Corporate decision-making in the church of the New Testament

Book Description

For centuries, Christians have wrestled with fundamental questions about how their communities should operate and make decisions. Jeff Brown approaches this enduring debate through a fresh lens, examining the actual practices of early Christian communities as revealed in New Testament texts.

Rather than focusing solely on leadership structures and hierarchies, Brown investigates something equally important yet often overlooked: how ordinary believers participated in shaping their church communities. Through careful study of biblical passages and the social context of the first century, he reveals a surprising pattern in early Christian decision-making.

While these ancient believers deeply respected Christ's authority and scriptural guidance, their approach to community choices was far more collaborative than many modern readers might expect. Brown demonstrates that significant decisions often emerged from the congregation itself, flowing upward rather than being imposed from above by religious authorities.

This participatory approach reflects Jesus' own teaching that his followers were to relate as brothers and sisters rather than in rigid hierarchical relationships. Brown's examination offers valuable insights for contemporary spiritual communities seeking to understand how collective wisdom and shared responsibility can function within a framework of divine authority.

Drawing from both biblical scholarship and historical context, this work provides a thoughtful exploration of how spiritual communities can honor both divine guidance and human participation in their decision-making processes.