(2)  Ministry is the primary work of the members and the pinnacle of church life. Leaders serve to equip and mobilize the people of God for the ministry (Eph 4:11-12).

(3)  The structure of local Church government should not aim to include as many people as possible in official leadership but to free and fit as many people as possible for ministry.

(4)  Christ is the head of the Church and spiritually all of His disciples are equal and have direct access to Him.

(5)  Not inconsistent with this equality, God has ordained the existence of officers in the church, some who are charged with the leadership of the Church (1 Tim 5:17; 1 Thess 5:12; Heb 13:7,17; Acts 20:28).

(6)  The congregation bears the ultimate responsibility for the local Church before God. 

(7)  The congregation should therefore call and approve her own leaders.

(8)  Leaders of the Church must be people who are mature and exemplary, gifted for the ministry given to them, have a sense of divine urging, and are in harmony with the established leadership of the church (1 Tim 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; Rom 12:6-8; Acts 20:28; Phil 2:2).

(9)  Spiritual qualifications of leaders must never be sacrificed for technical expertise. Each leader must have a heart for God and His people.

(10)  The appointment of an official leader should be precluded by an extensive training and examination process and final approval by the congregation.

*Adapted from Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN