I believe we find here a critical component of failure in the modern church. Instead of churches looking for an evangelist to help lead the church in natural growth, we try to find men who will make our lives comfortable so the congregation can “be at ease in Zion.” Thus, we look for a minister who will work feverishly to meet all the needs in the local body.
Mr. Bycroft's comment, elsewhere in the article, on the likely reaction of elders to an empty collection plate actually made me chuckle.
Personally, my quote of choice would be the following paragraph:
ReplyDeleteElders must stop seeing their major role as decision makers and begin investing their lives in helping people learn how to do ministry. And they must allow the minister to begin investing his time in leading and teaching evangelism as the natural lifestyle of the church.
I liked that one too. Among independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ this is often a problem. In Churches of Christ in particular I've heard the phrase "elder-rule" too many times, with a lack of emphasis (in my opinion) on the pastoral role of elders. In evangelical churches in general I've heard of wrangling over who's going to be on the church board, because people want to have some measure of control. The focus should be on ministry, of course, and decision-making should arise out of issues that come up as ministry goes forward, including the active pastoral ministry of the elders.
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