Organical (Baptistic Congregationalism)
“Organical” (Baptistic Congregationalism), is a Sunday School lesson from the series Baptistic Congregationalism taught from Selected Scriptures by Noah Olguin, pastor of Covenant Baptist Church in New Berlin, Wisconsin – a confessional Reformed Baptist church subscribing to the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith.
Understanding Baptistic Congregationalism
Essential Parts of the Church
Over the past weeks, we discussed the essential parts of the church, focusing on matter (believers baptized upon profession of faith) and form (their voluntary agreement to join together as an assembly). These believers covenant together, forming a body endowed with the power God grants to the church.
Today, we examine the church as an organical body—a corporate spiritual society entrusted with powers from Jesus for the performance of duties He requires.
The Nature of Church Power
Ministerial Power
What is the power Christ grants to His church? It is not:
- The authority to make new laws.
- The ability to impose personal innovations on people’s consciences.
- The congregation’s right to create ordinances.
The church’s power is entirely ministerial. William Ames defines this as the power to act only by Christ’s command in obedience to Him.
John Owen elaborates:
- The church’s power lies in acts of obedience to Christ’s authority.
- Any rule or governance outside of Christ’s commands is mere usurpation and detrimental to church order and rule.
Thus, the power of the church—whether exercised by elders or the congregation—is limited to obeying Christ’s commands.
Purpose of Church Power
The power Christ grants is for the edification of His church. As stated in Chapter 26, Paragraph 7 of the Second London Confession: “To each of these churches thus gathered, He has given all power and authority needed for carrying out the order, worship, and discipline He instituted.”
This purpose is echoed in Ephesians 4:11-16:
- Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers to equip the saints, build the body, and foster maturity in faith.
- The goal is to grow into the fullness of Christ, no longer tossed about by false doctrine but rooted in truth and love.
The Distribution of Church Power
Christ as the Ultimate Authority
Christ is King of the church, ruling with dominion and sovereignty. Every church is His house, subject to His laws, ordinances, and commands.
Mixed Government
The church operates under a mixed government:
- Monarchy: Christ as the ultimate ruler.
- Aristocracy: Elders exercise a delegated authority.
- Democracy: The congregation participates in decision-making, such as electing officers.
John Cotton describes this blend, highlighting that the congregation holds a “stock of power” in governance while elders steward their authority.
Power of Right and Power of Rule
Every church member has a “power of right”—the liberty to exercise duties and privileges within the church. However, the “power of rule,” such as administering ordinances, belongs to officers like elders and deacons.
A complete church must include officers to function properly. Chapter 26, Paragraph 8 of our confession states: “A particular church, completely organized, consists of officers and members.”
Without elders, ordinances like baptism and the Lord’s Supper cannot be properly administered.
Communication of Power
How Christ Communicates Power
Christ communicates power to the church through:
- Institution of Office: Christ established the roles of elders and deacons.
- Furnishing Individuals: Christ equips men with the ability to fulfill these roles.
- Congregational Call: The church elects qualified individuals into office.
- Submission Commands: Christ commands the congregation to submit to their officers as they fulfill their duties.
Closing Reflections
The church’s power consists of acting in obedience to Christ’s commands. Elders and the congregation both have roles that “sweetly comply,” functioning together for the edification of the church.
As summarized in the Cambridge Platform:
- Congregations possess a power of privilege, exercised immediately.
- Elders hold a power of office, exercised only through proper appointment.
Next week, we will delve further into these powers and explore how they complement one another within the church’s governance.
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