In evaluating the different forms of church government and their support in scripture, it's important to note that the Bible provides various examples of leadership structures, but it does not prescribe one specific model as the exclusive way to govern a church. Here’s a brief overview of the options you provided:
a. Deacon-led: While deacons are mentioned in the New Testament (Acts 6, 1 Timothy 3), there is no clear indication that a deacon-led model is explicitly supported.
b. Congregation-led: This approach has biblical support, as scriptures such as Acts 6:3-5 show the early church making decisions collectively.
c. Single pastor-led: This model can be seen in various scriptures, such as 1 Peter 5:1-4, where the concept of an elder or shepherd leading the church is evident.
d. Multiple pastor-led: This model aligns with scriptures that depict a plurality of elders (Titus 1:5, Acts 14:23).
Based on these considerations, a. deacon-led is the option that is least supported by scripture as a formal structure for church governance. While deacons are important for service and support, the New Testament does not outline a model where they lead the church as the primary governing body.
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