GOSPEL LIGHT CHURCH: OUR BIBLICAL CHURCH POLITY
Table of Contents
Membership Eligibility and Process
Why GLC holds on to the Plurality of pastors
Pastors’ Nomination and Affirmation Process
CHURCH DISCIPLINE AT GOSPEL LIGHT
INTRODUCTION
As a Reformed Baptist congregation, Gospel Light Church (GLC) upholds a high view of Scripture, anchoring all aspects of church life in God’s Word. We believe that strong, faithful preaching helps guide the church and helps believers grow the way God intends. Furthermore, we affirm the sovereignty of God in every facet of salvation, from election in eternity past to future glorification. GLC’s Sunday services center on gospel proclamation. We sing gospel-centered hymns, confess sin, and receive assurance of pardon. The Word is then preached, followed by the Lord’s Supper.
Transitioning to governance, GLC adopts a “Pastor-Led Congregational”[2] Model. The congregation holds final authority on matters such as the affirmation and removal of pastors and deacons, the affirmation and removal of members, and decisions on critical matters like the church budget. This responsibility reflects the biblical mandate that every believer is accountable for proclaiming and safeguarding the gospel and its community. Pastors at GLC are tasked with leading and equipping the congregation through sound teaching and Christ-like example. Our goal is to empower members, equipped by the pastors, to actively engage in ministry, strengthening one another and advancing Christ’s mission in the world.
MEMBERSHIP AT GOSPEL LIGHT
One Believer, One Membership
GLC affirms that each believer should be fully committed to one local church. In our region, it is common for individuals to maintain both a home church and a temporary church during their studies or employment. This dual affiliation often weakens meaningful commitment to any one congregation. At GLC, we require that members who attend and identify with our church demonstrate full commitment—through discipleship, regular attendance, financial giving, and active service. This reflects the New Testament model of church membership where believers were joined to a specific congregation and lived out their faith in covenantal community (Acts 2:42–47; 1 Cor 12:12–27).
We believe this principle safeguards the integrity of church membership and fosters spiritual growth through rootedness, accountability, and shared mission.
Diverse Membership
In Northeast India, local churches are often organized along tribal lines. Individuals typically attend churches aligned with their own tribe, often part of broader tribal church associations. However, GLC stands out with its mission to be a gospel-revealing community. It intentionally includes members from various tribes. Scripture shows how Jews and Gentiles, unlikely to unite, reflect God’s transformative power through the gospel, forming a supernatural community. Paul describes this as a “new humanity” (Ephesians 2:15) and a “household” (Ephesians 2:19), [3] where differences are woven into deep bonds, testifying to Christ’s reconciling power.
Therefore, GLC is distinguished by its multi-ethnic composition and the profound depth of its community. With firm conviction, it believes that both Christians and non-Christians in Northeast India will recognize it as a living expression of the “new humanity” (Ephesians 2:15).
Formal Church Membership
To nurture this diverse community into a united body, GLC intentionally establish formal church membership as the framework that holds this gospel-revealing community. This section elaborates on GLC’s steadfast commitment to formal church membership. Jonathan Leeman defines church membership as “A formal relationship between a church and a Christian characterized by the church’s affirmation and oversight of a Christian’s discipleship and the Christian’s submission to living out his or her discipleship in the care of the church.”[4] This definition highlights the profound importance of formal membership in fostering and protecting a gospel-revealing community, GLC.
Why it Matters
Having introduced GLC’s commitment to formal church membership, it is important to understand why such a practice is essential. The following section outlines several key reasons that underscore why formal church membership is necessary for GLC:
1. Membership clarifies whom we serve: Formal church membership at GLC clarifies which Christians we are specifically called to love, serve, warn, and encourage. With billions of professing believers worldwide, extending personal care to all is impossible. Formal membership defines the scope of GLC’s responsibility, enabling members to form deep, committed bonds within a multi-ethnic community. This structure facilitates living out the “one another” commands of Scripture.
2. Membership clarifies whom we follow: Formal membership establishes which shepherds members are called to follow and obey. In a world with countless spiritual leaders, GLC members are accountable to the pastors affirmed by the church. This clarity enables members to fulfill their biblical responsibilities to their leaders (Hebrews 13:7, 17).
3. Membership clarifies pastoral responsibility: Formal membership ensures that GLC pastors know exactly whom they are responsible for and accountable to before God (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2).
4. Membership enables church discipline: Church discipline is considered a vital means of protecting GLC. Like a family addressing internal matters privately, GLC exercises formative discipline within its membership. And it also provides the biblical framework for practicing corrective discipline wisely and lovingly (Matt 18 &1 Cor 5).
Membership Eligibility and Process
The significance of formal membership has been established; the next step is to consider who qualifies for membership and how GLC will carefully and biblically welcome them into its fellowship.
Who should be Members: GLC opens its membership to those who have repented of their sins, placed their faith in King Jesus, and have been baptized as a public profession of their faith. GLC steadfastly upholds believers’ baptism. We practice baptism by immersion, as it vividly reflects the biblical imagery of being buried with Christ and raised to new life (Rom 6:4). This mode of baptism powerfully symbolizes the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
How does GLC recruit its members? Having identified who qualifies as GLC members, we outline the recruitment process below. GLC adopts a deliberate, biblically grounded approach to ensure candidates align with its gospel-revealing mission. Candidates seeking membership undergo a structured process, detailed below, before affirmation by the church. The steps for membership recruitment are outlined below:
1. Membership Classes: One way to make sure that GLC accepts into membership are truly converted is to hold a mandatory membership class. We teach six one-hour sessions in a Wednesday night format: "What is the Gospel," "What Is Our Statement of Faith?" "What Is Our Church Covenant?" "Why Join a Church?" "What is the History of the Church?" and “What is the structure and leadership of our local church?”
2. Membership Interview: After these classes, candidates for membership will participate in a formal interview with a GLC pastor. During this interview, the pastor will ask the candidate to explain the gospel, share when they became a Christian, confirm their agreement with GLC’s statement of faith, express their willingness to abide by the church’s covenants, and affirm their acceptance of GLC’s Pastor-Led congregational governance.
3. Pastors' meeting: During the membership interview, the interviewing pastor will document the candidate’s responses and present them to fellow pastors at a pastors’ meeting for review and discussion. The interviewing pastor will then propose, “I recommend this candidate for membership in GLC. If you agree, please respond with ‘yes.’” The other pastors will respond accordingly, and upon their agreement, the candidate’s affirmation will proceed to the members’ meeting for final congregational approval.
4. Pre-Meeting Membership Review Process: A period of one to two weeks before the members' meeting, pastors will inform GLC members about prospective member candidates. Members will be invited to raise any concerns regarding these candidates and communicate them to the pastors before the meeting. If a concern involves serious issues, such as a murder case, child abuse, or inappropriate behavior toward current members, the candidate will not be presented for affirmation at the members’ meeting, even if the pastors initially affirm them and their membership process will be withheld.
5. Members Meeting: In a members meeting, candidates are presented for consideration during the members meeting. A vote is conducted to affirm their membership. To be affirmed as members of GLC, candidates must receive at least 51% of the votes. If a candidate receives 50% or fewer votes, they will not be affirmed as members.
6. Welcoming the new members: After new members are affirmed by GLC during a membership meeting, they will be invited to come forward during a Sunday worship service. Under the pastor’s guidance, the entire congregation, together with the newly affirmed members standing at the front, will rise and recite the church covenant aloud, affirming their shared commitment to the gospel-revealing, multi-ethnic community.
Through this deliberate process, GLC seeks to build a committed, multi-ethnic, gospel-centered community. Having explored the vision, necessity, and process of membership, we now move to another important part of the polity of GLC…
LEADERSHIP AT GOSPEL LIGHT
GLC upholds a leadership structure comprising two distinct offices: the office of pastors[5] And the office of deacons. Each office is characterized by plurality, meaning GLC is led by multiple pastors and multiple deacons, reflecting a biblical model of shared leadership. GLC remains unwavering in its commitment to a plurality of pastors as a biblical model for leadership.[6]
The Office of Pastors
At GLC, the pastors serve the overall spiritual needs of the church. As described in Scripture, pastors exercise authority in the church (1 Tim 5:17; Heb 13:17). However, their authority is delegated by Jesus Christ and is not to be wielded domineeringly over the flock. As Christ’s gifts to His church, pastors lead and serve to edify the body of Christ, not to pursue personal gain (Eph 4:11–16; 1 Cor 12:4–11).
Why GLC holds on to the Plurality of pastors
The plurality of pastors is a cornerstone conviction for GLC. This commitment is grounded in the following reasons:
- Biblical Foundation: Plurality of pastors aligns with the scriptural model of church leadership, as seen in examples throughout the New Testament.
- Comprehensive Shepherding: A plurality of pastors ensures that every GLC member receives thorough and attentive spiritual care, preventing any "sheep" from being spiritually malnourished.
- Complementary Giftings: Multiple pastors leverage their diverse gifts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of ministry, supporting one another in service to GLC.
- Prevention of Autocratic Rule: Plurality guards against a single individual dominating church leadership, fostering a collaborative and accountable governance structure.
While numerous reasons support the plurality of pastors, these four reasons are particularly significant for GLC due to their cultural relevance within the geographical context of the Northeast. These reasons resonate not only with the specific state of Tripura but also with the broader regional dynamics, reinforcing GLC's commitment to a biblically grounded, culturally sensitive leadership model.
Staff and Non-Staff Pastors
In a region where a single pastor and deacons often assume hybrid roles—with deacons functioning more like pastors—GLC is committed to a plurality of pastors, as discussed previously. GLC adheres to the principle of one pastor per ten members, meaning a congregation of thirty requires at least three pastors. To implement this vision, GLC categorizes the pastoral office into two types: staff pastors and non-staff pastors.
A staff pastor is a full-time leader dedicated to regular preaching, teaching, and shepherding, compensated by the church. In contrast, non-staff pastors are not engaged in full-time ministry; they balance pastoral duties with their professional occupations, serving in a pastoral capacity for a term of five years. Upon completion of this term, GLC requires non-staff pastors to take a two-year rest period, even if they are willing to continue serving. As membership grows over time, the number of non-staff pastors will increase proportionally. However, the number of staff pastors will remain capped at a maximum of two or three, even as the congregation exceeds 200 members.
Pastors’ Nomination and Affirmation Process
GLC focuses on two key areas for prospective pastors: Character and Competency. Character is evaluated based on the qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9, which describe the moral and spiritual attributes required of pastors. Competency requires the ability to teach and rightly handle the Word of God, as emphasized in 2 Timothy 2:15, ensuring faithful proclamation and application of Scripture. GLC follows a structured four-stage process for nominating and affirming candidates for the office of pastor.
Stage 1 - Nomination: Any active member of GLC may nominate a candidate for the office of pastor. The pastors will contact nominated individuals to confirm their desire to serve in this role. At this stage, nominees’ names are not disclosed to the congregation.
Stage 2 - Interview and Training: Nominated candidates who express a desire to serve undergo a series of interviews with existing pastors, focusing on character (based on 1 Tim 3:1–7 and Tit 1:5–9) and competency (ability to teach and rightly handle Scripture, per 2 Tim 2:15). Pastors will outline expectations and the required training. Some nominees may not be recommended for further training, not necessarily due to disqualification, but possibly because the timing is not suitable or specific areas need improvement. Approved candidates participate in a six-month intensive training program to refine their skills and character.
Stage 3 - Congregational Consideration: Candidates approved by the pastors are presented at a members’ meeting, where the congregation is encouraged to take a designated period of two months to evaluate them. During this time, members may provide private feedback to the pastors or discuss questions directly with the candidates.
Stage 4 - Voting and Installation: At the subsequent members’ meeting, candidates are voted on by written vote. A candidate must receive at least 75% of the votes to be affirmed as a pastor. Upon meeting the biblical qualifications and receiving congregational affirmation, the candidate is publicly installed during a regular worship service or a special installation service, with the congregation praying and the pastors laying on hands.
This process ensures that GLC’s pastors are biblically qualified, congregationally affirmed, and equipped to lead the church in its mission to reflect the gospel.
The Office of Deacons
In the initial years, GLC focuses primarily on raising faithful pastors. Consequently, the introduction of the deacons’ office may be delayed. However, this delay does not diminish the significance of the deacons’ role at GLC.
When the deacons’ office is established, GLC will ensure it remains distinct from the hybrid roles often observed in regional churches, which may not fully align with scriptural teaching. At GLC, the office of deacons will adhere strictly to the principles outlined in Acts 6, which serves as the sole biblical foundation for this role. Acts 6 emphasizes three key aspects: (a) the exemplary character required of deacons, described as being “full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (v. 3); (b) their responsibility to support pastors by facilitating their focus on the ministry of the Word and prayer; and (c) their role in promoting unity and strengthening the entire church. These principles will guide the roles and responsibilities of deacons at GLC.
At GLC, deacons, like pastors, are affirmed by the congregation through a process similar to that for aspiring pastors. However, the required vote for deacon affirmation is 60%.
CHURCH DISCIPLINE AT GOSPEL LIGHT
GLC is committed to fostering a gospel-revealing community through faithful biblical leadership and formal membership, as outlined in previous discussions. A critical question remains: how will GLC protect this gospel-revealing community? The answer lies in the faithful practice of church discipline, which safeguards the church’s witness and mission.
GLC acknowledges the destructive nature of sin, which can infiltrate and undermine church life. To counter this, GLC is dedicated to pursuing holiness, representing King Jesus scripturally, and protecting the community’s integrity. GLC employs two forms of discipline: formative and corrective. The following discussions will show how we implement these practices to maintain a gospel-revealing community.
Formative Discipline
Formative discipline at GLC is the process by which the church is shaped, sustained, and strengthened in its spiritual growth. Practices such as preaching, teaching, one-on-one discipling, women's group Bible study, men's breakfast, colony meeting on Friday night, and gathering for corporate worship exemplify formative discipline. These activities cultivate spiritual maturity, equipping both individuals and the church for effective ministry. They serve to guard against the dangers of false teaching, public scandal, contentiousness, and other spiritual maladies while enhancing the church’s witness, making it more appealing to those outside the faith.[7] At GLC, formative discipline is regarded as essential to the church’s vitality. Without it, the church risks becoming spiritually weak and unable to shine brightly as a gospel-revealing community. Through it, GLC ensures its members are strengthened and equipped to reflect the transformative power of Christ.
Corrective Discipline
Corrective discipline at GLC, on the other hand, functions like surgery, addressing issues within the church body to prevent further harm.[8] Practices such as rebuke, admonition, and, in extreme cases, excommunication are forms of corrective discipline (Matt. 18 & 1 Cor 5). These measures address significant errors in doctrine or lifestyle among members, ensuring the church’s integrity and its witness as a gospel-revealing community. Corrective discipline applies to sins that are outward, serious, and unrepentant: the sin must be visibly or audibly evident, grave enough to warrant action while allowing love to cover minor offenses (1 Pet 4:8), and the individual must persistently refuse repentance despite scriptural confrontation, valuing the sin above Jesus.
GLC adheres to biblical guidelines for corrective discipline, as outlined in Matthew 18:15–17 and 1 Corinthians 5, to protect the church and the sinning individuals. Pastors guide and lead the congregation in applying discipline through scriptural teaching, but the authority to excommunicate resides with the congregation. The process follows four stages:
Stage 1: Private Confrontation - A pastor privately approaches an unrepentant member, seeking to bring them to repentance. The pastor lovingly persuades or rebukes the individual, aiming to repentance. If the member remains unrepentant, the process advances to the next stage.
Stage 2: Involving Witnesses - If the member does not respond to private confrontation, the same pastor involves two or three witnesses to address the matter. These witnesses help establish the facts and join in urging the individual to repent, maintaining a focus on restoration.
Stage 3: Informing the Church - If the individual persists in unrepentant behavior and if the sin is confirmed, the pastors present the matter to the entire congregation. Ahead of a members’ meeting, the pastors inform the church about the proposed motion for excommunication, allowing members time to prepare.
Stage 4: Treating as an Outsider - During the members’ meeting, the pastors recommend excommunication. The congregation votes by a show of hands, requiring a minimum of 51% approval to remove the individual from membership. If approved, the person is excluded from church membership and participation in the Lord’s Supper but may still attend worship services.
Therefore, GLC upholds formative discipline to nurture spiritual growth and corrective discipline to address serious sins, ensuring the church remains a gospel-revealing community. Through these practices, GLC protects its witness and reflects the transformative power of Christ.
CONCLUSION
Gospel Light Church in Agartala holds Scripture in the highest regard. We affirm God's sovereignty in every aspect of salvation. We adopt Pastor-Led Congregational governance model. We commit to formal membership with a multi-ethnic community and to a plurality of pastors and deacons. These structures foster deep discipleship and mutual accountability. Formative and corrective discipline safeguards our witness and nurtures spiritual maturity.
To realize this vision, we:
- Launch a six-week membership class series to ground new members in our gospel convictions.
- Mentor and affirm new pastoral candidates through a structured nomination and training process.
- Establish the deacons’ office according to Acts 6 principles, ensuring practical support for the ministry of the Word.
We call every member to embrace the church covenant, pray without ceasing, and share the gospel actively. May God unite us as a living testimony of the new humanity in Christ and build His church to the glory of His name.
[1] Although this paper is to describes the future planting and operation of the church, I will use 'we' instead of 'I' and write as if the church is already established
[2] For the sake of Northeast Christians (excluding Presbyterians), Gospel Light Church (GLC) in Agartala, Tripura, prefers the term Pastor-Led Congregationalism over Elder-Led Congregationalism.
[3] Jamie Dunlop and Mark Dever, The Compelling Community: Where God's Power Makes a Church Attractive (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2015), 25.
[4] Jonathan Leeman, Church Membership: How the World Knows Who Represents Jesus (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2012), 64.
[5] GLC recognizes that the terms elder, pastor, and bishop are used interchangeably in Scripture to describe the same office of church leadership. To align with the prevalent terminology among Protestant independent churches in Agartala and Northeast India as a whole, GLC will consistently use the term pastor instead of elder or bishop. This choice also reflects the cultural and ecclesiastical context of the region.
[6] As I embark on planting GLC, I will initially serve as the sole pastor, accompanied by my family and supported by a trusted friend and former seminary colleague who currently leads a mission school. This friend has graciously volunteered to assist in establishing GLC from the ground up, explicitly declining a pastoral role but offering his full support. Recognizing his potential, I intend to invest significant time in mentoring and developing him as a leader to serve as a co-pastor in the future. During the initial phase, I will lead GLC as a single pastor while prioritizing the cultivation of additional leaders to fulfill the vision of pastoral plurality.
[7] Mark Dever and Paul Alexander, The Deliberate Church: Building Your Ministry on the Gospel (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2005), 67.
[8] Ibid., 68
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