“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article explores the divine blueprint for church leadership, rooted in the apostolic model of the New Testament and illuminated by inspired counsel. It examines the biblical pattern for establishing church order, the qualifications for leaders, the significance of ordination, and the responsibilities of under-shepherds. By adhering to this divine standard, we ensure the church remains a faithful reflection of Christ’s authority and mission, safeguarding its purity and purpose.

A SACRED GATHERING

The air in the simple meetinghouse is thick with the weight of decision, smelling of rough-sawn pine and earnest prayer. Lamplight casts long, dancing shadows across our faces, men and women whose hands are calloused from farm work but whose expressions are softened by a profound reverence. We have come together not for a regular Sabbath service, but for a purpose more solemn, an act that feels as ancient as the apostolic age itself. Before us sits a man, not a novice, but one whose life has been an open book to the community. His head is bowed, his Bible resting on his knees. The gathering is considering him for the office of elder. In this sacred moment, we seek to follow the divine pattern, as Scripture declares, “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed” (Acts 14:23, KJV). A prophetic voice reminds us, “The organization of the church at Jerusalem was to serve as a model for the organization of churches in every other place where messengers of truth should win converts to the gospel” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 91, 1911). Through inspired counsel, we are told, “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers” (Gospel Workers, p. 352, 1915). This solemn occasion calls us to align with God’s blueprint for leadership. What is the divine pattern for establishing church order?

JERUSALEM MODEL: DIVINE PATTERN

In establishing and maintaining the church of God, we find no room for guesswork or human invention. The foundation of all church order and governance was laid in the apostolic age, a divine model to be emulated. The inspired pen states, “The organization of the church at Jerusalem was to serve as a model for the organization of churches in every other place where messengers of truth should win converts to the gospel” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 91, 1911). This elevates church order to a divine command, as binding as our cherished doctrines. In Acts 6:1-7, a murmuring arose because Grecian widows were neglected. The apostles, prioritizing their spiritual work, instructed us to seek “seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom” (Acts 6:3, KJV). This established deacons to manage practical affairs, preserving the ministry of the Word. Scripture affirms, “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration” (Acts 6:1, KJV), and “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” (Acts 6:3, KJV). A passage from The Desire of Apostles reminds us, “The appointment of the seven to take the oversight of special lines of work, proved a great blessing to the church” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 89, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 9, 1911). This model ensures Christ’s headship, preventing centralized power. How do we measure a man for such a sacred role?

MEASURE OF THE MAN: CHARACTER

The man who fills a church office must be divinely qualified, with character shaped by God’s grace. Ordination recognizes a genuine, ongoing conversion. In Gospel Workers we read, “Men are needed who are truly converted, whose hearts are filled with love for Christ” (Gospel Workers, p. 414, 1915). Without this, a minister is but “a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1, KJV). Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus outline the standard: an elder must be “blameless,” “vigilant, sober, of good behaviour,” and “one that ruleth well his own house” (1 Timothy 3:2, 4, KJV). His home is the proving ground, for “if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?” (1 Timothy 3:5, KJV). Scripture declares, “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2, KJV), and “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre” (Titus 1:7, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The family of the one suggested for office should be considered. Are they in subjection?” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 618, 1889). A prophetic voice states, “Those who are chosen to bear responsibilities in the church should be men of good repute” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 406, 1875). These standards ensure leaders reflect Christ’s character. What does ordination signify in this process?

LAYING ON OF HANDS: SOLEMN CONFIRMATION

Ordination is not a sacrament conferring power, but the community’s confirmation of God’s call. The process begins with thorough examination, ensuring “clear, unmistakable evidence” of a man’s calling through his life’s fruit (Gospel Workers, p. 439, 1915). The church says “Amen” to God’s will, as “no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron” (Hebrews 5:4, KJV). Scripture warns, “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22, KJV), and affirms, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2, KJV). Sr. White counsels, “The church should feel their responsibility, and should look carefully and prayerfully at the lives of those who are to be set apart for the ministry” (Gospel Workers, p. 437, 1915). In Testimonies for the Church we read, “The ordination by the laying on of hands was, at a later date, employed as a form of blessing and setting apart for a special work” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 406, 1875). This act seals the community’s agreement with God’s call. What are the duties of this sacred charge?

UNDER-SHEPHERD’S CHARGE: SERVICE

Ordination is a consecration to a lifetime of service as an under-shepherd. The elder must feed the flock, as Peter instructs, “Feed the flock of God which is among you” (1 Peter 5:2, KJV). This requires diligent study to provide “pure provender” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 3, p. 19, 1990). The shepherd also guards against “grievous wolves” (Acts 20:29, KJV), cares for individual needs, and leads by example, not as “lords over God’s heritage” (1 Peter 5:3, KJV). Scripture states, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28, KJV), and “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The minister who is a co-worker with Christ will have a deep sense of the sacredness of his work” (Gospel Workers, p. 14, 1915). A passage from The Acts of the Apostles reminds us, “The elders of the church should give diligent heed to the wants of the flock” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 95, 1911). This holistic charge reflects Christ’s love. How do we uphold this sacred trust today?

LIVING HERITAGE: SACRED TRUST

In that lamp-lit meetinghouse, we lay hands on our brother, commending him to God’s work, extending an apostolic heritage. This divine blueprint is a living system, demanding leaders of proven character, confirmed through prayerful ordination, and dedicated to shepherding. Scripture declares, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12, KJV), and “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account” (Hebrews 13:17, KJV). Sr. White counsels, “The church is to be a living, active, working agency, cooperating with God” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 29, 1900). In The Desire of Ages we read, “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work” (The Desire of Ages, p. 822, 1898). We are called to guard this trust, ensuring Christ remains the head.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my understanding of the divine blueprint for church leadership to shape my character and priorities?

How can we present the biblical model of church order to diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and relevance without compromising truth?

What common misunderstandings about church leadership exist in my community, and how can I correct them with Scripture and Sr. White’s writings?

How can our congregations live out this divine pattern, becoming vibrant examples of Christ’s leadership and mission?