Introduction: Family, Not a Club
Think about the difference between joining a gym and joining a family. A gym offers services: you pay fees, attend when you want, and leave if dissatisfied. A family, however, is different. You belong. You are nurtured, disciplined, and loved. You don’t just “attend”; you are part of it.
The New Covenant church is not a club or institution but a family under Christ. Membership is covenantal, not consumerist. Leadership is shepherding, not hierarchy. Understanding both is essential for former Adventists who may carry wounds from legalistic leadership or authoritarian systems.
This chapter will explore what leadership and membership mean biblically, how they function under the New Covenant, and why they matter for spiritual growth.
Christ, the Head of the Church
The foundation of all church structure is this: Christ is the head.
Ephesians 1:22–23: “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”
This truth guards us from two extremes:
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Clericalism: Thinking leaders are the ultimate authority.
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Individualism: Thinking that no leadership or structure is needed.
Christ rules His church through His Word and Spirit. Human leaders are servants under His authority.
Leadership in the Early Church
A. Elders/Overseers/Pastors
The New Testament uses three terms — presbyteros (elder), episkopos (overseer), and poimēn (shepherd/pastor) — interchangeably to describe one office (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5–7).
Elders are called to:
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Preach and teach (1 Tim. 3:2; 2 Tim. 4:2).
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Shepherd the flock (1 Pet. 5:2).
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Guard doctrine (Titus 1:9).
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Lead by example, not domination (1 Pet. 5:3).
B. Deacons
Deacons serve the church practically, caring for needs (Acts 6:1–6; 1 Tim. 3:8–13). Their role frees elders to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word.
C. Plurality of Leaders
New Testament churches were led by a plurality of elders, not a single authoritarian leader (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). Shared leadership promotes accountability and balance.
Biblical Qualifications for Leaders
Paul lists qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Leaders must be:
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Above reproach.
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Faithful in marriage.
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Self-controlled, sober-minded, hospitable.
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Able to teach sound doctrine.
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Not greedy or domineering.
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Examples to the flock.
Character is emphasized more than charisma. Leadership is about integrity, not performance.
The Role of Leadership: Shepherds, Not Lords
Jesus warned in Matthew 20:25–28: “The rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.”
Christian leaders are shepherds, not bosses. Their authority is real but servant-shaped. Hebrews 13:17 calls believers to obey their leaders because they “are keeping watch over your souls.” But leaders will give an account to God for how they cared for His people.
Leadership is not domination but care.
Membership in the New Covenant Church
A. Membership Is Biblical
Though the word “membership” is not used, the concept is everywhere:
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Believers were added to the church (Acts 2:41, 47).
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There were lists of widows (1 Tim. 5:9) — implying records of belonging.
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Discipline required knowing who was “inside” and “outside” the church (1 Cor. 5:12–13).
Membership is a covenantal commitment to a local body, not casual attendance.
B. What Membership Means
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Commitment to Gather (Heb. 10:24–25).
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Commitment to Submit to Leaders (Heb. 13:17).
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Commitment to Care for One Another (Rom. 12:10).
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Commitment to Mission Together (Matt. 28:19–20).
Membership means belonging to a specific body under shepherds, with mutual responsibilities.
Discipline in the New Covenant Church
Discipline often feels like a negative word, but biblically, it means loving correction.
Jesus taught a process in Matthew 18:15–17:
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Private correction.
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Small group confrontation.
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Public church involvement if unrepentant.
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Removal if persistent rebellion.
Paul applied this in 1 Corinthians 5, removing an unrepentant sinner “so that his spirit may be saved.”
Discipline is not punitive but restorative — aiming for repentance, not shame.
The Dangers of Misusing Leadership
Former Adventists often carry scars from authoritarian systems. Dangers include:
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Leaders are elevating human traditions over Scripture.
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Leaders demanding unquestioning loyalty.
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Leaders using fear instead of gospel grace.
True biblical leadership avoids these traps. Leaders are accountable to Christ, the Word, and the congregation.
The Dangers of Rejecting Leadership
On the other hand, some react by rejecting all authority. But Scripture warns against being “sheep without a shepherd” (Matt. 9:36). Every Christian needs accountability and guidance.
Individualism is not maturity; it is vulnerability. Wolves target strays, not the flock.
Membership as Family Life
Paul describes the church as a body (1 Cor. 12). Each member has gifts and roles. No one is unnecessary. Membership is belonging to something bigger than yourself.
Romans 12:5: “So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
Membership is family, not contract.
Leadership after AD 70
The destruction of the temple in AD 70 highlighted the transition from priesthood-centered Old Covenant to elder-led New Covenant churches. No temple, no sacrifices, no Levitical priests. Instead, Christ is the final Priest, and His people are a royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9).
Leadership shifted from ritual priests to teaching shepherds, from temple membership to covenantal local churches.
Analogy: Shepherds and Sheepdogs
Think of the church as a flock. Christ is the Chief Shepherd. Elders are under-shepherds, guiding and protecting. Deacons are like sheepdogs, running alongside to serve and protect. The flock thrives when each plays their part.
Would any sheep survive long by wandering alone without a shepherd or a flock?
Practical Guidance for Former Adventists
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Join a local church intentionally. Don’t just attend; commit.
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Submit joyfully to leaders who are faithful to the Word. Look for humility and gospel focus, not control.
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Participate in family life. Use your gifts, serve, love others.
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Accept discipline if needed. See correction as love, not rejection.
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Guard against extremes. Don’t idolize leaders, but don’t reject them either.
Conclusion: Belonging Under Christ’s Care
Leadership and membership in the New Covenant church are not burdens but blessings. Christ rules His people through faithful shepherds and committed members. The church is not a club to attend but a family to belong to.
Former and questioning Adventists, step out of fear-based systems and into Christ’s flock. Find joy in belonging, safety in shepherding, and purpose in serving.
Reflection Questions
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How have your past experiences with church leadership shaped your view of authority?
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What fears or hesitations do you have about church membership?
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How can you commit more fully to a local body as family, not just an event?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Chief Shepherd, thank You for giving Your church faithful leaders and a family to belong to. Heal our wounds from past abuses, free us from fear, and lead us into joyful membership under Your care. Make us faithful leaders, humble members, and one body in Your name. Amen.
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