The Early Church & Governance

Dove Gospel follows a biblical model of church governance rooted in the New Testament Church. This structure reflects the Apostolic foundation laid by Jesus Christ and His disciples, ensuring spiritual oversight, doctrinal integrity, and the equipping of believers for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13).

The early Church was not a denomination, but a Spirit-led body of believers functioning under divinely appointed leadership, where authority was exercised through servant-leadership, discipleship, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

📖 The Biblical Framework of Church Governance

The New Testament Church was built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20). Leadership was structured, yet fluid, allowing the Holy Spirit to direct expansion while maintaining unity in doctrine and practice.

1. Apostolic Leadership (Ἀπόστολοι, Apostoloi)

Jesus commissioned Apostles to oversee the establishment of the Church (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8).
Apostles appointed leaders in various cities and regions to shepherd and disciple believers (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5).
The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) demonstrated how Apostles provided governance and doctrinal clarity for the growing Church.

🔹 Early Church Parallel:
➡ Dove Gospel’s Global Leaders function similarly to Apostolic Overseers, ensuring biblical integrity and guiding the movement under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

2. Bishops (Ἐπίσκοποι, Episkopoi) - Overseers of Doctrine & Regions

Paul instructed Timothy and Titus to appoint bishops (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9).
Bishops were charged with guarding doctrine and overseeing multiple churches (Acts 20:28).
They ensured that churches remained faithful to Apostolic teaching (2 Timothy 2:2).

🔹 Early Church Parallel:
➡ Dove Gospel’s Regional Bishops serve as guardians of doctrine, shepherding multiple church networks while preserving unity in faith.

3. Elders (Πρεσβύτεροι, Presbyteroi) - Local Church Leaders

Elders were appointed in every church (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5).
They provided spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and discipleship.
Elders were entrusted with maintaining the faithfulness of the local church (1 Peter 5:1-4).

🔹 Early Church Parallel:
➡ Dove Gospel’s Pastors and Ministry Leaders fulfill this role, shepherding local congregations and discipling believers.

4. Deacons (Διάκονοι, Diakonoi) - Ministers of Service & Administration

Deacons were appointed to assist in the practical work of the Church (Acts 6:1-6).
They managed logistics, finances, and community care so that spiritual leaders could focus on teaching and prayer.

🔹 Early Church Parallel:
➡ Dove Gospel’s Ministry & Administrative Teams ensure the effective functioning of missions, training, and operational management.

✝️ The Apostolic Church in Action: Discipleship & Expansion

The early Church was governed by spiritual authority but functioned dynamically under the Holy Spirit's leading (Acts 2:42-47). This balance of structure and Spirit-led movement is the foundation of Dove Gospel’s mission.

Key Aspects of Early Church Growth

Discipleship – The Apostles raised and mentored new leaders (2 Timothy 2:2).
Church Planting – New faith communities were established across nations (Acts 16:5).
Evangelism – The Gospel spread through strategic missionary efforts (Romans 15:20).
Supernatural Ministry – Signs, wonders, and miracles accompanied the Word (Mark 16:20).
Perseverance Under Persecution – The Church thrived despite opposition (Acts 4:29-31).

🌏 How Dove Gospel Restores the Early Church Model

Unlike modern denominations, Dove Gospel does not function as a rigid institution but instead revives the biblical governance of the early Church while allowing for cultural expressions of faith.

Early Church	Dove Gospel
Apostles governed doctrine and global mission	Global Leaders provide biblical oversight and vision
Bishops oversaw regional churches	Regional Bishops guide and shepherd multiple churches
Elders provided local pastoral care	Pastors and ministry teams disciple and lead congregations
Deacons administered church affairs	Administrative teams manage mission operations and discipleship programs

This structure ensures unity without control, allowing the Church to function both locally and globally in alignment with biblical principles.

🔥 The Spirit-Led Church: A Pentecostal Restoration

Dove Gospel follows the biblical pattern of governance while remaining deeply Spirit-led. We believe in: - Revival & Outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17). - Supernatural Ministry – Healing, Deliverance, and Prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). - Church Planting & Global Evangelism (Matthew 28:19-20). - Training & Equipping Leaders for the Next Generation (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Restoring the Apostolic Church

Just as the early Church expanded under Spirit-led leadership, Dove Gospel exists to restore Apostolic governance while embracing the full power of Pentecost.

“And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:11-12

📩 Contact Us

If you would like to connect, collaborate, or support our mission, reach out to us.

📍 Website: Dove Gospel Official Site
📧 Email: Contact Us

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20