Is New Testament Polity Prescriptive

[rlvaughn]

The following quotes are from Why New Testament Polity Is Prescriptive by Bobby Jamieson.

Today many evangelicals assume that the Bible does not prescribe a normative pattern of church polity. This is a natural—and convenient—assumption for a generation of church leaders who have been trained to value innovation, creativity, efficiency, and productivity on the model of a successful corporation.

The most common argument against a normative New Testament polity is twofold: First, there is no consistent pattern of church polity in the New Testament. This means that it is impossible to argue that a single structure is “the” “biblical” pattern. Second, even if there were a consistent pattern of polity in the New Testament, that pattern might simply be descriptive, not prescriptive.

The first thing to point out is that we should be very slow to dismiss what is in fact a consistent pattern of polity—or more precisely, a number of discrete elements that fit into a coherent if skeletal structure. Most authors who argue that the New Testament’s patterns of polity are not binding also argue that they are not consistent with each other. Far fewer—if any—see a consistent, unified pattern and yet argue that it is not binding today.

If we are confronted with a consistent pattern, we should think twice about jettisoning it because of the “lack of prescriptive material.” It is clear from the New Testament that, in general, apostolic practices functioned as a binding precedent for all churches (cf. 1 Cor. 11:16). In principle, there is no reason why this wouldn’t extend to matters of church leadership and structure.

That apostolic example was to function normatively is something that historic Baptists have been readier to embrace than contemporary ones.

What are your thoughts on these quotes and this subject?

 

[Reformed]

R.L., well, I agree with many of the Reformers that scripture does provide us positive commands on how to worship. I subscribe to the Regulative Principle of Worship (we are to worship God has prescribed by scripture) as opposed to the normative principle of worship (we may worship God in any manner not prohibited by scripture).

 

[rlvaughn]

To be clear, are you saying you are unsure about extending this to polity?

Thanks.