The organisation of Churches of Christ is based on congregational system of government (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). Each local church is an independent, self-governing unit, subject to the authority of Christ alone who is the Head, the King and the Lawgiver (Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:18, 24; I Tim 6:15; Jas 4:12; II Tim 4:1). These autonomous local congregations are associated with one another through common beliefs and practices based on the Bible alone. Churches of Christ have no earthly central headquarters, but heavenly Headquarters where the Head resides (Matt 28:18; Col 1:18; Heb 8:1; I Pet 3:22).

Each congregation which has existed long enough to have qualified members as elders is overseen by a plurality of these Elders, who are also called Bishops, Presbyters, Pastors and Overseers (Acts 20:17,28; Phil 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim 4:14). These Elders are appointed by the local congregations strictly on the qualifications set down in the Scriptures (I Tim 3:1-7; Tit 1:5-9). The Elders are assisted in the governance of the Church by the Deacons, who are also appointed based on the Scriptural qualifications (I Tim 3:8-13; Phil 1:1), as well as Teachers and Evangelist or Ministers (Eph 4:11; II Tim 4:5). The latter do not have authority equal to or superior to the Elders, but rather serve under them.

The Elders are Pastors who oversee and feed the flock (Acts 20:28; I Tim 5:17; I Pet 5:2; Heb 13:17); they serve under the headship of Christ. In the local Church, the Elders have superior authority, no other. Elders or Overseers in a local congregation have no authority or governance role in any other congregation. Their rulership is limited only to the local congregation that appointed them.