Why a special double issue of our magazine on church government, when there are so many other critical issues before us? Many people yawn when they hear the subject of church government So, why a special issue on it?

Kevin Reed answers: "The church is not a mere social club. The church is a kingdom established by Christ and subject to his rule. In the Bible, he has given an ecclesiastical government by which his people are to be ruled. Just as Christ has instituted civil government to ensure civil order, so he has established church government to preserve order in the church. A man is not free to dispense with the church's government anymore than he is at liberty to disregard the civil authorities." (Biblical Church Government; 1983, Kevin Reed. pg. 3.)