It is critical to understand different forms of church government that have been prevalent through church history.

The biblical pattern for local church government is through a plurality of qualified men.

What are the primary arguments against a plurality of elders leading a local church?

There are four major obligations that local church members must fulfill in regards to the qualified elders that lead their church.

What are the biblical qualifications for a man to become an elder at a local church?

A biblically qualified elder must demonstrate excellence in the way he shepherds his wife and kids.

What role does a deacon play in the local church, and what are the qualifications to become one?

Even believers who aren't an elder or deacon in a local church must still apply these character qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1–13) to their own life and ministry.