How did the hierarchical form of church government take shape in the Worldwide Church of God? Who were some of the major proponents of this concept in the church? What were some of the early articles written in the WCG's history supporting a ministerial hierarchy? How did a crisis with the IRS back in the late 1950's influence then current and future developments in the church?
This compilation of article and book quotes, along with comments from the compiler and accompanied references to true New Testament government is a must read for those interested in church history. Articles such as Government in our Church and Government Authority-Should you submit to it? and others from the 1950's are used extensively in this work. This research gives a glimpse into the mechanism behind the establishment of a church hierarchy.
Some of the sections of this paper include:
- The doctrine of the government of God (in 1958) - How it changed from 1955
- Herbert Armstrong comments on his ordination
- The Government of God and Stan Rader
- How the concept of ordination changed over the years
- How the concept of 'the work of God' changed over the years
- The Role of Stan Rader in the WCG in regard to church government
- How the priesthood of the believers was replaced by priesthood of the ministry
Written by: Carl Franklin
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