The structure of the church should not be shaped by culture, business practices, or denominational traditions. Instead, it should be shaped by the nature of the church as revealed in Scripture.
At Praise Tabernacle, we believe the church is a fellowship, a family, a body, and a flock. These biblical pictures help guide how we protect unity, care for one another, release people into ministry, and provide faithful spiritual leadership.

The early church was devoted to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship.
“They continued steadily learning the teaching of the apostles, and joined in the fellowship...” Acts 2:42
Because the church is a fellowship, harmony and unity matter deeply.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
“So let us concentrate on the things that make for harmony and the growth of our fellowship together.” Romans 14:19
A healthy church structure should promote unity, not unnecessary division. For that reason, Praise Tabernacle keeps voting limited to major legal and financial matters.

The church is more than an organization. It is a spiritual family.
“You should be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.” 1 Peter 3:8
Because the church is a family, we operate through relationships, care, honor, and spiritual maturity, not simply through rules.
“Don’t reprimand a senior member of the church, appeal to him as a father. Treat the young men as brothers, and the older women as mothers. Treat the younger women as sisters...” 1 Timothy 5:1-2
Scripture also connects spiritual leadership with the ability to care well for one’s own household.
“If anyone does not know how to manage his family, how can he take care of God’s church?” 1 Timothy 3:5

The people are the ministers.
The pastors are the administrators.
The church is the body of Christ, and every believer has a part to play.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27
The church is an organism, not just an organization. Because of this, we function through spiritual gifts, service, and ministry, not simply through elected positions.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” Romans 12:6
At Praise, we prioritize ministry over maintenance. The goal of leadership is not to do all the ministry, but to equip God’s people for ministry.
“God gave some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of ministry, so that the body of Christ may be built up...” Ephesians 4:11-12

Jesus often described His people as sheep who need care, guidance, protection, and spiritual leadership.
Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Do you really love me?” “Yes, Lord,” said Peter. “Then take care of my sheep.” John 21:16-17
Because the church is a flock, it is cared for and led by shepherds.

Scripture uses three biblical terms to describe the same type of church leadership:
Pastor, Shepherd
“Be shepherds of God’s flock...” 1 Peter 5:1-2

Elder, Presbuteros
“Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church...” Acts 20:17

Overseer, Episcopos
“Keep watch over the church of God...” Acts 20:28

Praise Tabernacle is structured to protect unity, strengthen relationships, release people into ministry, and provide faithful shepherding care.
Our desire is not to build the church according to culture, business practices, or tradition alone, but according to the biblical picture of the church as a fellowship, a family, a body, and a flock.