I came across this book in a second hand bookstore in UK but it was written by a Malaysian and published in Malaysia. Other writings are available through www.rbcm.net and you can note that it is a Reformed Baptist who is author of the book. He founded the first of such churches in Malaysia and pastors that church in Kuala Lumpur. This book deals with the subject of various forms of church government focusing and advocating that form known as ‘Independency’. It is by far the clearest book I have read on the subject. The author handles the three main forms of government in the churches of today, namely Presbyterianism, that form in which a church is administered by elders who are met in session, presbyery, synod, or general assembly without congregational consent. The second form of church government is Prelacy and this is characteristic of The Roman Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox and Lutheran churches. Both these forms have a hierarchical structure with a kind of ‘pope’ figure at the apex of their hierarchies. Terms may vary but the reality is uniform. Today’s church scene tends towards a form of government that is more in the pattern of “Congregational”. This employs the so-called ‘democratic principle’ in which rule is by vote and consent of the majority. The author contends that none of these three methods of church government bear scriptural warrant and posits a fourth model that he names ‘Independency’. The basic elements of this are the autonomy of each local church, the Headship of Christ, rule by elders some of whom are ruling elders and some are elders to whom Christ has granted particular gifts and these ministerial gifts give them priority. From these follows the election of elders by popular consent as the congregation recognizes the God given giftings present amongst them and all this takes place in the context of the church truly gathered around its Head the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a helpful section that deals with the matter of the communion of the churches whilst yet maintaining their autonomy. Reference is made to some of the historical rise of these forms of church government but nothing is over emphasized. All is written in an orderly, logical manner, well reasoned and graciously stated. In a way this book could be described as a ‘text book’ on this subject helping entire churches including their leaderships to understand the Biblical for government among the churches of Christ.
