We believe that God has designed a government for His church that consists of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, Elders, and Deacons. We are, as much as we know how, pursuing a culture that rightly reflects the domain, or kingdom, of King Jesus. Love and honor are critical to the successful implementation of His government in a local body. Diversity of gifts and callings must be embraced and encouraged to see the full expression of the lordship of Christ. While we see the 5 fold ministry gifts, or graces, of Christ as equipping gifts so that the body will do the work of ministry, we see the elders and deacons as the local authority shepherding the body of Christ. As a pastor, I come under the authority, and the protection, of the elders. While our wives have no “official” title as elders, we put a heavy emphasis on elders AND wives. We’d be foolish to ignore the grace and wisdom our wives carry in our local “family.” The connections with Apostles, Prophets, etc. are all under the covering and wisdom of the elders and wives.