I am a firm believer that Jesus Christ's church would be far better off if all professional pastors resigned their positions immediately. Although this would undoubtedly lead to no small amount of consternation, disorganization, confusion, and chaos in the short-term, the long-term benefits would be enormous.
Over the next twenty-five days I'm going to list and briefly discuss twenty-five reasons why all pastors who receive salaries from churches ought to step down right away. You'll see that some of the reasons are closely related, but the small differences are important. The number twenty-five is arbitrary on my part; we could probably think of one hundred more if we worked together at it.
One primary reason that pastors should resign sums up all the others. That reason is that professional pastors harm the church.
4 comments:
AMEN
I appreciate your insight but I wish you would consider not using the word "church." For two simple reasons. First, it's exactly what Jesus said he would build - HIS "ekklesia." And second, it's meaning fits exactly what Jesus meant.
Ekklesia: From ek, "out from and to" and kaléō, "to call"
• The word that Jesus used to identify what He said He would build.
• The word that Jesus used to identify what the gates of hell had no power to overcome.
• The word was known and relevant to the people of that region and time period.
• The word defined an “assembly” of “called out” people in the context of community government or legislative assembly. (Greek city-state)
• The “called out” people were of a specific “group.” (Local community/city)
• The “called out” group of people had the responsibility to serve a specific function. (Similar to an all-inclusive city council)
• That “function” of the assembly was to make regular assessments of the health and needs of the community.
• The “community” was to make decisions based on those needs in the best interest of the community as a whole.
• All people were to play an integral part in the assembly, with everyone having an equal voice in the affairs and decisions that affected the community.
• The people who helped organized and oversee the assembly had no greater authority or voice than any other individual of the assembly.
• Outsiders were not allowed to be a part of the assembly and had no voice in the assembly, but were welcome to become a part of the assembly by becoming a permanent resident of the community.
• The ekklesia was “called out” by a community “crier” and often accompanied by a trumpet or horn blast. 1 Cor. 15:51-52(Exactly how Jesus will return and call out His Ekklesia)
So where does "church" fit in with a movement to restore scriptural truths regarding the body of Christ.
As far as I'm concerned, there can be no greater distinction between what man has built called "church," and what Jesus is building that he called "Ekklesia."
Hi Neil,
I appreciate your concerns about my using the word "church." However, I'm going to continue to do so simply because that is what is generally used in the English language. Nearly every English translation of the bible uses it.
Much of what I write on this blog is a critique of many faulty church practices (such as the series I'm in the middle of currently). Therefore, I hope it is clear to the readers that I see many problems with the church today.
I welcome your comments, but I'm going to keep using the word church.
Thanks.
Eric,
Your many arguments against the "corporate" model used to administrate groups of Christians are very compelling, and your current series focused on "professional pastors" uses scripture well to argue your points.
Unfortunately, most "leaders" in the corporate system can overcome your arguments because they have placed themselves in positions of power and authority over mostly lazy and ignorant pew-warmers. And that's the system that needs to be exposed and done away with.
But what gets me in all of this is that when you have a chance to differentiate yourself from these hirelings running the corporate system on a scriptural point that can't be disputed such as the word "ekklesia," you choose not to - as if it doesn't make any difference.
But it can make all the difference in the world!
The word church found its way into Christianity by way of those who sought to create and sustain a hierarchical corporate system run by the elite religious leaders that could be controlled and manipulated by the king and pope. In return for that relationship, the masses of Christians could also be controlled and used to finance the whole system and provide political support for the hierarchy. When confronted by those who opposed such a system, King James is quoted as saying, "No Bishops, no king." I think we all know what that meant. And King James also had 15 rules for "his" hand-picked translators, number three was: "The old ecclesiastical words to be kept, as the word church, not to be translated congregation." Did you ever wonder why? What do you think Jesus thought of that rule?
"Church" is the definition of the system you now voice such opposition to; but "ekklesia" perfectly defines the way you are now trying to live your life in Christ and convince others to follow as well.
Jesus is calling you out, so why not come out completely and refer to the body of Christ with the same word Jesus used to define what he would build.
Since I began using the word ekklesia instead of church I have had the opportunity to explain why I don't use the word church and also minister to those many people who had no idea that most of corporate church was not scriptural. It will open many doors my friend. The truth always does.
Post a Comment