8 Bible Verses about Church Government

Now in these days, the disciples multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve calling the multitude of the disciples together, said, It is not right, that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, look out from among you seven men of good report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we will set over this business.read more.
But we will constantly attend to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles, and having prayed, they laid their hands upon them.

And when they had ordained them presbyters in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.

For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou mightest set in order the things which remain, and ordain elders in every city, as I appointed thee:

And sending to Ephesus from Miletus, he called thither the elders of the church.

The elders that are among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and likewise a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed, Feed the flock of God which is among you, overseeing it not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy gain, but of a ready mind, Neither as lording over the heritage, but being examples to the flock.read more.
And when the chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.

This is a faithful saying, If a man desireth the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop therefore must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, prudent, of good behaviour, hospitable, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not desirous of filthy gain, but gentle, patient, not loving money;read more.
Ruling his own house well, having his children in subjection with all seriousness. For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God? Not a new convert, left being puffed up, he fall into the condemnation of the devil. He ought also to have a good report from them that are without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Likewise the deacons must be serious, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not desirous of filthy gain: Holding fast the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these be proved first, then let them minister, being found blameless. In like manner their wives must be serious, not slanderers, vigilant, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree and much boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

If a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of luxury or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not passionate, not given to wine, no striker, not desirous of filthy gain: But a lover of strangers, a lover of good men, prudent, just, holy, temperate, Holding fast the faithful word,read more.
as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

And sending to Ephesus from Miletus, he called thither the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said to them, Ye know in what manner I have conversed among you, all the time from the first day I came into Asia, Serving the Lord with all humility, and with tears, and trials which befell me through the ambushes of the Jews:read more.
And that I have with-held nothing which was profitable, but have preached to you, and taught you, publickly and from house to house: Testifying both to Jews and Greeks repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now behold, being bound by the Spirit, I go to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost testifieth to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life precious to myself, so I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now I know that ye all among whom I have conversed, proclaiming the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men: For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore to yourselves and to the whole flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.