- Christ Jesus is the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23, Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 5:24)
- A congregation consists of Elders, Deacons, and Saints (Philippians 1:1)
- A Saint is simply a Christian (Philippians 1:1, Romans 1:7)
- Each individual congregation is overseen by plural Elders (Acts 20:17, 28, 1st Timothy 3:1-7)
- Under the Shepherds, Pastors, Elders, and Bishops (Different words used of congregation leaders) the church is to have servants called Deacons (1st Timothy 3:8-13)
- Saints and deacons are led by the elders (Acts 2:28, 1 Peter 5:1-2)
- Elders only lead the members that are among them (Acts 20:28, 1st Peter 5:1-2)
- Elders cannot legislate new doctrine. They must follow the Bible (Matthew 28:18, 2nd Timothy 3:16)
- Each congregation is called “church of Christ” (Romans 16:16)
- Pastors, Elders, Bishops, Shepherds are words for the same individual, a leader in the local congregation. A Preacher or Evangelist is not necessarily someone who is a Pastor.