Successful house churches in persecuted countries still have a recognised and ordained leadership.
The reason they started meeting in houses instead of in public buildings was only because such a move was made necessary by their persecutors - it wasn't because they resented leadership at all.
The reason they started meeting in houses instead of in public buildings was only because such a move was made necessary by their persecutors - it wasn't because they resented leadership at all.
In developed countries however it seems some home groups have started precisely because they resented a certain leadership style, and in seeking to correct it, they eliminated recognised and ordained leadership altogether, and seek to function without such organisation.
But some important church activities require a certain amount of organisation - and that requires LEADERSHIP.
"...God hath set some in the church...GOVERNMENTS..."
"...the elders that RULE..."
"Take heed therefore...to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you OVERSEERS"
"And he gave some...pastors..."
"Obey them that have the RULE over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account..."
Even practical matters, not just the spiritual affairs of a church, required the appointment of qualified people:
(Acts 6:3; Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11; I Timothy 5:17; I Corinthians 12:28.)
But some important church activities require a certain amount of organisation - and that requires LEADERSHIP.
"...God hath set some in the church...GOVERNMENTS..."
"...the elders that RULE..."
"Take heed therefore...to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you OVERSEERS"
"And he gave some...pastors..."
"Obey them that have the RULE over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account..."
Even practical matters, not just the spiritual affairs of a church, required the appointment of qualified people:
"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may APPOINT over this business."
(Acts 6:3; Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11; I Timothy 5:17; I Corinthians 12:28.)
The goal for every pioneering work therefore ought to include the goal that the group matures to the point of having qualified, recognised and appointed overseers and helpers.
When such roles are carried-out faithfully, the whole church benefits.
All of us therefore ought to desire to relate in a healthy way to pastors and appointed helpers.
No comments:
Post a Comment