There are basic biblical principles for local churches in all times and cultural contexts. Stephen Gammon has studied this guidance throughout nearly five decades of ministry, growing up as a son and grandson of pastors, serving as an overseer of local churches, being a denominational leader and a military chaplain among diverse faith backgrounds, and through interdenominational connections regionally, nationally, and internationally. His life experiences have taught him that when church leaders know and apply basic and clear biblical principles of governance, positive results come. Conversely, when these principles are unknown or disregarded, hard consequences follow.

This book is a summary review of key principles for being and leading local churches. It includes examining some beautiful biblical “photos” of how Jesus wants us to see His Church, or pages of the architect’s “blueprints” for building His Church. Local churches benefit greatly when biblical concepts of headship, leadership, and membership are understood and implemented. Additionally, this book examines key faith convictions in historic biblical governance, with some important cautions for local church leaders.

All sections of this study include some questions for personal reflection and for discussion among church leaders, because whenever God speaks to His people, He always calls for a response. The biblical principles covered in About Biblical Church Governance apply to churches of all governance models, including episcopal, presbyterian, and congregational structures.

From lessons learned in congregational ministry experience and affiliation with the CCCC in the USA, and internationally with the World Evangelical Congregational Fellowship (WECF), Stephen Gammon has also added a helpful addendum for churches on practicing biblical congregationalism.

About the Author

Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Gammon is a third-generation minister who has walked with God since his early childhood. He has served nearly five decades wherever and however God has directed him, including in leadership as a church youth director, in three local church pastorates, as a U.S. Navy Chaplain, as a denominational leader of ministers and churches (Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, USA), and on the leadership team of the World Evangelical Congregational Fellowship. Steve and his wife, Helen, reside in Northfield, Minnesota. They have three adult children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, four grandsons, and a dog named Fenway.

Steve is the author of three additional books, all published by Aneko Press: Walking with God: 101 Lessons for Life and Ministry (2014), Walking With God Through Deep Valleys: Lessons on Finding Contentment When Life Is Hard (2020), and a yearlong daily devotional titled Because God . . . I Can: 12 Themes on Following Jesus (2021), which are all available for free eBook download.

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