That Was Easy

I want to emphasize some easy to understand principles of following Jesus.

Sometimes the walk is tougher than the talk.  But I'm afraid sometimes the talk is more complicated than it needs to be.

As I've sorted through some stuff that has hurt my brain, I have come to some clarity on some simple thoughts.

Easy to understand essential beliefs:

Trust in Jesus

Easy to understand how we should live:

Love God and love others.

Easy to understand how we do that:

The Holy Spirit does the work of the Holy Spirit.

Easy to understand disciple making:

See one, do one, teach one.

Easy to understand leadership:

Demonstrating to others how to follow.

Easy to understand church:

Get together with other followers to encourage each other to follow Jesus.

Easy to understand church unity:

There is one church, it meets in many different places and times.

I'm simply organizing some simple thoughts on what I think it means to follow Jesus.

I'm not claiming that living in this reality is easy.

I'd love to hear your thoughts? Have I missed any big ones?
.

Here are some less easy to understand related posts if you want to understand the more complex process I took to come to a place of seeing things so simply:

• What Must I Believe Part 1 - 6 part series looking at passages related to essential beliefs
• What Does It Look Like To Follow Christ? - relating to love, and the work of the Holy Spirit
• Love is Essential - passages that speak to love being the greatest commandment
• Church Etymology - what does church mean?
• Recent Church Activities - examples of simple church activities
• See One, Do One, Teach One - disciple making
• Leading The Way - what Jesus said on the topic of leadership, and a look at other passages

Levites Priests and Elders

In the Old Testament the Levites and Priests were responsible for the running of the Temple.

Throughout the Old Testament we also see many references to Elders.  Elders had a recognized role in the Jewish community.  They were older men with experience that the community respected and relied on for guidance. Here are a few references: Exodus 3:18, Leviticus 9:1-4, Deuteronomy 31:9, Joshua 8:33, 2 Samuel 19:11, 1 Kings 8:3, Jeremiah 29:1, Ezekiel 7:26.

However the elders in the Old Testament did not manage or run the Temple. They were not the religious authorities.

The New Testament church believes that their own bodies are the temple of God (Acts 17:24, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Pet 2:5, 1 Corinthians 6:19, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 2:19-22).

The New Testament church believes that all believers are a new type of priest. (1 Pet 2:5, 1 Pet 2:9 ).

So it makes sense that in the New Testament church we don't see a continuation of the titles of Levites and Priests.

As the church expanded into non-Jewish communities, older respected men were recognized as elders in these new communities as well. 

By using the term elder, I believe the writers of the New Testament had a different role in mind that what we tend to see today.  There is no evidence these elders were responsible for religious buildings, church programs, church organizational policy, or church staff.  There is no evidence they were elected for a limited term, and then became non-elder laity again a few years later. 

What is my point?  I don't know. I guess I find it interesting how the meanings of terms we use change over time.

I believe the role of elders is important, and it makes sense to study what the Bible has to say on the topic.  Consider who are the older respected people in your life.  Recognize who they are. Go to them for advice and guidance. Let them influence you.  And at some stage in life you may play the role of elder to others in your community.

I know this is a brief summary.  I'd love to hear any feedback.

Related Posts:

• What Titles Did Early Church Leaders Use?
• Biblical Elders
• Appointing Elders in Acts 14:23
• Elders and Overseers in 1 Peter 5:1-4 
• Jesus on Leadership
• Summary on Elders Overseers Shepherds - 9 post series
• My 95 Thesis - Point 13 - Temple Worship

Children of the Kingdom

I am continuing my series on the secrets of the kingdom, taking a look today at  Mark 10:13-16 (NIV)

"People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them."

Why do you think Jesus would say such things?

Is it that some of us think we are more important than others? In many work environments it may be true.  Some people will be in positions of authority over others. In difference circles of influence it may also be true.

But in the kingdom of God it doesn't seem so. In this world you may be the king or president of a great nation, a CEO of a large company, or the leader of some organization... but we see Jesus saying that anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. 

Why would Jesus say this? I think kingdoms work best when there is only one king. If somebody wants to join the kingdom of God, but also want to be in charge somehow... it's just not going to work out well.

I'm sorry, but if you want to be a king in the kingdom of God, it seems like there is no room in the kingdom for you. That position has already been filled.

Children are welcome. There is always more room for children of the King. 

 Related Posts:

• Secrets of the Kingdom Summary
• Leading The Way 
• Church Hierarchical Leadership  
• Kingdom Without Hierarchy 
• The Kingdom of Heaven Belongs to... 
• Greatest in the Kingdom

The Most Efficient Leadership Structure

"I am convinced that top-down structures of leadership are unquestionably more efficient -- efficient in doing almost everything than equipping, which is the primary task of leadership. "
(David Black - http://www.daveblackonline.com/what_does_a_new_testament_church.htm)

What do you think of this quote?

In terms of government systems, I have often heard that dictatorships or single party systems are more efficient than multiparty systems. Some of the most efficient countries in history have had a strong top-down leadership structure. I think the same goes for companies and other institutions.

There are drawbacks of course. I am glad I don't live in Nazi Germany or a single party country like China. Strong top-down leadership structures often do not value freedom of speech when your views are different than that of the leaders.

What is the primary task of leadership?

I guess it depends. In the case of a corporation that produces widgets, efficiency may be the top goal, and a strong top-down leadership structure may help produce the most widgets.


However, when talking about the church, the assembling of believers, what is the purpose of leadership?

If the goal is to run excellent programs a top-down leadership structure is likely what you want.

I believe the goal of gathering with other believers is to build one another up to become more like Christ. I believe Ephesians 4:7-16 speaks to this:

"But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.”
(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."(NIV)

I suspect this building up of one another is best accomplished in mutual relationships.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Related Posts:

• Leading The Way
• Church Hierarchical Leadership 
• Jesus on Leadership
• Summary on Elders Overseers Shepherds - 9 post series
• Influence of Ignatius
• My Role with Church 
• Five W's of One Another

Leading The Way

This will be a summary post on some questions about leadership in the church. I think a lot of my issues with institutional church boil down to how Christians view leadership.  I've written a number of posts on this topic. I'll try to organize some of my main thoughts here, linking to related posts, and then leave this topic alone for awhile.


I see two different types of leaders in the church.

• Those who make decisions for others to follow
• Those who live their lives as examples that others follow 

I know in many cases some people do a bit of both.


1)  I love this funny leadership lessons from dancing guy video.  It shows what leading by example can look like.  Could it be that in the church leadership is not decision making?

2) To form a Christian perspective on leadership, I think it makes sense to start by looking at what Jesus had to say on the topic of leadership.


3) We should also look at the example of the early church. What titles did early church leaders use? It seems many in the early church despised titles of honor.

4) The topic then becomes complex because we do see verses in the New Testament that talk about elders, overseers, pastor/shepherd, deacons. I don't want to overlook these verses.  I did a 9 post series looking at the verses related to elders, overseers, shepherds, deacons.  For each passage I looked at the greek meanings of the terms in question. I looked at what we could conclude from each passage, and what questions were still left unanswered.

5) I took a closer look at the word pastor/shepherd . I don't think anybody used the title pastor in the early church, it seems the first time pastor was used as a title was during the protestant reformation. I concluded I've got the best senior pastor. Jesus is refered to as our Chief shepherd.  We are all called to care for and serve others, following the example of Jesus.  I'd like to encourage you to be a pastor (but I'd skip the title).


6) What do you think Jesus would say about leadership today?



7) Church Hierarchical Leadership is common today.  People like to create flow charts placing some people above others.  It seems this practice can be traced all the way back to the influence of Ignatius.

8) Top-down leadership is likely the most efficient leadership structure as long as your goal is not equipping the saints or mutual edification.

9) I have been encouraged that some pastors are leaving the building of institutional church. They are simply leading by example. The choice to follow is up to us.



So as you can see I've invested some thought into this topic lately. But I don't want this to be the main focus of my journey moving forward.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Pastors Leaving The Building

A problem with starting a list like this is I will miss some that should be included.  Please leave a comment and I can update this post. And please correct me if any of my facts here are off.

I want to thank and acknowledge some men who have had tough decisions as they changed their beliefs regarding some church traditions.  Some aspects of my recent journey have been painful for myself and my family.  However I haven't had to switch careers or even lose fellowship with close brothers and sisters.

I keep coming across brothers who used to be vocational pastors and are now part of a movement spreading the message that there is more to church than institutional church.  At some point in their lives they found themselves serving/leading the church as vocational pastors.  They believed that was their calling. They had been trained for this, and had gained enough respect from the church to fill pastoral positions. These are men who the church trusted to teach them and shepherd them in the Christian faith.

So what happens when these men change their way of thinking about the position or office of the vocational pastor?  Let's be clear. They have not lost their faith in Christ, or their devotion for the church.


I must say I have extra respect for these men.  They not only took the risk of losing the approval of man.  They also took the risk of losing their way of earning an income. So I thank these leaders, these shepherds, these teachers.  These men are not simply tired of warming pews.  They have always been leaders in some ways, but no longer desire to lead from the front.

Wayne Jacobsen - Life Stream Ministries. I have been encouraged by his books: He Loves Me, So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore, The Naked Church, and his contributions in The Shack. I also have been encouraged by many of his podcasts.

Dave Coleman - co-authored So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore

Eric Carpenter - I've been encouraged as he shares his heart openly on his blog  A Pilgrim's Progress

Kevin-Neil Ward and Kathleen Ward - I am encouraged by their focus on Church in a Circle.


Jeremy Myers - I respect his dedication to teaching others as he blogs at www.tillhecomes.org and has other book and web projects.

Alan Knox (sort of) - He changed his way of thinking as he was being trained to become a vocational pastor.  He has since been on a journey to discover a different career path while he teaches, cares for, and serves the church. I have loads of respect for Alan. Always wise. Always gracious. And leads well by example as he shares his journey at www.alanknox.net. (And he sometimes reads my blog... so I have to be nice to him.)

Paul Vieira - author of  Jesus Has Left The Building.  A local Winnipeg author I recently discovered existed.

Rob McAlpine - a friend of our family, or family of a friend. Something like that.  Actually the only brother on this list I have met in real life so far.    I love the title of his book Detoxing from Church, a description I think fits well for many of us. I have appreciated how he has shared his journey on different blogs over time, he is now blogging at www.robbymcalpine.com.

Keith Giles - author and blogger at subversive1.blogspot.ca.

Will Rochow - another fellow Canadian blogs at http://rethinkingfaithandchurch.rochow.ca and show his humorous side at  http://theothersideofwill.rochow.ca/.
 

The truth is none of these pastors have left the church.  They are all still caring for and shepherding others. They are still active members in Christ's church.  And yes, I'm sure some of them still use buildings from time to time. :)   I won't do justice if I try to explain what each of them believe, and how each of them serve the church.  You'll have to check with them if you want more info.

I just wanted to say thanks for being leaders on this journey.

Keep It Simple Sir

I'll keep it respectful here. I won't call anyone stupid as the acronym KISS sometimes goes. So here are some suggestions to Keep It Simple Sir  (or Sister).

1) We should keep it simple so the greatest in the kingdom don't get confused.  We are actually commanded to become more like children.

"Then He called a child to Him and had him stand among them. “I assure you,” He said, “unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one child like this in My name welcomes Me." (Matt 18:3-4 HCSB)

If we've made something so complex that children have a hard time understanding or replicating it, maybe we are the ones missing something.

2) Recognize that church is simply people - the body of Christ, the family of God.  With a little church etymology  we see that in Scripture the term 'church' did not refer to buildings, institutions, or Sunday morning programs.  It simply referred to believers and whenever they got together.  Belonging to Christ's church is more like belonging to a tribe or people group than like belonging to a club or organization.

3) Consider every moment with others a moment to teach.  You don't need to prepare sermons, study books or DVD's to teach one another.  We see mostly interactive teaching in the New Testament. Teaching others may be simpler than you think.

4) Recognize you have a role to play in  disciple making.  I used to think of discipleship as a program or branch of the church that some people got involved with.  But we should consider how each of us can make disciples of Christ. We can watch how Jesus made disciples through living in simple relationships with others.  Discipleship may be simpler than we think.

5) Consider how you can be a pastor or shepherd, one who cares for the needs of others. Are there people in your life that you care for, give guidance, and build up so they mature in their relationship with Christ? This may be the basics of shepherding.


6) Understand that SMALL is sometimes big.  Just consider how rabbits reproduce a lot quicker than elephants.  The same principle may apply to church growth.  Small simple gatherings will be easier to reproduce than larger structures.  Many new small gatherings of believers can be started without multimillion dollar fundraising campaigns. Yes this seems like upside-down thinking, but so was a lot of Jesus' teachings about His kingdom. 

7) Leadership does not always mean decision making. I see two different types of leaders.  There are those that make decisions for others, and claim authority to impose their will on others. However others lead simply by living as an example that others follow. This second type of leading seems to fit better with what Jesus says in passages like Matt 20:25-28, Matt 23:8-12, Luke 22:24-27, Matt 19:30, Matt 20:16, Mark 9:35, and Luke 13:30.  Consider taking some leadership lessons from this dancing guy video.

8) You may want to consider taking a break from serving church programs. Scripture is clear we need to serve and care for people. If you find programs keep you too busy to focus on people, you may want to say no to some activities so you can better serve and love the church (the people).  Could less busy = improved relationships?

9) Simplify your list of essentials. Christians tend to only accept other believers who agree to their list of essentials. Unfortunately many lists of essentials include doctrines that have divided the church over the years. I find by recognizing that love is essential, and unity is essential, I am no longer in a position to judge others over many other disputable matters.

My head is often spinning when I look at church history, and the many church traditions we have today.   But I am finding some clarity when I think of church in simpler terms.

I hope this simple list of how to KISS is helpful to some of you.

Have I missed anything?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Related posts:

• What is Simple Church
• Love Feast 
• Church Etymology 
• Small Is Big 
• Caring For Others Is Essential 
• Interactive Teaching in the New Testament

Why Are You Gifted?

Ephesians 4:7-16 lists some of the gifts given to the church.  What is the purpose of these gifts?

Ephesians 4:7-16  (NIV)

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.”
 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?  He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)  It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,  to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up  until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

First I think we need to understand what each of the gifts listed here mean. Unfortunately 'teachers' is the only term that gets translated into plain English for us:

• apostles - those who are a messengers, envoys, delegates, commissioned by another to represent him in some way
• prophets - those who declare the mind (message) of God, which sometimes predicts the future and more commonly, speaks forth His message for a particular situation.
• evangelists - those who bring good news, who announce the gospel
• shepherds/pastors - those who care for other believers
• teachers - those who teach

This isn't an exhaustive list of gifts of the Spirit. Romans 12:6-8 lists prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and showing mercy. 1 Corinthians 12:8 - 10 lists a message of wisdom, a message of knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, miracles, discernment, speaking in tongues, and interpreting tongues. There are likely more gifts given to the church than those listed here.

My question is why do you think the church has been given these gifts?

And why does it seem they are given to many different people?

First I'd like to suggest Jesus had all of these qualities.  He traveled around (apostle) preaching the good news of the kingdom of God (evangelist). He spoke the message of God (prophet). He is considered our shepherd. He was a teacher, served others, gave to others, lead, showed mercy, healed, had discernment, and did many miracles.  I'm not sure if we have any records of Him speaking in tongues, but I don't doubt He could.

Now take a look at the Ephesians 4:7-16 passage again.

It looks like the purpose of these gifts is to build each other up to become more like Jesus. 

Is it possible that each of us are to become more like Christ?  Shouldn't we all be messengers of the good news? Shouldn't we all listen for God's voice and speak it into other people's lives? Shouldn't we all care for other believers, teach others, serve others, give to others....

Yes, some will be more gifted in each of these areas than others. But could a purpose of having these gifts be to live as an example to the others on how to exercise that gift?

If you are gifted as a teacher, how can you use that gifting to encourage others to teach?

If you are gifted at giving, how can you use that gifting to teach others to give?

If you are gifted at serving, how can you be an example of service so others grow in this way?

If you are gifted at shepherding, how can you be an example of caring for the needs of others so others will shepherd as well?

If you are gifted at proclaiming the good news, how can you encourage others to proclaim the good news with you?


Obviously there are other reasons to use these gifts.  As a result of using these gifts people get cared for, get taught, hear God's good news message, etc.  But is it possible that everyone should be encouraged to grow in each of these areas to become more like Christ?  If you are gifted, how can you use your gift to build others up so they can exercise their gifting as well?

Do you think you are exempt from exercising any of the gifts of the Spirit?

Do you think it is best if a few people get the most exercise?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

You Should Be a Pastor

I think you should consider being a pastor.  I think the church needs more pastors.  I'm not ranting about pastors because I want less of them. I actually want more believers to recognize that they have this 'calling' too.

Take a look at the one passage from most Bible translations that mentions the pastor.

Ephesians 4:11 - 13 (NIV)

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,  to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

Note that it is plural pastors.  Can you find any verses that speak of a singular pastor?  We may be asking too much of one man when we ask them to fill this role on their own.



So what do pastors do?  The term pastor comes from the Greek poimenas which means shepherd, which we can assume means someone who cares for the needs of others.

So my question is this: Is it possible that many more of us should be caring for the needs of others? 

I think of Jesus' conversation with Peter recorded in John 21:15-17 where Jesus repeated asks Peter "do you love me", and then tells Peter to "feed my lambs" and "feed my sheep".  Did Peter become the first vocational pastor? Was Peter the only shepherd of the early church in Jerusalem?  I've never heard that argument. But I believe Peter took these words to heart and did devote his life to caring for other believers.  I believe many believers took these words to heart and followed the example of Jesus, Peter and others.

Peter later writes a letter to believers in other towns in 1 Peter 5:1-4.

"To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:  Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;  not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

The same message that he was given he passes on to other elders (plural).  Note he is not assuming there would be one shepherd or pastor in the group. Keep in mind elders in Jewish culture were older men who had earned the respect of the community, and Peter is writing as one elder to some others.

The term translated pastors in Ephesians 4:11 does show up in it's singular form poimén in a number of other verses. In the other verses it gets translated as shepherd, and often refers to Jesus. The title 'Chief Shepherd' in 1 Peter 5:4 is synonymous with 'Lead Pastor'. So yes, there is one Pastor or Shepherd who is capable of caring for a large flock, and I suspect He wants to enlist many of us to help do this work.

Here are some other verses that encourage all believers to care for others.


Philippians 2:4 (NIV)

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

John 13:34-35 (NIV)

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Romans 12:10 (NIV)

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."

I gotta add that I value and respect all my brothers and sisters who do care for others. I recognize many people are gifted in different degrees in special ways in this area. Not because of a job description or title, but because they recognize God is asking this of them. 

But please don't call me pastor or shepherd.  I am simply recognizing this as an area of growth for us at this point. I think it is possible to work at caring for others and simply be called by my real name.

Do you love Jesus?  If so... feed His sheep.

Related Posts:

• What Titles Did Early Church Leaders Use?
• Jesus on Leadership
• Summary on Elders Overseers Shepherds - 9 post series
• Despise Titles of Honor 
• The First Pastors 
• I've Got The Best Senior Pastor
• Shepherding Basics
• Influence of Ignatius 
• Dan Kimball Is Not Your Pastor

Influence of Ignatius

How much influence has Ignatius of Antioch (AD 35 - 107) had on how church has been structured for the past 2000 years?  Taking a look at church history can help us understand aspects of who we are today.  Ignatius of Antioch is considered one of the apostolic fathers, a leader of the early church believed to be a student of John the apostle.  He died a martyr in the Colosseum of Rome.

From what I've read his views on the office of bishop were not held in most other towns and cities during his life.  But over time the church across the Roman empire did adopt many of his beliefs.

So for the sake of understanding history here are quotes from Ignatius. 

"It is manifest, therefore, that we should look upon the bishop even as we would upon the Lord Himself."
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-ephesians-roberts.html

"See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Christ Jesus does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles. Do ye also reverence the deacons, as those that carry out [through their office] the appointment of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is [administered] either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as where Christ is, there does all the heavenly host stand by, waiting upon Him as the Chief Captain of the Lord's might, and the Governor of every intelligent nature. It is not lawful without the bishop either to baptize, or to offer, or to present sacrifice, or to celebrate a love-feast. But that which seems good to him, is also well-pleasing to God, that everything ye do may be secure and valid."
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-smyrnaeans-longer.html 

"He who honours the bishop has been honoured by God; he who does anything without the knowledge of the bishop, does [in reality] serve the devil."

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-smyrnaeans-longer.html

"Honour thou God indeed, as the Author and Lord of all things, but the bishop as the high-priest, who bears the image of God-of God. inasmuch as he is a ruler, and of Christ, in his capacity of a priest. After Him, we must also honour the king. For there is no one superior to God, or even like to Him, among all the beings that exist. Nor is there any one in the Church greater than the bishop, who ministers as a priest to God for the salvation of the whole world. "
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-smyrnaeans-longer.html
  

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Do you agree with these quotes?

Try substituting the terms bishop, presbytery, deacons with terms like pastor, elders, and ministry leaders. Does this help us understand how we got to a place with church hierarchical leadership structures like we see today?

Related Posts:

• Church Hierarchical Leadership
• What Titles Did Early Church Leaders Use?
• Jesus on Leadership
• Summary on Elders Overseers Shepherds - 9 post series

Church Hierarchical Leadership

Jesus had an upside-down view of leadership.  The basis for this organization chart comes from passages like Matt 20:25-28, Matt 23:8-12, Luke 22:24-27, Matt 19:30, Matt 20:16, Mark 9:35, and Luke 13:30.


However, it bothers me when I see top-down church hierarchy leadership structures like these:

This last organization chart bothers me the most.  It looks as if the Senior Pastor is the link between God and the church.  But we know from 1 Tim 2:5 that the only mediator between us and God is Jesus.

I've often wondered where the church got off course.  I know that to a degree the leaders in the church do serve others, but when did the church get the idea it was OK to have top-down hierarchy structures the same as other institutions of the world.

I came across a research paper yesterday called  The Rise of Hierarchical Leadership. It is an academic paper, not written necessarily for the masses.  It helped identify some of the reasons why there was so much change in this regard in the first 400 years or so of the church.

For example people like Clement of Alexandria and Origen had also been students of Platonism which saw the whole of society separated into classes or levels, and that people were actually predestined to their level in society.  They also thought in terms of dualism, where there was a need for priests and clergy to be mediators between regular laymen and God.  The concept of priesthood of all believers was soon largely overlooked.

There is a lot more to it than this. There are some quotes I may discuss at another time.

I'm not sure why this bothers me.  Some people fight leadership and authority because they wish they were in charge. I have no desire to lead in any manner other than leading by example of what it means to serve and care for others.  Biblical leadership doesn't have to be about making decisions for other people, or exercising authority over others.

Does anyone know of any other good resources that explain well how and why things changed?

Related Posts:

• What Titles Did Early Church Leaders Use?
• Jesus on Leadership
• Summary on Elders Overseers Shepherds - 9 post series
• Influence of Ignatius

Dan Kimball Is Not Your Pastor

It is likely that Dan Kimball does care for and shepherd some people, but he doesn't encourage people to call him 'pastor' or 'lead pastor' anymore.  I came across this quote of his today:

"It happened little by little. It actually stemmed from about when I was actually leading Graceland, a young adult ministry – 1,000 college age young adults. I was at a street corner, I'm getting into my car and a car honked. These college-aged girls were looking over and waving. I'm looking up and I'm like "I don't know who they are." Then the light turns green and they yell in unison "you're our pastor!" as they're driving away. I'm just like, "I'm their pastor? I don't even know who they are." A pastor who shepherds knows their sheep, knows if one is missing. Then I started looking into what is theologically a pastor. It's only written once in the New Testament, the book of Ephesians. It wasn't even a title or an office. It was a spiritual gift of shepherding. And I'm just like "you know, I don't want to mislead people in our church to have them feel like I'm their pastor simply because they come and listen to me teach on a Sunday." There's people in this church that are really pastoring, according to what the Bible says what pastoring is. It's got to be relational, if one sheep is missing, [see] how they're doing. So I just stopped using that term; I don't know if there's anyone on our staff that uses it anymore. It's not that we don't shepherd [or] pastor but we just stopped using the title as to try to really function what I believe is more biblically without that title and to allow people who have pastoring gifts to be exercising those and feel just as valid and important as the person who gets up."
Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/dan-kimball-talks-churchland-judgmentalism-restoring-hope-in-the-church-79309/#r2mqF11xYQvm2HVk.99

I'm glad to see others are questioning the use of this term as an office title.

I'm also glad to see Dan Kimball encourages regular people to pastor and care for others in their community.  By sharing this role with all believers, and validating what each member contributes, more believers can mature in their faith.

What do you think?  Is there scriptural support for using the term 'Pastor' or 'Lead Pastor' as a title for a few hired staff?  

If we just read the Bible, would we have come to this practice, or did we get where we are by a different route?


Related Posts:

• What Titles Did Early Church Leaders Use?
• Jesus on Leadership
• Summary on Elders Overseers Shepherds - 9 post series
• Despise Titles of Honor 
• The First Pastors 
• I've Got The Best Senior Pastor
• Shepherding Basics

Despise Titles of Honor

"They despise titles of honor and the purple robe of high government office..."

Who could this quote be speaking of?

No, it wasn't referring to the occupy movement. :)

Here is more of the quote:

Christians "form a rabble of profane conspiracy... They despise temples as if they were tombs... They despise titles of honor and the purple robe of high government office, though hardly able themselves to cover their nakedness. Just like a rank growth of weeds, the abominable haunts where this impious confederacy meet are multiplying all over the world. Root and branch, it should at all cost be exterminated and accursed. They love one another before being acquainted. They practice a cult of lust, calling one another brother and sister indiscriminately; under the cover of these hallowed names, fornication becomes incest." -Minucius Felix, a lawyer in Rome, before his conversion. AD 200

Interesting quote. Over the years things have changed. 

Would anyone say any of this about Christians today?

Who Can Baptize?

This is post #6 in a series on Baptism:

1. Baptism Questions - some questions I'd like to sort out
2. What Did Baptism Mean? - a look at how the Greek terms get used and translated in other literature
3. Baptism without Water - a look at baptism references that are not talking about water
4. Baptism and Culture -  It seems Christianity adopted a common custom of the time.
5. The Heart of Baptism - What is at the heart of this ritual 
6. Who Can Baptize? - Do we think Matt 28:18 - 20 is addressed only for the clergy? 
7. When Should Believers Be Baptized - At what age? At what level of maturity? 
8. Baptism With The Holy Spirit - comparing immersion with water and with the Holy Spirit 
9. Baptism Summary Thoughts

I came across a quote from John Calvin on this topic:

It is here also pertinent to observe, that it is improper for private individuals to take upon themselves the administration of baptism; for it, as well as the dispensation of the Supper, is part of the ministerial office. For Christ did not give command to any men or women whatever to baptise, but to those whom he had appointed apostles. And when, in the administration of the Supper, he ordered his disciples to do what they had seen him do (he having done the part of a legitimate dispenser), he doubtless meant that in this they should imitate his example.
(John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997). Institutes IV, xv, 20)

Do you agree with John Calvin on this?

Or do you think baptism falls under the responsibility of the priesthood of all believers?

Do you think Matt 28:18 - 20 is addressed only for the clergy?

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:18 - 20 NIV)

When we look at all the examples of baptism in the New Testament, are we confident they were all performed by ordained clergy?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I've Got The Best Senior Pastor

I just thought I'd publicly boast about my Senior Pastor. I think he is the best.

I think 1 Peter 5:4 is the only passage in Scripture that references a Senior Pastor or Lead Pastor:

    "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." (NIV)

It should be obvious this verse is talking about Jesus.  But what about the terms 'Chief Shepherd'?  Lets take a look at the Greek and how it gets translated.

The greek word in this verse for 'Chief Shepherd' here is archipoimenos which is a combination of archó and poimḗn.

archó means to rule, or be the chief, ruler or leader

poimḗn is a shepherd. In the new Testament it often refers to someone who cares for others.  Sometimes it gets translated as shepherd, in other passages it gets translated as pastor. 

So I think it is fair to say that Jesus as my Chief Shepherd is also my Lead Pastor or Senior Pastor.

Can't people also shepherd or care for others?

I think there are many verses that talk about believers shepherding or caring for one another, here are a few: Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2, Philippians 2:4, Ephesians 4:32, John 13:34-35, Hebrews 10:24, 1 John 3:11, Rom 12:10, Rom 15:14, Gal 5:13, Col 3:16, 1 Thess 5:11

I acknowledge that many people have cared for me and have 'shepherded' me over the years. There are still a number of people who care for me in this way today.

By my age, I should also recognize that I have a role to play in shepherding or caring for others as well.  My children come to mind first, but there are others as well that God has placed in my life that I am called to care for and watch out for their best interests.

What then is the issue with calling someone a pastor or shepherd?

Whenever I read verses where I see the term shepherd (or pastor) as a title referring to a person, the reference is to Jesus. (John 10:11, John 10:14, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25, 1 Peter 5:4)  I do not believe anyone went by the title pastor until the 1500's.

I am thankful for the role Jesus has had in my life caring for me. He has guided my steps when I don't know where I am going. He has provided for all of my needs and more. I know He cares for me.  I am thankful and feel compelled to boast that I have the best Senior Pastor.  He is really a good shepherd. And He wants to be yours too. :)

Related Posts:

• What Titles Did Early Church Leaders Use?
• Jesus on Leadership
• Summary on Elders Overseers Shepherds - 9 post series

Kingdom Without Hierarchy

Continuing my series on the secrets of the kingdom. Hierarchy is common in earthly kingdoms or realms of influence. Most governments, workplaces, sports teams, and even families operate with different people holding different levels of authority. It seems to be a natural way to organize ourselves.

But when Jesus talks about His kingdom, somehow he expects things to be different.

Matthew 20:20 - 28 (HCSB)

Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons approached Him with her sons. She knelt down to ask Him for something. “What do you want?” He asked her.
“Promise,” she said to Him, “that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right and the other on Your left, in Your kingdom.”
But Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?”
“We are able,” they said to Him.
He told them, “You will indeed drink My cup. But to sit at My right and left is not Mine to give; instead, it belongs to those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” When the 10 disciples heard this, they became indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.”

So we have the mother of James and John making a pretty big request. She wants her two sons to be second in command in this new kingdom Jesus keeps talking about.

She doesn't realize this kingdom doesn't work that way. It is not about climbing the ladder to gain positions of authority over others. In fact in this upside-down kingdom it is the opposite.

Jesus rules by serving, and by giving His life to free us from sin.

If you want to be great in this kingdom, you must simply start serving and caring for others.

What about the 10 disciples that got indignant when they heard others were trying to climb the ladder of hierarchy to gain authority over the rest? Yes, we too can get indignant when we see our brothers and sisters claim to be higher up the ladder than we are. But I'm trying to understand Jesus' advice here to me. I need not worry - that's really not how the kingdom works. Let others do their thing, but my task is to serve others.

Related Posts:

• The Kingdom of Heaven Belongs to...
• Jesus on Leadership
• Summary on Elders Overseers Shepherds - 9 post series

Examples of Pastors Preaching Sermons at Church in the Bible

Long title. Short post. Comments welcome.

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What Would Jesus Say Today on Leading

What Would Jesus Say today on titles for religious leaders?

Matthew 23:8-12(HCSB)

“But as for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi,’ because you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father, because you have one Father, who is in heaven. And do not be called masters either, because you have one Master, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Do you think He would include the title 'Pastor' today?

What about titles like Reverend, Minister, Priest, Bishop?

My occupation is a teacher in a high school. Should I be concerned with letting my students call me teacher?

Is it OK for my kids to call me father?

What do you think was at the heart of what Jesus was saying here?

P.S. Please do not assume this means I am judging you if you like to use these titles. I am not. I maintain high respect and love for brothers and sisters who don't share my viewpoint on a number of issues. I don't expect everyone to agree with me, and I don't assume I have any authority to judge my brothers and sisters. I simply want to encourage dialog on issues where we may not be doing things by the book.

Related Posts:

• What Titles Did Early Church Leaders Use?
• Jesus on Leadership
• Summary on Elders Overseers Shepherds - 9 post series
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Why a Christmas Tree?

Why do you have a Christmas tree inside your house?

I have an odd sense of humor. This one gets me chuckling at people. I think we are a funny lot. I think it's pretty random that at this time of year people put a fair bit of energy into getting either an evergreen tree, or a fake thing that looks like an evergreen tree and place it in a prominent place in their home.

Why a tree?

Why not a shepherds rod?

A simple stick could be placed in the center of our living room as a memory of the shepherds the good news was shared with. This could remind us that simple folk can also share the good news with others.

We could celebrate by dancing around the pole... OK, I digress.

Why not a feeding trough?

We could decorate a feeding trough with fake hay, and fake animal feed. This could remind us of the upside down nature of the kingdom of God. How our Majestic God chose a humble and dirty place for His coming to earth.

A feeding trough could also have a second meaning, symbolizing how we tend to act like gluttonous pigs during this season. No, maybe we don't want to celebrate our gluttony. I digress again....

Do we know why we put up a tree?

There may be a few origins to this tradition. I'll share a few findings I've come across. There may be many more.

Many Pagan cultures used to cut boughs of evergreen trees in December, move them into the home or temple, and decorate them. Modern-day Pagans still do. This was to recognize the winter solstice -- the time of the year that had the shortest daylight hours, and longest night of the year. This occurs annually sometime between DEC-20 to 23; most often, it is DEC-21. As the solstice approached, they noticed that the days were gradually getting shorter; many feared that the sun would eventually disappear forever, and everyone would freeze. But, even though deciduous trees, bushes, and crops died or hibernated for the winter, the evergreen trees remained green. They seemed to have magical powers that enabled them to withstand the rigors of winter.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/xmas_tree.htm

Or this account of Pagan Rome and Pagan Egypt:

"The Christmas tree, now so common among us, was equally common in Pagan Rome and Pagan Egypt. In Egypt it was the palm tree; in Rome it was the fir; the palm-tree denoting the Pagan Messiah, as Baal-Tamar, the fir referring to him as Baal-Berith. The mother of Adonis, the Sun-God and great mediatorial divinity, was mystically said to have been changed into a tree, and when in that state to have brought forth her divine son. If the mother was a tree, the son must have been recognized as ‘Man the Branch.’ And this entirely accounts for putting the Yule Log into the fire on Christmas Eve and the appearance of the Christmas tree the next morning. As Zero-Ashta, ‘The seed of the woman,’ ...he has to enter the fire on ‘Mother night,’ that he may be born the next day out of it, as the ‘Branch of God,’ or the Tree that brings divine gifts to men."
http://www.carnaval.com/saturnalia/

Later on in the 1500's

According to the first documented uses of a Christmas tree in Estonia, in 1441, 1442, and 1514, the Brotherhood of Blackheads erected a tree for the holidays in their brotherhood house in Reval (now Tallinn). At the last night of the celebrations leading up to the holidays, the tree was taken to the Town Hall Square where the members of the brotherhood danced around it.[9] In 1584, the pastor and chronicler Balthasar Russow wrote of an established tradition of setting up a decorated spruce at the market square where the young men “went with a flock of maidens and women, first sang and danced there and then set the tree aflame”.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_tree

Oh, that sounds like fun. This year I'll dance around our Christmas tree, then set it on fire! That will make a great family memories video.... :)

Here is another account, linking it to a feast day of Adam and Eve:

The main prop of a popular medieval play about Adam and Eve was a fir tree hung with apples (paradise tree) representing the Garden of Eden. The Germans set up a paradise tree in their homes on December 24, the religious feast day of Adam and Eve. They hung wafers on it (symbolizing the host, the Christian sign of redemption); in a later tradition, the wafers were replaced by cookies of various shapes. Candles, too, were often added as the symbol of Christ. In the same room, during the Christmas season, was the Christmas pyramid, a triangular construction of wood, with shelves to hold Christmas figurines, decorated with evergreens, candles, and a star. By the 16th century, the Christmas pyramid and paradise tree had merged, becoming the Christmas tree.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_tree

I just stumbled across this verse that isn't typically part of our Christmas readings. It seems related to an early pagan festival with a decorated tree:

"This is what the LORD says: Do not learn the way of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, although the nations are terrified by them, for the customs of the peoples are worthless.
Someone cuts down a tree from the forest; it is worked by the hands of a craftsman with a chisel. He decorates it with silver and gold. It is fastened with hammer and nails, so it won’t totter." Jeremiah 10:2-4 (HCSB)

I'll include a link here: http://www.cogwriter.com/christmas.htm to some interesting quotes from Tertullian (one of the leading 2nd/3rd century church writers). He seemed to be against participating in the pagan winter celebrations.

We do have a (fake) Christmas tree up in our home. I'm not at a place where I'm zealous about getting rid of Christmas trees. I mostly just think it's funny how we all have them without thinking about why we have them.

Kinda like many other traditions we have in life and church life.

If you have a Christmas tree in your home, do you know why you have it? I'd love to hear more stories.


Related Posts:

• How Would Jesus Celebrate Christmas
• Original Meaning of Christmas
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Summary on Elders Overseers Shepherds

Why am I focusing on this topic of leadership? I think everyone is a leader in some way or another. Whatever you do, good or bad, there could be people that follow your example. I think all believers would benefit from taking a look at what Scripture says on the topic of leadership. We all may have more of a responsibility than you've considered before.

If you haven't seen this funny video yet, this may help: Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy

OK, so here is my summary of what I've learned as I've work on this series of posts.

(Each title is a link to related verses and further details.)

Jesus on Leadership

• Jesus and the religious leaders of His day did not get along for the most part.
• In the new Kingdom Jesus established, the first are last, the least are greatest, servants are the leaders that others should follow.
• Jesus instructed His disciples not to rule over others like governments of the world do.
• Jesus didn't want his followers to be called things like Rabbi, father, or teacher.
• Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Biblical Elders

• The Old Testament is full of references to Elders, this isn't a position the New Testament church invented.
• They were older wise men who were well respected in the community.
• I believe the Jewish culture had a role for elders to play within the family and community.

Elders and Overseers in 1 Peter 5:1-4

This passage doesn't need to mean more than this:

• it was written to elders - older respected men in the community
• They were told to be shepherds - to care for others in their community

Everyone should care for others, and these elders should be an example of this.

Appointing Elders in Acts 14:23

• Elders were recognized in the Lystra, Iconium and Antioch community of believers
• These were likely non-Jewish converts who didn't have elders in place
• Paul and Barnabas either did the appointing themselves, or the community of believers publicly recognized them in some manner

Overseers in Acts 20:28

• Paul was addressing the elders here
• They were told to keep an eye on God's flock, to watch over it
• They were told to tend to it, and care for others
• These are things all believers should do. These elders need to be examples of this so the rest can follow.

Elders and Overseers Appointed in Titus 1:5-9

• Crete was one of the predominately non-Jewish places the early church expanded to.
• Timothy is given the task to appoint, or set in place elders who would have the responsibility for caring for and watching out for others.
• God is entrusting these men to manage or be stewards of God's household. A noble task to take care of not just earthly treasures, but to take care of God's family.
• We have a list of godly characteristics that these men should possess or strive toward.

Deacons and Overseers in 1 Tim 3:1-13

• If someone aspires to be one who watches out for others, visits them, and cares for others, this is a noble task. Not just anyone can do this, they must meet or strive for these godly characteristics.
• In the same way if someone wants to serve others in the body and care for the needs of others they must meet or strive for these godly characteristics.

Pastors in Ephesians 4:11

If we translate some of the ambiguous terms into common English this passage could read like this:

So Christ himself gave some messengers who are sent out, some who speak a message of God, some who share the good news, some who care for other believers, and some who teach, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and...

What Titles Did Early Church Leaders Use?

The example we have from those leading the way in the early church is they used the following titles or terms to describe themselves and others: servant, slave, prisoner, brother,sister, elder, and Apostle (or messenger of Christ' or 'ambassador of Christ') .


Some things I would NOT conclude from these texts:

• Elders or other church leaders had some ruling decision making authority over the other believers.
• That church leadership models can resemble government or corporation leadership models.
• Elders would serve a 2 -5 year term after which someone else would take their place.
• A specific number of elders were required in each community or gathering of believers.
• That things like baptisms, marriage, and funerals can only be done by elders (or pastors).
• That watching over, tending, and caring for included any decision making authority for others?
• That some church leaders should be called Minister, Reverend, Pastor, Priest, Deacon, Archbishop, Cardinal, Pope, etc.

In summary I believe Jesus simply wants his followers to serve each other. The leaders among us are the ones who serve best and model a servant life the rest should follow. Serving can include caring for others, teaching others, going out to unreached people, watching out for others... basically loving everyone in the same way Christ loves us.

However I'm a Simple Minded Man.

I admit my viewpoint seems too simplistic if your view of the church includes buildings, staff, and programs. If church has become more complex than simply people coming together - I agree that you will need to have leaders who manage the organization.

I am not against this. I just want to present a point of view which sees these things as extras. I believe Christ's church does not need to have programs, buildings, or staff. It makes sense that I also don't believe it needs a leadership structure to maintain it.

If your view of the church is simply Christ's body of believers it is easier to see that leadership does not need to be a structure with decision making or authority over others.


Related Posts:

• Church Etymology
• Jesus on Church
• Plugins Extensions and Add-ons and the Church
• Jesus on Leadership
• Elders and Overseers in 1 Peter 5:1-4
• Appointing Elders in Acts 14:23
• Overseers in Acts 20:28
• Elders and Overseers Appointed in Titus 1:5-9
• Deacons and Overseers in 1 Tim 3:1-13
• Pastors in Ephesians 4:11
• What Titles Did Early Church Leaders Use?