CHURCHES NOT BIBLICALLY ORGANIZED
What really bothers me is that churches are organized the way they feel like, not per the Bible. Here are some salient issues:
1) The Bible says ELDERS are appointed in each congregation, and it gives requirements for those.
Husband of one wife (a man), not given to the love of money (precludes the health/wealth people), hospitable - enjoys having people over and serving them (not being waiting on hand and foot themselves as royalty), able to teach, and beyond reproach in the world. I know ONE church that actually runs credit reports and gets a reference from the employer before one can be appointed regardless of his "spiritual chops". Some churches have lots of pastors but no elders, others have directors but not elders, still others have women ruling over men. Oh boy.
2) The Bible days DEACONS are to serve. They are not the puppeteers controlling the pastor. They are servants and do whatever is required for the church to run smoothly and the people to be ministered to.
3) The Pastor is really a Senior Elder - he is not the Mr. Everything. He is the primary teacher, but submits one to another among the elders so there is unity.
4) The Congregation is supposed to be ACTIVE, not passive. I Corinthians 14 described how the Gifts of th Holy Spirit need to be present and exercise by ALL who come EVERY TIME they gather.
Most churches choreograph their services - there is no room for the Congregants except to sing along,
give money, and listen.
Oh, how I long for a church that would actually DO what the Bible says. Are your longings the same?
1) The Bible says ELDERS are appointed in each congregation, and it gives requirements for those.
Husband of one wife (a man), not given to the love of money (precludes the health/wealth people), hospitable - enjoys having people over and serving them (not being waiting on hand and foot themselves as royalty), able to teach, and beyond reproach in the world. I know ONE church that actually runs credit reports and gets a reference from the employer before one can be appointed regardless of his "spiritual chops". Some churches have lots of pastors but no elders, others have directors but not elders, still others have women ruling over men. Oh boy.
2) The Bible days DEACONS are to serve. They are not the puppeteers controlling the pastor. They are servants and do whatever is required for the church to run smoothly and the people to be ministered to.
3) The Pastor is really a Senior Elder - he is not the Mr. Everything. He is the primary teacher, but submits one to another among the elders so there is unity.
4) The Congregation is supposed to be ACTIVE, not passive. I Corinthians 14 described how the Gifts of th Holy Spirit need to be present and exercise by ALL who come EVERY TIME they gather.
Most churches choreograph their services - there is no room for the Congregants except to sing along,
give money, and listen.
Oh, how I long for a church that would actually DO what the Bible says. Are your longings the same?
posted by John | 9:08 PM
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