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Email: [email protected]

Phone: (03) 9568 4526

Address: 4/10 Downing St, Oakleigh VIC 3166

© BETHEL BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2026

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The Bible-Presbyterian Form Of Church Government
The Bible-Presbyterian Form Of Church Government

The Bible-Presbyterian Form Of Church Government

Scripture Reference

Selected Scriptures

Date
12/04/2026
Writer

Ps Paul Cheng

Snippet

“…a Bible-believing and Bible-honouring Church…”

Reading Time

~2 min read

Dear Bethelites,

The word “Bible” is prefixed to “Presbyterian” to denote that she ought to be a Bible-believing and Bible-honouring Church. Bethel’s form of Church Government is Presbyterian. Basically, there are three main forms of Church Government, namely, Episcopal, Presbyterian and Congregational.

In the Episcopal system, the principal officer is the Bishop or Pope or Archbishop who is appointed by a higher authority. This is likened to a triangle. Examples of Episcopal churches would be the Anglican, Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

In the Presbyterian system, there is a government body of Elders who are elected by the congregation. The most spiritual men in the church look after the church. It is the closest to the New Testament pattern of Church Government. It is likened to a trapezium with the shorter parallel line on top. The plurality of Elders makes decisions for the well-being and protection of the church with the Pastor as the moderator and guide.¹ The Pastor thinks of the church day and night, and will make plans and give directions for the church to grow and the Elders will support him wholeheartedly. The biblical support for this model of church government is Acts 15.²

¹We believe the church government by two kinds of presbyters, ministers and ruling elders, who are to be joined in the oversight of the Church, is founded upon and agreeable to the Word of God, and is highly expedient. [The Constitution of the Bible Presbyterian Church, “Of Church Government”]

²Basic Bible Knowledge Notes

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In the Congregational system, the chief burden of government is in the hands of the Congregation. Decisions are made by the people. This is likened to an upside-down triangle with the base on top. Examples of this type of church government include Baptist, Brethren and Charismatic churches.

Bethel Bible-Presbyterian Church’s doctrines and form of government took its origin from Acts 15. Scripture has highlighted the principles of the governance of God’s people in the form of the plurality rule of Elders (cf. Acts 14:23; 15:2; 20:17, 28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:7, 17). As such, Bethel BPC is made up of a Board of Elders, namely Rev Stephen Khoo and Rev Paul Cheng, who are assisted by the deacons, namely James Nah, Jason Nah, Adrian Tseng and Jeffry Chua. Together we form the Church Session.

Bethel Bible-Presbyterian Church traced her roots to the Bible-Presbyterian Church of Singapore. But sadly, the Singapore Bible Presbyterian Synod was dissolved in November 1988 over strong differences in the Doctrine of Biblical Separation, Fundamentalism and Neo-Evangelicalism. Today, every individual B-P Church is independent (unless otherwise associated) and continues to exist with her own respective name and autonomy. Nonetheless, we pray for the continued good relationships amongst the like-mindedness in doctrines and practices from the various B-P Churches.

It is God’s will, and in accordance to His Word, that the Church ought to be led by the Pastor and plurality of Elders, with the deacons helping to serve particular “tables” (each given specific roles to take care of, e.g. Sunday school, elderly care, youth ministry, home-care-group, etc.). Although Bethel does have a board of elders (Pastor Paul and Pastor Stephen), it is needful for us to pray that God will raise up more elders to lead the church.

With love in Christ,

Pastor Paul Cheng

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