“Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others”.
So said Winston Churchill and on most days I agree with him. It isn’t perfect; it has its challenges, but it does seem to do a good job of creating opportunity, limiting power and protecting human rights. As an idea, it is without many peers. But in practice, it is made far more difficult by the reality and ubiquity of human sin.
Much the same could be said about congregational polity in the life of the church. It is the worst form of government; except for all the others. It represents a fair reading and application of the text, and it seems to be the best way to limit abuse, temper human pride and discern the will of the Lord in secondary matters.
It is however, like democracy, greatly complicated by the reality and ubiquity of human sin.
Therefore, how shall we proceed? Keep reading...