastors) are appointed to look after the spiritual welfare of the
congregation. Such men are appointed only when they meet all the qualifications listed
by Paul in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. They then have the responsibility to “feed
the flock” with the spiritual food found in the scriptures, and to be examples for others
to see (1Peter 5:1-3). Our preachers are not “pastors” (unless they meet the
qualifications and are so appointed) but are simply teachers of the gospel.
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The Alameda church of Christ