The governmental model of the Church of Christ in NT
In Acts we see how apostles, and also prophets, were in close connection with elders of local bodies. They gathered in Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s will for some matters concerning the whole Body. Afterwards they sent letters of orders to congregations, and also visited, apostles and prophets together, them in person.
Apostles and prophets served the Body of Christ in those areas the Lord sent them to. The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. It’s about the revelation of the Word of God those offices carry aven today.
Even though every believer has revelation through Jesus Christ, all the Eph.4:11 five ministry offices have their own special grace for the building of the Body, the equipping of saints till we all come to the full measure of Christ, a perfect man. Eph.4:11-16 shows us the Body to be built by the power of each member, the goal being that in all things everyone is growing into the head, Christ Himself.
In the NT we see also the model of the government of a local flock; the elders shepherding together. Not one above others as a head, but all together under the head, Jesus Christ. The Bible never mentions one elder, or shepherd, functioning alone, but talks of them together, as eldership, where each of them has their special gifting and anointing to shepherd the flock. This means they will have different tasks or responsibilities in the local church, and also authority according to this, but no one of them having a general position over others. This way no man will take the place of the head, but it is carefully kept for Lord Jesus Himself.
Even though we do see some examples of the government of the early church in New Testament, we cannot not still point a certain fixed way of governmental order there. The things were taken care of according to the leading of Lord Jesus, by His Spirit. The secret for God’s order to take place, seems to be their personal relationship with Lord Jesus Christ, both with the apostles and prophets as well as with all His servants. This is the only way we can be led by His Spirit and to be able covern His church the way He needs in different situations.
This means He is the form; He needs to be formed in us, for us to express His government.