The church universal's approach to church organization is intriguing. Lacking elders we believe it is permissible for a segment of the male contingent of the congregation to run things, while we find it unacceptable for that same contingent to select 2 or 3 or more men to run things. Either way we are organized in a non-biblical order. What is our reasoning? Could it be we each want to be in on the running of things? That being correct deferring to a body of elders will be difficult.
One of the issues muddying the waters as to how elders relate to a congregation is the non-biblical use of preachers. For a group big on commands, examples, and necessary inferences we somehow come up with a preacher for the saved with responsibilities including but not limited to: producing a weekly publication, visiting the sick and shut-ins, marrying and burying the members, teaching at least one class each week and entertaining the congregation twice on Sunday. He must be "sound", think like the congregation and be on-call with perfect hair 24x7.
Within the last year Max Lucado stepped "down" (his word) from the pulpit and became a member of the congregation. He likened it to a university president resigning and becoming a member of the faculty. If nothing else good old Max has an ego. It is safe to say the elders at that congregation are a board of directors deferring to the president.
I am fascinated with the shepherd analogy. Shepherds do not "reason" with the sheep. If one goes off on a tangent the "rod and staff" come into play. That hook is not just for looks. Do you suppose the belligerent and obstinate become shepherd stew? Shepherds have been known to put a bell on their favorite or the smartest sheep and let the group follow the bell. All the shepherd has to do is make sure the bell sheep is going where the he likes. Dealing with one sheep is much easier than dealing with a whole flock. And then there is the sheepdog that nips and barks to get the flock to go where the shepherd wants.
On the other side, sheep are stupid and cowardly. Instead of fighting or running they will on occasion just lie down and await their fate. Some faint when challenged. They stink and some pee in their beard and if you turn your back on some they will butt you on the butt.
I have long suggested the following:
- Preachers will stop running the local congregation and being the main source for congregational news and go off and preach the Gospel to those who are without hope and maybe take some of the congregation with them to learn how;
- Elders will pastor the individuals and do what they must be apt to do and that is to teach and guard;
- Deacons, since they have similar qualifications as the Elders, will assist the Elders in all of their responsibilities under the direct guidance of said Elders;
- The congregants (everyone, elder, deacon, preacher, evangelist, maintenance workers) will take care of the physical property, budget, study, attend, follow the leadership and encourage each other to love and good works and do the work they have been encouraged to perform.
Regards,
John Jenkins
John Jenkins
865-803-8179 cell
Gatlinburg, TN
Email: jrjenki@yahoo.com
Email: jrjenki@yahoo.com
Hyperbole is the Best Thing Ever.
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