8 Bible Verses about Church Government

Now in those days, as the number of disciples increased, there rose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. So the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them and said, It is not seemly that we should leave the word of God and attend at tables. Wherefore, brethren, look out from among you seven men of good character, full of the holy Spirit, and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this matter:read more.
but we will constantly attend to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the advice pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles; who, when they had prayed, laid their hands upon them.

And when they had appointed them elders in every church, praying and fasting, they recommended them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.

For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou mightest set in order what remained, and ordain elders in every city as I directed thee:

But he sent from Miletus to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

The elders that are among you I exhort, who am also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed; feed the flock of God that is among you, taking the episcopal charge of it, not by constraint, but willingly; not for shameful lucre, but with a ready mind: nor as lording it over the people, but being examples to the flock.read more.
And when the sovereign Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive an unfading crown of glory.

It is certain, if any one is desirous of the episcopal office, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, sober, prudent, grave, hospitable, able to teach, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of sordid gain, moderate, not quarrelsome,read more.
not covetous, governing his own family well, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (for if any one know not how to govern his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) not one newly converted, least being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil. He ought also to have an honorable testimony from those that are without, least he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. The deacons should likewise be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of base gain, holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. (And let these also first be proved, then let them take the office of deacons, if they be found blameless.) And their wives likewise grave, not slanderers, sober, and faithful in all things. Let the deacons too be husbands of one wife only, governing their children and their own houses well. For they, that discharge the office of a deacon well, gain to themselves a good degree of honor, and much freedom in promoting the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

to wit, if any one be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of debauchery, 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 greedy of sordid gain: but hospitable, benevolent, sober, just, holy, temperate;read more.
holding fast the faithful word, according as he hath been taught, that he may be able both to instruct in sound doctrine, and to convince gainsayers.

But he sent from Miletus to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know in what manner I behaved among you all the time, from the first day that I came into Asia. Serving the Lord with all humility, and many tears, and trials which befel me by the ambushes of the Jews.read more.
And how I with-held nothing that was useful, but have declared it to you, and have taught you publicly and from house to house: testifying both to the Jews and Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, being constrained by the spirit, behold I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will befal me there: save that the holy Spirit testifieth in every city, that bonds and afflictions await me. But none of these things move me, nor do I account my life dear, so that 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 behold I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I call you to witness this day, that I am clear from the blood of all men. For I have not failed to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the holy Spirit hath appointed you bishops, to feed the church of God, which He purchased with his own blood.