The universal church has its visibility and expression in local church congregations. Each of these are to function under the headship and authority of Christ, forming communities that live out the Great Commandment and carry out the Great Commission given by Christ. With Christ as the Chief Shepherd, each local church is to recognize and follow spiritual authority and leadership invested in those who are set apart based on scriptural qualification and gifting. Mark 12:28-31 ,Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, Book of Acts, NT Letters written to churches, 1Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9, Acts 6:1-6