Now, let's take a look at the position of the modern day pastor. As it is
today, I believe the position is unscriptural. No doubt, many good men
have started out right, but have fallen into this snare, by being put, or
putting themselves into an unscriptural position. First of all, nowhere in the
Bible will you find that a church was ruled by one man. Nowhere! Yet
most churches today are. But, where does the Bible say that a church
should be run by one man? If you know of one clear example or one
Scriptural command, please let me know.
The word pastor ("poimen"), is used without end today, and was
mentioned only once in the New Testament, (Eph. 4:11, "And he gave
some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and
some, pastors and teachers; The word pastor means to "feed" or to
"shepherd". According to the context of the text in Eph. 4, it appears that
"pastoring" is a spiritual gift, not a position or a calling. However, the most
common word used in the Bible for leaders in the churches was "elders"
("presbuteros" which means older) and "bishops" ("episkope" which
means overseer). "Elder" was the Jewish name and "bishop" was the
Greek name for the same office, and they both are interchangeable.
"Elder" is an older man, and "bishop" is the word for his office (work), or
ministry as an overseer. They represent the same person. This is proven in
Acts 20:17. "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the
elders of the church." Now, look down at verse 28. "Take heed
therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the
Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God,
which he hath purchased with his own blood." Notice that here in this
verse he refers to the elders (presbuteros) of verse 17, as "overseers" in
verse 28. Paul calls the men "elders" and says that their ministry is to be
"overseers". Note carefully that the Greek word used here for the word
"overseers" is "episkopos", the very same word as for "bishop"
Hence, he is calling these leaders of the church "elders" in verse 17 and
"bishops" (overseers) in verse 28. The words are interchangeable. They
were "elders" and it was their job to "oversee" the church. This refutes
the idea that the pastor of the church is the only bishop, and the other
mature Christian men who lead in the church are the elders. No, this verse
says that Paul called the elders of the church of Ephesus, (and there is no
mention of a pastor or a single elder). It was the elder's job to be
overseers or bishops. There is no mention or even a hint to a single pastor
of this church in Ephesus. Referring to these leaders in the churches, they
are always plural in each church. Notice in Acts 20:17, that Paul called
the elders (plural) of the church. One church (Ephesus), but many elders,
or mature spiritual men who were the leaders in the church.
Look at some other examples where leadership in the early church was
plural. "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the
saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi , with the bishops and
deacon"s: Phil 1:1 (The church at Philippi had many elders, or bishops
(overseers), and deacons (servants) (no mention of one pastor)
"And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had
prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom
they believed". Acts 14:23 (Notice they appointed elders (plural) in
every church (singular). (No mention of one singular leader being
appointed over each church)
"And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the
church, and [of] the apostles and elders…".Acts 15:4.(This verse
says one church in Jerusalem, but elders is plural) (No pastor or singular
ruler mentioned) (Later, when the apostles died off, that left the elders to
lead the church).
"For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order
the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had
appointed thee": Titus 1:5. (Bible Dict. says each of these cities in Crete
had only one church)
"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church';
James 5:14 (one church, many elders, or overseers in the church)
1Thes 5:12-13 "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which
labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake". (He is
speaking to the local, church of Thessalonica (who the letter is written to)
and saying to "know them" and "esteem them" for "their work's sake."
(all plural) This is speaking of the elders in the church at Thessalonica.)
(No pastor mentioned). (It did not say, to know him which labours
among you, and is over you in the Lord, and admonishes you; and to
esteem him very highly in love for his work's sake.)
There are many other similar verses, but I think these will do. If you
disagree, then please show me a church in the Bible where one man was
the only leader. I will help you. I can think of one example. It is in Third
John 1:9-11. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to
have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I
come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us
with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he
himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and
casteth [them] out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is
evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he
that doeth evil hath not seen God. (Preeminence means first place. He
had the preeminence or first place in the church and loved it. He was
running the church, forbidding others in the church to receive brethren,
and was casting people out that opposed him) Sounds like this church
was run by one man, but John condemned it. Now, today a pastor
holds a POSITION in the church, which will put him in a place of
preeminence. Even Diotrephes didn't have the position of being a singular
leader, as do modern day pastors. He, as an elder, just gained more
power from the church over the other elders and became preeminent and
ran the church. A modern day pastor may be a good man, or he may be a
bad man, but the position automatically puts him in the place of
preeminence. Now, the question is, "Should there be that one position of
authority in the local church?" I believe the Bible teaches that it is wrong.
Don't think that no one else believes this. C. I. Scofield said in his notes in
the "Old Scofield Bible", "There is no instance of one elder in a local
church.... Elders are made or set in the churches by the Holy Spirit (Acts
20:28). At first they were ordained by an apostle (Acts 14:23), but in
Titus and 1 Timothy the qualifications of an elder become part of the
Scriptures for the guidance of the churches." Scofield's note for 3 John
says, "The aged Apostle had written to a church which allowed one
Diotrephes to exercise an authority common enough in later ages,
but wholly new in the primitive churches. Historically, this letter
marks the beginning of that clerical and priestly assumption over
the churches in which the primitive church order disappeared. John
addresses this letter to a faithful man in the church for the comfort and
encouragement of those who were standing fast in the primitive simplicity."
Some say that the pastor can have many assistant pastors (as in a big
church), then that is a plurality of elders in the church. But, that seems to
make the pastor the senior pastor or chief shepherd. If so, that statement
is bordering on blasphemy. The Bible says that Jesus is the Chief
Shepherd. "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned
unto the Shepherd" (Jesus, the Shepherd ("poimen") which means
pastor) and Bishop (Overseer) of your souls. (1Peter 2:25)."And when
the chief Shepherd (JESUS) shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of
glory that fadeth not away." Thus all the elders in the local church are
the under shepherds all on the same level. There is no provision from the
Scriptures for a senior elder or senior pastor over the others.
The pastor is not the head of the church. Colossians 1:18 says, "And he
(Jesus) is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning,
the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the
preeminence." Now, you tell me, how can they both have the
preeminence? You say, "Well, the pastor is in that position to be a servant
to the flock. He represents Christ in the church. He is the undershepherd.
Christ can't be the literal head of the church, so the pastor is the visible
representative of Christ in the church." Did you know those are dangerous
words. What you are saying is the same thing the Catholics say about the
Pope, that he represents Christ on the earth to the church in doing the
Lord's will. Are you saying that the pastor is in the place or position of
representing Christ? Surely, you don't believe a man takes the place of
Christ in the church, do you? The Bible clearly says that Jesus IS the
Head of the church, and if the pastor is going to be His representative
head in the church, the Scriptures would have told us. But, you won't find
it. So, men should not twist Scriptures to make it appear that way.
One might say, "Well, the pastor is not the head, but a servant to the
church." But, whether he is a servant or not depends on the man, not the
position. He can be a servant and serve the church without being in this
elevated position of authority that exists today. We probably get this idea
from the term "office of the bishop" in the Scriptures, "This [is] a true
saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good
work". (1Tim. 3:1). But, the word "office" simply means a "service", a
"ministering", or a "work". In other words, "the work of an overseer." The
work of any overseer in the church is to watch over, and protect the
group. You can't say that it refers to a singular position of authority. It is
for any qualified elder in the church that desires it. In no way does it
represent an elevated position in the church over the brotherhood, for
that would divide an equal brotherhood that Jesus spoke of.
When the Bible speaks of an "office of a bishop", it is not referring to one
position in the church that has authority over all other members in the
church. For example, did you know that Judas was a bishop? Did you
know that he also had a bishop's office? But, Judas was not a pastor of a
church. Speaking of Judas, Acts 1:19 says, "For it is written in the
book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell
therein: and his bishoprick let another take". But, look what that
passage in Psalms says referring to Judas, "Let his days be few; [and]
let another take his office". Ps 109:8. "Bishoprick" means office of a
bishop. So, Judas had an office of a bishop or a bishoprick. (One of
twelve offices or "bishopricks"). But, Judas had no church, nor authority,
and was not over the other apostles. Jesus called him to a service, a
ministry, a work, or an "office", and sent him out with the other disciples
to preach the gospel. The elders in a local church, however, were "not
called" to a service or office, but only had to "desire" it, ("If a man desire
the office of a bishop"). But, an elder did have to meet the qualifications
for it, given in 1Tim. and Titus. So, any qualified, spiritually mature man in
the church, who desired the work of a bishop or overseer, could have a
bishoprick in that local church. "And when they had ordained them
elders in every church," Acts 14:23. Who? The mature spiritual men
who desired it and were qualified. This in no way indicates one position of
authority in a local church by a pastor. So, this position in the church
where the pastor rules over the church is not the "office of a bishop". It
may be a distortion of it. Let me be very clear. It is not the man that is
wrong, it is the position, and in many cases will, with time, make the man
wrong. He will tend to gradually gain more and more authority and
responsibilities in the church while the people become more accountable
to him and less accountable to Christ. (That is why followers of men are
carnal as Paul pointed out to the Corinthians) Any person only has as
much power as is given to him. The more authority that the people of the
church give the pastor, the more powerful he becomes. In many cases he
gains this power from the people by reminding them of his "position", and
twisting Scriptures to support it. The position of singular leadership in the
church will make him preeminent in the church and divide an equal
brotherhood into clergy and laity.
The men of the church will become more accountable to him and less
responsible to Christ. Little by little, he will take the place of Christ. Now,
we did not get this from the Scriptures, but like many things in the church
that are traditional, we got this idea of a separate level of "clergymen"
from the Catholic Church. They were the ones that developed an
hierarchy in their church consisting of a pope, bishops, cardinals, priests,
etc. Changing the name to pastor doesn't change anything. But, the
Scriptures say that Jesus is to have preeminence in the church in all things.
He is the Head. Only He should be in that position. Each man in the
church is responsible to the headship of Christ. Service, ministering, and
leadership should come from an equal brotherhood of elders in the
church.
Peter also condemns it.
Listen to what Peter says about the subject of being an elder. "Neither as
being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock".
(1Peter 5: 3) They are not to be lords, but to be an example to the flock.
They are not to be preeminent, or in a position that automatically puts
them in first place. They are not to be lords. A lord can be good or bad,
but he still is a lord. They are to be a servant and an example to the flock.
Paul condemns it.
Look what happened at the church of Ephesus. And from Miletus he
sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. (skip to verse 28)
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the
which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of
God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this,
that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you,
not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise,
speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Acts
20:17-28. (Notice the leaders in the church were: (1) to be plural, ( 2) to
oversee (protect) the flock, and (3) to feed the flock ) Look at verse 29,
where Paul says after his departing (after his death?) that some of them
would draw men after their ownselves, to have men be their disciples.
Each of these wicked elders tried to get men to follow him so he could
have preeminence. Now, this did happen as Paul predicted. Look at
Ephesus during the year 96 AD. Unto the angel of the church of
Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in
his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden
Candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience,
and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast
tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found
them liars: But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the
Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Rev 2:1-6. (Jesus said "thou hast tried
them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them
liars.") (These are the "grievous wolves" Paul mentioned in Acts 20,
those claiming to be apostles, and trying to draw men after themselves.)
Notice, right after this statement of men claiming to be apostles, you find
for the first time the word "Nicolaitans." Look at verse 6, and you will find
that Jesus complimented the Ephesians for hating the deeds of the
Nicolaitans. The word Nicolaitans is a compound word, "nikao" which
means "to conquer", and "laos" which means "people". Put it together and
you have "conqueror of the laity", or "conqueror of the people". This was
an attempt to usher in a priestly order or clergy. Sounds familiar doesn't
it? We know they later became successful because in Rev. 2:6, the
"deeds" of the Nicolaitans later became the "doctrine" of the Nicolaitans in
Rev. 3:15 at the church in Pergamos. But, Jesus condemns this modern
idea of a clergy which divides an equal brotherhood. Remember, Jesus
said in Matt 23:8, "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your
Master, [even] Christ; and ALL YE ARE BRETHREN." So, we
are not to have spiritual masters or leaders, because Christ is our spiritual
master and leader. He said you can't serve two masters.
Distorted Position of the Pastor
It is important that you realize that there was plurality of elders in the
church, because one man would easily be tempted to run the church, thus
becoming the head of the church. But, the pastor is not the head of the
church; Jesus is. The Bible clearly states that Jesus is the head of the
church, and that it is not to be run by one man. Remember, the saved
people make up the church and Jesus is to be their head. Modern day
clergy claims to be the "undershepherd", serving in the place of Christ to
that local church. (they get this from 1Pet 5:4, "And when the chief
Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth
not away.") (But, if you look at the previous verses, it says that Peter is
writing to the elders, not pastors. Elders are not to lord over God's
people, but to be examples. They also are not to receive base gain; "not
for filthy lucre". (money, note below) Other verses elsewhere say that
they are to feed the flock, serve as overseers, and to take care of the
church.) This sounds like being a helper, not a ruler or lord. The position
has become distorted probably because the church has become distorted,
being more like a business requiring a businessman to run it. God did not
scripturally organize a church to be like a business, so there was no
foundation for a "minister" to be like an executive.
Important note: You will not find one example of a minister in the Bible
who received a salary. Not one. However, the Bible is very clear that
Christians support the poor and give offerings to meet needs of those in
full time ministry, but never did they give a salary. Even Jesus received
offerings for His work while on earth. [not a tithe; the tithe went to the
Temple] But, He did not receive a salary. Paul worked and supported his
ministry along with those who helped him, but he received no salary
either. Today, we have professionally trained pastors, ministers, and
missionaries who receive salaries. The Bible states that gifts of financial
help should be given to poor brethren, but that doesn't mean they receive
a salary. Likewise, the Scripture teaches that those who minister in the
gospel should receive financial help, but for a minister to receive a salary
for his services seems to put him into the category of a hireling receiving
"filthy lucre". You say it depends on why he is doing it. True, but the idea
of a salary is foreign to any servant in the Bible, (only the O.T. Levites
were commanded to receive tithes from the people, because they had no
inheritance in Israel.) Futhermore, you will not find any of God's servants
that were professionally trained or educated specifically for the ministry.
Three different kinds of churches concerning its leadership.
First, there is the church that is run by the people. The Bible calls it the
Laodicean church. ("Laos"= people, "dicea" = rule by) It is run by the
"laity" or the people. All decisions are made by the people. The people
run the church. They just have a vote by everyone in the church in a
business meeting. Needless to say, there is no Scripture for this method.
Secondly, there is the church that is run by one man, the pastor. Now,
we swing all the way to the other end of the pendulum. Some are run by a
hierarchy of clergymen with one man in charge of the church. But, in
many, it is usually the pastor ruling alone. He may pretend to let others in
on the leadership or act as his advisors, but there is no doubt that he is in
charge. He is "God's man". The Bible refers to this as the Nicolatian
church, or the conqueror of the people. He really makes the decisions,
and the people "rubber stamp" them because he is the "man of God" and
God direct His will through His "man". The people feel that God will
direct him, so they will usually go along with him. Most all churches today
are run by one of the above methods, and most people don't realize there
is a third way, and the right way.
Thirdly, there is the church that is not run by the people, nor is it run by a
man, but by the Lord Jesus. It should be, because He is the Head of the
church. It is His church. I admit you won't find many of those today,
because churches are not meeting Scripturally. Jesus is outside the church,
knocking on the door to get in. "Behold, I stand at the door, and
knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in
to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Rev 3:20.) Here He is
speaking to the church of our age, the Laodician church, or the church run
by the people. But, He isn't in the Nicolatian church either, which is run by
a clergyman, because He said He hated their deeds and doctrine. (Rev.
2:1-6) So, you ask, how does Jesus become the head of His church? The
Scriptures indicate that He guides the church by the Scriptures by a
group of men in the church called elders that the Holy Spirit has
appointed. They are all equal brethren that are not "professionals", but
have been raised up through that church, not hired. They have equal
authority with one another and they have Jesus as their Head. These men
are to help other Christians to follow the Lord, and by no means were
they to be in an elevated position to be rulers over the others in the place
of Christ.
Now, look at today's clergy. You see, a clergy, or priestly order, or
"men of God", or what ever you want to call them, did and does today
divide an equal brotherhood. Some of these men today call themselves
"men of God" or "God's man". They claim to have a special "calling" or
anointing. Funny, they talk so much about a special calling, and I can't find
it anywhere in the Scriptures, other than the call to be an apostle or a
preacher. But no calling for pastor, elder, or bishop. Everywhere it
was for the people of the church to recognize these men whom the Holy
Spirit had raised up among them. The office of a bishop was for anyone
who desired it and met the qualifications; there was no special calling from
God mentioned. So, they claim to have a special call or anointing that
others don't have, and that God will lead His people and show them His
will for their lives through these "men of God". Since there is no position in
the Bible for these clergymen, they have created one, and they call it the
"office of the pastor". But, what office are they using as their pattern? I
believe they could be claiming one of the following offices, and then
renaming it (pastor) whenever they claim to be "the man of God".
(1) Old Testament Prophet?
Many of the pastors today compare their leadership to that of Moses or
others that were God's men in the Old Testament. They claim to be the
"man of God" leading God's people today. They say, "Touch not mine
anointed, and do my prophets no harm." Ps 105:15. This is a favorite
verse of the clergy today to hold over the heads of the people. But, are
these so called "men of God" today who claim to have a special calling
from God to lead His people, claiming to be some kind of Old Testament
man of God? Well, first of all, the verse in Ps. 105:15 about "touch not
mine anointed" was referring to the nation of Israel, not to a man. (Read
verses 9-14.) You see, God is saying in these verses that all His children
in the nation of Israel were His anointed. Furthermore, in the New
Testament, 1 John 2:27 says that all Christians today are anointed,
"But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you,
and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing
teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it
hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." So, all Christians are anointed
of the Lord. This verse says that all Christians have been anointed by the
Holy Spirit, and He teaches us all things, so we have no need of a "man of
God" to spiritually lead us. The Holy Spirit and the Word of God leads
us. Others can help show what the Word says, and rightly divide the
Word for you (as I am doing), but if you really learn anything that is
"spiritual" it takes the Holy Ghost to reveal it to you, and you must be
given the liberty to allow Him to. In other words, you can learn of God by
the Holy Spirit just as well as any other man, including the leaders in the
church. God will not just enlighten or reveal spiritual things to a pastor to
relay to others. All saved people are "spiritual" and can discern spiritual
things. "God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit…but which the
Holy Ghost teacheth: comparing spiritual things with spiritual."
1Cor 2:10&13. This in no way says these spiritual things are
comprehended only by spiritual leaders in the church, but states clearly
that all saved people can and will know the truth when it is revealed
to them. Even a carnal Christian will know the truth when it is revealed to
him. He may not do it, or accept it, but he will know it is true, if he is
saved, because the Holy Spirit is in him and will bear witness of the truth.
The Bible says that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, and He will lead
us (all saved people) unto the truth. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth,
is come, he will guide you into all truth. John 16:13. Not may guide.
Jesus said that He will guide us into all truth! "But the anointing which
ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any
man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all
things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye
shall abide in him."
Let me illustrate. A "man of God" says that God has revealed to him
some new twist on salvation, whether if it's God electing certain ones for
salvation, or that you can lose your salvation, or that it's by works, or
some other crazy notion that he may get. What do most people in the
church do? Many will say, "Well, he is "God's man," so surely God has
spoken to him. I don't fully understand it, but God leads him in order to
lead us, and since I want to be a good submissive Christian, and support
my pastor, I will follow him." And, many people in the churches do just
that, and the whole church goes into heresy. But, the Bible says we are all
His anointed and not some clergyman only. God teaches and speaks to all
of us by His Word through the Holy Spirit and each of us will be held
accountable to God. All saved people are His "priesthood". "Ye also, as
lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to
offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."
(1Peter 2:5). We all will be held accountable; every single Christian.
"Individual Christians must do their own believing, just as they
must do their own dying."
Maybe you like making a man your spiritual Head, so that you can get out
of making Christ your Head. It may make you more comfortable and less
committed, but you will always be a carnal Christian, because you have
the wrong Head and you will answer to Jesus someday at the judgment
seat of Christ. And, it may be more serious than we think, to make man
our head. It is all right to follow good men, learn from good men, and
even hold them up as an example to be like, but remember, Christ is
your Head.
But, then the verse adds, "and do my prophets no harm." But, surely
they don't claim to be an OT prophet. These men in the Old Testament
held a special office, and were called by God to proclaim His word and
His will to the nation of Israel. They performed great miracles and
predicted future events. God gave them special revelations. "…but he
revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7). In that
day, God spoke to the prophets with an audible voice or through dreams
and visions. Most OT prophets came out of the desert or wilderness to
proclaim their message. Most wore a coarse dress of hair cloth, as did
Elijah and John the Baptist. They often led a wandering and unsettled life
and were very simple in their manner of life. Lastly, most OT prophets I
know in the Bible were matyred. These were all qualifications for people
to recognize God's true prophets. Surely, today's "men of God" are not
claiming to be OT prophets. They don't qualify, and besides, that office is
not for today.
(2) New Testament Apostle?
Could it be that they are trying to be like the apostles, "God's man" in the
New Testament? But, the qualification for an apostle was that he had to
be "called" to be one, and he had to have been an eyewitness of Jesus' life
and an eyewitness of his resurrection. (1 Cor 9:1, "Am I not an apostle,
am I not free, have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord, are not ye my
work in the Lord?" (Paul saw Him on the road of Damascus) That
knocks everyone out today. There are no apostles today. There are not
many today that would admit they're trying to be an apostle. They're
smarter than that, but they are trying to behave as one, and trying to get
people to treat them as one. They get by with it by renaming the office,
substituting the phrase "man of God" for the word apostle. They don't
claim to be an apostle, but they do claim the office. You hear them say,
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ." (1 Cor 11:1).
But, wait a minute. Paul said these words, and he was a true apostle. The
New Testament was in the writing stages, so in order for churches to
know the will of God, they asked the apostles, and God spoke through
them. He still does today, not through pastors, but through the apostle's
writings, the Scriptures, so there is no need for modern day apostles or
"men of God." Now, when you hear someone say, "I'm going to follow
my pastor because he is "God's man," you better be careful. You better
be sure he is following the Scriptures. But, better yet, why don't you
follow the Scriptures? God holds you accountable to follow the
Scriptures, not a man. During your judgment someday, you will not give
an account of how you followed a man, but how you followed the
Scriptures. Your total life will be judged according to your obedience to
the Scriptures. The middle verse in all the Bible says, "[It is] better to
trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." Ps 118:8. Over in
2 Tim 4:3-4, it says, "For the time will come when they will not
endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to
themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away
[their] ears from the truth." An elder, or bishop is to be a helper to
you, and to assist you by pointing out Scriptures. His attitude should not
be "follow me", but "let me help you follow the Lord." Jesus is your
head. He is the head of the body, His church. He will lead you, and teach
you by the Spirit of Truth, (the Holy Spirit) and make you to grow as a
Christian. Jesus is your head. He is your authority. How? By the Word of
God, the Scriptures. You follow Jesus today by following His Scriptures.
Pastors Today Claim More Authority than the Apostles did in the
Bible
Did you know that many pastors or "men of God" today demand more
from you than the apostles did? Even the apostles didn't demand and
expect the obedience that pastors do today. Look what Paul who was a
true apostle said. "Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of
Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all
things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you". (from
God, to Paul the apostle, to man) But I would have you know, that the
head of every man is Christ;" 1 Cor 11:1 Notice that Paul, as an apostle,
said to follow him as he followed the Lord, and to obey the commands
that he had given them, but then he quickly added, "BUT I WOULD
HAVE YOU KNOW, THAT THE HEAD OF EVERY MAN IS
CHRIST". He is, even as a true apostle, reminding them that Jesus is
their head or authority and not Paul. Follow Paul, yes, but Jesus is their
Head. They will give an answer to Jesus someday, not to Paul. And, you,
my friend, will give an answer some day how you followed Jesus, not a
man. Paul also said, (remember he was a true apostle), "Not for that we
have dominion over your faith , but are helpers of your joy: for by
faith ye stand" 2 Cor 1:23. So, elders, the ones who take the leadership
in the church, should be helpers, not lords, for a lord is one who has
dominion over others. By the way, who did Jesus put into a position of
leadership over the other apostles after He left? Nobody. Now, Peter
would have no doubt been a good leader, and many of the other apostles
probably looked to him for leadership, but he was not put into a
position of leadership over the others. Jesus did not say, "Well, I'm
getting ready to leave you, but don't worry, I'm going to leave Peter in
charge while I'm gone. He will take my place, so you need to follow him."
No, Jesus did not do that. He did not create a position and leave
someone in charge to lead the others. Now, Peter did seem to be a
leader, and the others looked up to him. (He said, "I go a fishing", and the
others went with him.) He did have influence. He had been very close to
the Lord, and was very qualified to be their leader, but Jesus did not put
him in a position to be their leader. Why? Because Jesus left someone
else to take His place over them. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of
truth is come, he will guide you into all truth : for he shall not speak
of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and
he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall
receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you." John 16:13,14. Jesus
did not appoint any man to take his place, but he sent the Holy Spirit to
take his place on the earth. I am not against leadership, because the Bible
teaches that the more spiritual men should lead in the church, which the
Bible refers to as elders or overseers. But I am against a singular
position of authority in the church. You hear many pastors say, "you are
not to submit to me, but to my position. I may not be much, but you
should honor my position." Now, that friend is dangerous. You better
make sure the man is worthy to be followed, and that he loves the
Lord, and meets the qualifications in 1Tim. and Titus, because the position
is wrong. He is using that remark to bring you under his authority. The
word "position" means rank or status, so when they speak of position,
they are saying that they outrank you in the Lord because of their position,
whereby we get the concept of the clergy-laity division. But, Jesus said,
"But be not ye called Rabbi: (a position of a spiritual leader. Today we
would say Reverend, Pastor, Doctor, or some other spiritual title), "for
one is your Master, [even] Christ; and all ye are brethren." Jesus is
saying that we are all on the same level. He told his disciples they were all
equal brethren, and not one of them was to let others put any of them in a
higher position, and they were not to put someone else in that position
either. Jesus said it was the Gentile's (what we are) nature to want to have
authority over others. "But Jesus called them [to him], and saith unto
them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the
Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise
authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but
whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And
whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all". Mark
10:42-44. Gentiles (non-Jews) like to have authority over others. It is
their nature, Jesus says. But, a servant is not a lord and a lord is not a
servant. They are opposites. A servant does not and cannot exercise
authority. He is a servant. He serves. If he is greatest (closest to the
Lord), then we ought to submit and learn from him. A person may be
closer to the Lord (as Peter and John were), thus you should submit to
them to learn more about the Lord. But, you are submitting to a person,
not a position.
(3) Old Testament Priests?
So, I have clearly shown you that modern day pastors are not prophets or
apostles in any way, shape, or form. What their position might closely
resemble, yet they would deny it, is the office of the Old Testament
priests. In the Old Testament, the priests were from the tribe of the
Levites. They were to care for the Temple or the "house of God." They
received tithes from the people for their livelihood. They were an
intermediary between God and man. They performed the sacrifices in the
Temple.
The modern day pastor in most churches likewise is in a special group of
spiritual leaders (like the Levites), called the clergy. They also preside
over the "house of God" or their building the church meets in. They also
receive tithes from God's people, from which part of it goes for their
livelihood for their services in the "temple". (some churches even have
"Temple" in their name.) They in many ways act as an intermediary
between God and man. ("Follow me as I follow Christ." "God will lead
me to lead you.")
But, nowhere in the Bible will you find a command from God that one
man should act as a priest in a New Testament church. He is not an
intermediary between God and man. As Spirit filled Christians, we each
are our own "priesthood", and have no need of a priest or intermediary.
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy
priesthood , to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by
Jesus Christ. But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the
praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his
marvelous light". 1Pet 2:5,9.
(4) The Vicar of Christ?
This one, friend, is the scary one. Does a modern day pastor of a local
church claim to be the "vicar" or representative of Christ to that local
church? He may if he carries his position too far. Many do claim to
be the representative head of Christ in that particular church. (Don't they
say that they are the "undershepherd" representing the Shepherd?)
However, it is the position that has been created that makes him the
representative head of Christ. (disagree? Then what church in the New
Testament had a position for a single pastor?) If he claims to be the
"spiritual leader" in the church, then he is getting close to becoming the
"vicar". Now, the word "vicar" comes from a Latin word "vicarious",
which means substitute. The pope outwardly claims that he is the Vicar
of Christ. He claims that he has been given authority by God to act as
Christ's substitute on the earth and to the church. He is Christ's
representative on the earth. Now, friend, this is heresy. The disciples
asked Jesus, "…what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the
end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take
heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name,
saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many ..." Matt 24:3-5. Now,
I have never heard too many people come right out and say that they are
Christ, but, are they claiming his position in the church? The pope
sure does. He outwardly claims to have a position of being Jesus'
representative or substitute head in the church. (In other words, Jesus
can't be here, so He put me in his place to represent Him. {Remember
Peter?} The World Book Encyclopedia says that the "pope is the head of
the Roman Catholic Church. The members regard him as the visible head
and Christ the invisible head of the church.") Again, that is heresy!
Nowhere did Christ say that he was choosing someone to represent
himself as the head of the church. Christ is the head of the church. The
Bible makes that very clear. Now, surely a pastor would not want to be
identified with that kind of a position. But, what does a pastor mean then,
when he says, "It is not me, but my position that you are to respect and
follow"? Or, "You are to submit to my position as your pastor." When he
says, "Follow me as I follow Christ", what is he actually saying? What
does he mean when he says, "Christ will lead and direct the church
through me?" Is he claiming the position of Christ in the church? This kind
of pastor is saying that as the Holy Spirit leads him, he will lead the
church. Where is this in the Bible? He becomes the intermediary or link
between Christ and the other men of the church. Do you see how that
when he speaks this way, he is being like a pope to that local church. He
is the "clergyman" and everybody else is the laity. (by the way, the word
"pope" means "papa". But, Jesus said call no man "father", for you have
but one father in Heaven. He is claiming to be your spiritual "papa", or
your spiritual leader.) So, have Baptist and other denominations
substituted the word "pastor" for the word "pope" or "vicar of Christ"?
Friend, if you haven't figured it out yet, this is cultish. (definition of cult is
"an obsessive devotion to a person or idea.") The person can be the
pastor and the idea can be his position. Your devotion should not be to
a person or a position, but to the Lord. You should be devoted to Jesus,
not some man or his position. That is why Paul sharply rebuked the
Corinthians, because they were making men their leaders. ("I'm of Paul",
"I'm of Cephas", "I'm of Apollos") ( but these good men would not allow
others to make them their heads.) As I have said before, you may learn
from good men, and follow good men, but your devotion and service is to
the Lord. He is your head. He is your spiritual authority. The Bible says
we should follow good men that help us follow the Lord. You are to
follow what you see in them. (if it is of the Lord) Remember them which
have the rule (a standard or guide) over you, who have spoken unto
you the word of God: WHOSE FAITH FOLLOW, considering the
end of [their] conversation. (behavior) Also, notice here it doesn't say
to follow the men, but to follow their faith, and beware of their
behavior, because men may go wrong. This sounds like you are to look
for examples or patterns to follow. You should want to follow men who
are close to the Lord and display His character. Learn from them how to
be more like the Lord. Then you are following their example or life (if it is
Christlike), and you are learning those characteristics. You are following
their example not a position of authority. "Neither as being lords over
[God's] heritage, but being ensamples (examples) to the flock".
(1Peter 5: 3) We are to follow their exampleship, yes, but not their
lordship, because there should not be any. These elders in the church are
not bosses. They are not to exercise lordship. They are not to be lords.
They are to set the example according to Scripture, and the others will
take notice and follow them. But, they are to make sure these men are
following the Scriptures. When one of the elders in the church in Third
John became preeminent and began to practice bad habits, John told
Gaius to not follow him, but to follow one of the others. (Now, John
could not have made that statement if Diotrephes held the position of a
pastor.) If a pastor is in the position of authority in the church, then he is in
charge. He is the authority. He becomes the head of that particular
church. He may say he is not a lord, but rather a servant. However, the
position makes him an authority over others in the church, thus making
him a lord. Again, the Bible clearly teaches that Christ is the head of the
church. There is no mention of him placing someone else in charge of his
church. Why? Because Jesus is the head of the church. "And hath
put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over
all [things] to the church. Eph 1:22 For the husband is the head of the
wife, even as Christ is the head of the church". Eph 5:23 "And he is
the head of the body, the church.... that in all [things] he might
have the preeminenc"e. Col 1:18. Christ is the head of the church.
How? By the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Vicar of Christ on earth.
The Holy Spirit is the representative of the Lord Jesus Christ to his
church. The Bible also says that Jesus is the head of man. "But I would
have you know, that the head of EVERY MAN is Christ; and the
head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God."
1Cor. 11:1.
What is the "church"? Saved men, women, boys, and girls. Jesus, head of
the church, is also head of the men of that church. The men in turn are the
heads of their wives and children. "Yes, I know, but who is the authority
in the church?" I've already told you, Jesus is. "How?" By the Holy Spirit
and by the Holy Scriptures. The older Christian men are the elders in the
church, and it is their responsibility to submit to Christ. The qualified
elders who take on the responsibilities of overseers in the church are to
feed the flock, act as overseers (protectors of the truth), and to be
examples or patterns to follow. But, they are not an authority over the
spiritual lives of others in the church. They are workers among the men,
not over them. " And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which
labour among you, and are over you (more mature) in the Lord, and
admonish you"; (1 Thes. 5:12) There is a big difference between elders
leading and working among the men, than if the elders became a class of
clergymen and laboured over them. Ever wonder why many preachers
or pastors cannot have close fellowship with their people, but must
find it with other pastors instead? That is proof there is a separation of
the brotherhood, the clergy and the laity. But, friend, you won't find a
position of authority for one man given in the local church in the Bible. It is
not there. As I have said before, Christ did not give any command for one
man to take his place in being the head of the church. When Jesus was on
the earth, he led his disciples. When he left them, he did not put someone
else in charge. He did not appoint somebody to take his place. He had
several good men to choose from that would have made a good choice.
But, Jesus left no one in charge to take his place. Jesus said that he would
leave the Holy Spirit to take his place, and that He would lead us by the
Holy Spirit. The more spiritual men, or elders should know how to follow
the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures, and then it will be easy for the others to
follow them. If they don't, then you don't follow them. It's that simple.
Now, that is the position of authority in the church. Jesus, the head of the
church via the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Men should submit to
that and we should help other men to do likewise.
Any man that puts himself into a position to exercise authority over a
church is following the same error the pope does. He claims to be in the
place of Christ in the church. He claims to be the visible head representing
an invisible Christ. He is the "vicar of Christ" or "substitute" of Christ.
("vicar means substitute) This man, the pope, is also an "antichrist".
"Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that
antichrist shall come, even now are there MANY antichrists;
whereby we know that it is the last time." 1 John 2:18. Friend, did
you know that anyone who takes the place of Christ is an antichrist? The
word antichrist means "against Christ," "taking the place of Christ,"
"instead of Christ," or "usurper of Christ's name and rights." When a man
says that he is in a position of authority representing Christ in the church,
watch out! "Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ?
He is antichrist , that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever
denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [(but) he that
acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also" 1 John 2:18-23. This
verse says that anyone that denieth the son is an antichrist. I always
thought that the word "deny" here meant to not believe or declare untrue,
and it does mean that, but "deny" here can also mean to "refuse to
acknowledge" or "ignore", because the verse ends by saying "but (a
contrast) "he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also." (So,
a person that does not acknowledge Christ is also an antichrist). In other
words, one may say that he believes Jesus is the Christ, (the Devil knows
that), but to refuse to recognize or acknowledge him as Christ (in your life
or in the church) indicates otherwise. When a pope, a pastor or any other
man, tries to take the position of Christ in the church, and get the people
to submit to him rather than Christ, then he becomes an antichrist. He is
ignoring Christ, because it is His position. He thus, is against Christ. They
say, "Follow me as I follow Christ." You better watch out. "It is because
of my position that you should obey and follow me." You better watch
out. "I am God's man, so you should follow me." You better watch out! "I
will lead you as Christ leads me." You better watch out! He is trying to
take the place of Christ in the church. He wants to be your spiritual
authority, your spiritual head. He wants you to commit spiritual adultery
with Christ. My wife is submitted to my authority. I am her head, and
Christ is my head. How? By my submission to His Word. Your wife
should be submitted to you, and you should be submitted to Christ. He is
your head. It is wicked for your wife to become your authority, or head.
The Scriptures are very clear on that. But, you shouldn't allow anyone
else to be the head of your life either. Christ is to be the head of your life.
How? By your submission to His Word. If you allow anyone to come
between you and Christ, then you are committing spiritual adultery. In
their field of authority, you are to submit to teachers, employers, laws, law
officers, elders in the church, etc. But, Christ is the head of your life, or
should be if you are saved. If Christ has not been the head of your life,
then you probably are not saved. How is He your head? By the
Scriptures. They are the written Word. The Holy Spirit that lives in you, if
you are saved, will guide you to understand His will. Are you submitted to
His Word? It's all right to follow a man, or group of men, but is the Word
your final authority?
Jesus said that his relationship to the church is similar to a marriage. When
I got saved, I repented of my sins and rebellion against God, and
submitted myself to the Lord Jesus and His Word as my authority. I
remember at the time I thought it was like a marriage, that I was being
married to Him. I found out later that the Bible taught this very fact. "For
we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this
cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined
unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery
: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." Eph 5:30-32.
Christ is the groom, and we are the Bride, the Bible says. In the Old
Testament, we find that God the Father called the nation Israel his wife.
However, the Jews got in trouble because they mixed their faith in God
with the pagan religions around them. The most popular one was the
worship of Baal. Their worship was some kind of combination of Baal
worship with the worshipping of God, and so He referred to them as an
adulterous wife. "And I saw, when for all the causes whereby
backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given
her a bill of divorce..." Jer 3:8.; "And they forsook the LORD God of
their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and
followed other gods, of the gods of the people that [were] round
about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the
LORD to anger. And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and
Ashtaroth". Judges 2:12,13. Did you know that the word "baal" means
lord, possesser, or husband? Yes, the "wife," Israel, left her "husband"
God, and chose a new husband, Baal. Likewise, we are the wife of
Christ. He is our groom or husband. We should keep ourselves pure, and
not commit any kind of spiritual adultery against Christ. "But, to be a good
Christian, I always submit and devote myself to the authority of my
church, and follow our church constitution and bi-laws." You are
committing spiritual adultery against Christ. "I submit to the authority of
my pastor, and follow him, because he is "God's man." You are
committing spiritual adultery against Christ. Your life should be submitted
to Jesus Christ, your Groom. (you do this by submitting yourself to the
Scriptures, If ye love me, keep my commandments . He that hath my
commandments , (not the constitiution and bi-laws) and keepeth them, he
it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father,
John 14:15) How about it? Are you a good, chaste, virgin bride to
Christ? Come hither, I will shew thee the bride , the Lamb's wife. Yes, the
Lamb here is Jesus, and we, the church, are and will be His Bride. Rev.
21:9 The last invitation in the Bible is, "And the Spirit and the bride say,
Come. And let him that heareth say, Come." Rev 22:17
Proper Leadership in the Church is by the Elders in the Church
God has chosen to provide leadership for his saints in the churches by
older spiritually mature Christian men in the churches called elders. "And
from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church."
(skip to vs. 28) "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock,
over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the
church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." Acts
20:17&28. Paul called the elders (plural) of the church of Ephesus, and
says that the Holy Ghost had made them overseers in the church. (No
mention of one pastor leading the church of Ephesus.) These were not
men of the clergy, but the Holy Spirit had raised them up from among the
group to be overseers. Whenever Paul and others led people to the Lord
in a certain area, they returned on their next missionary trip (about a year
later) and appointed men from the group to be overseers in that local
church. Futhermore, in 1 Peter 5:1-3, Peter says , "The elders which are
among you (not over you, but among you) I exhort, who am also an
elder,...... Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the
oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy
lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over [God's]
heritage, but being ensamples to the flock". Here, Peter says that
elders are to (1) feed the flock, (2) be overseers, and (3) be examples,
not lords. Now, an elder was not the pastor, as many say, but refers to all
older Christian men in the church. This is proven in 1 Tim 5:1-2. "Rebuke
not an elder, but intreat [him] as a father; [and] the younger men as
brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with
all purity.
Some say this elder in verse one is the pastor, and it may seem that way
since it is a singular collective noun. But it can't be, because Paul says
after that to, (1) treat younger men as brethren, (2) elder (older) women
as mothers, and (3) younger women as sisters. So, where are the older
men mentioned? How are you suppose to treat the older men? Did he
forget about them? No, when he says rebuke not an elder, he is talking
about the group of older men in the church. The word elder here is
referring to older men, so you can't say that this word means pastor. This
is proven in Paul's same command toTitus. "That the AGED MEN be
sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The
aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh
holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of
good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to
love their husbands, to love their children, [To be] discreet, chaste,
keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the
word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be
sober minded. Titus 2:2-6. Paul says "elders" to Timothy and "aged
men" to Titus. They are the same. But, how old does a man have to be to
be an elder, you may ask? Is there an age given in Scripture for when a
male is considered an elder or aged man and not a young man? Yes, there
seems to be. Did you know that the Bible seems to indicate that the age is
about 30 years old when one becomes a man instead of a young man?
The Levites could not begin service in the Temple until they were 30 years
of age (Num 4:3,23,30,35,39,43,47). Joseph began his rule under
Pharoah at the age of 30 (Gen 41:46), David began his rule as King of
Israel at 30 (2 Sam 5:4), and Jesus began His ministry at the age of 30
(Matt 3:23).
Now, not all elders or older men will want to serve in the church. There
will no doubt be some that will not be close to the Lord, some that will
not want to serve, and others that will not be Scripturally qualified to
oversee the church. But, they are still elders. However, the Holy Spirit will
separate some of the qualified elders in the church, (over the which the
Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God,
Acts 20:28) to perform the work of an overseer in the church and give
them the desire to do their work. The people in the church recognize this
and in turn acknowledge each of these elders as overseers. (And when
they had ordained them elders in every church, Acts 14:23) The
apostles ordained elders. They were already elders, but these elders were
being ordained or appointed as overseers (bishops). So, it seems to me
that there are elders in each church that are bishops (overseers) and then
there are elders in the church that are not overseers, just "aged men".
Qualified elders in the church should be recognized by the church only if
Scriptural qualifications are met so that everyone may use them as a
pattern or example to follow. "Neither as being lords over [God's]
heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." 1Pet 5:3. These elders will
naturally lead and care for the flock, and others in the church will and
should follow these spiritual men. "Beloved, follow not that which is
evil, but that which is good." III John 1:11. The Holy Spirit enables
these elders by giving them spiritual gifts necessary to perform their tasks.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath
set some in the church, first apostles, (No more apostles now)
secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of
healings, helps, governments , diversities of tongues. [Are] all
apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all workers of
miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do
all interpret? . 1Cor. 12:27-31. Notice no mention of pastor here. (gift
of pastoring is mentioned in Eph. 4, and overseers had this gift of
pastoring). But in the Corinthian church, the Holy Spirit would also enable
certain elders to be prophets (forth-tellers that spoke, comforted,
encouraged, rebuked, convicted, and stimulated their hearers) and
teachers (those who instruct) (We can't include apostles, because nobody
today is qualified to be one.) Other gifts were given to them and to others
in the church, such as miracles, healings, helps, governments, tongues
(speak in other known languages) and interpreters (tongues disappeared
during the apostolic age).
Let's take a look at Scriptural authority.
Jesus said, "No servant can serve two masters...." Luke 16:13. "For
the husband is the head of the wife, even as CHRIST IS THE
HEAD OF THE CHURCH: and he is the Saviour of the body.
Therefore as THE CHURCH IS SUBJECT UNTO CHRIST, so
[let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in everything". Eph 5: 23
This says that Christ is the Head of the Church. Man is the head of his
wife. "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is
Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of
Christ is God". Here you have the major heads, or positions of
authority. God over Christ, Christ over man, and man over the woman. (I
don't see pastor or even elders here) There are many minor authorities,
such as teachers, employers, government officials, church leaders, etc.,
and we are to obey them in their area of responsibilities, but when their
authority conflicts with your major authority, then you have to obey the
major authority. You have world order, church order, and home order,
each having it's proper authority limited to it's order. The man has only
one major authority or head, and that is Christ. The woman has only one
head, and that is man. (Husband, or father if not married) Wife is to obey
her husband or father, and man is to obey the Lord. Whom will you
serve? "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." How do
you serve or obey the Lord? Obey the Scriptures. Yes, listen to men, but
obey the Scriptures. Let the Scriptures be your Head. Submit yourself to
them and you are submitted unto Christ. Whenever you get the smallest
inkling that a man wants to be your spiritual head, or trying to be the head
of your life, then get away from him. Quick!
So, does this mean we have anarchy in the church; everybody does that
which is right in their own eyes? No. There is leadership in the church,
and people are to follow their leadership in the church. "Obey them that
have the rule (guide) over you, and submit yourselves: for they
watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may
do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you."
Heb 13:17 (This is one of the favorite verses held over everyone's head
to get everybody to submit to the position of a pastor) (Notice the word
pastor is not mentioned) Here are 3 possible explanations:
(1) It is
referring to elders and not one pastor, because it says obey THEM that
have the rule over you. Submit yourselves; for THEY watch for your
souls, as THEY must give an account, that THEY may do it with joy….)
(if there had been one man over each church back then, it would have
said, obey "him" that has the rule over you. Submit yourselves; for "he"
watches for your souls, as "he" must give an account, that "he" may do it
with joy.) But, it doesn't say that. It says "they" and "them" (all plural).
People in the church are to submit to the elders. Elders are to lead in the
services and others are to submit in the services, but the elders are not the
Heads. Jesus is the Head.
(2) This verse could also apply to all forms of authority, not just in the
church. (It doesn't say church) It can apply to parents, employers,
teachers, government, police officers, etc. (The Bible says that even
government and civic officials are God's ministers) "For rulers are not a
terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of
the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the
same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do
that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for
he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him
that doeth evil. For for this cause pay ye tribute (taxes) also: for
they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very
thing". Rom. 12. (3 times he is a minister of God)
(3) Lastly, it was written to the scattered Hebrews, so probably included
submission to the religious leadership of the Jewish people. The Jews did
have a theocracy, being led by religious leaders. Jesus said, "... The
scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever
they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their
works". Matt 23) Any of the 3 could apply, but I would not want to take
this verse written to Jewish Christians and their submission to their
authorities (church or secular) and use it to establish pastorial authority in
the churches. But, that is what has been done. The verse has been twisted
to apply to a pastor. You as a Christian are to submit to all authorities
over you, such as: Government leaders, parents, employers, teachers,
policemen, church leaders, etc. Many minor authorities, but you only have
one Head, and that head is Christ Jesus. You obey all authorities over
you, but when they disagree with Christ, then you must obey your head,
which is Jesus. And, you obey Him, by obeying the Scriptures.
Interesting Note: Most all letters today sent to churches would include
the pastor's name, because of their prominent position in the church.
"Reverend John Doe", "Such and Such Church". Did you ever notice that
with all the letters to the many different churches in the New Testament,
not one was addressed to a pastor or even mentions a pastor. Now
Paul was a perfect gentleman, and if each church had a Pastor, then Paul
would not have ignored him. But, he didn't have to, because each church
that Paul wrote to didn't have one pastor. Paul wrote: "to the church of
God which is at Corinth, to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called
[to be] saints. And all the brethren which are with me, Unto the churches
of Galatia:.(Galatia was a large province), To the saints which are at
Ephesus, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at
Colosse, Unto the church of the Thessalonians, to all the saints in Christ
Jesus which are at Philippi, with the BISHOPS and deacons," etc. Now,
if churches then were anything like they are today, Paul would be writing
to or at least mentioning the Pastor's name. But, he never did address the
Pastor of a church. Why? Because they had elders.
Now, some argue that letters are written to a pastor of each church of the
Revelations. "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write" But the
word is "angel", not "pastor". You will not find the word "pastor",
"shepherd", "bishop", or even "elder" in the book of Revelation. (except
the ones in Heaven around the throne), The word "angel", however, is
mentioned in 74 verses and they refer to real angels, not pastors. All
throughout the book of Revelation, the angels carry out the commands of
God. "Well, the word "angel" means messenger." So, even if it was a man,
it was the messenger to the church that John was writing to. He was a
messenger, or a courier, to take the letter to that specific church. To call
him the pastor is a gross overstatement. Some believe this anyway, saying
that "angel" means "messenger" and "messenger" means "pastor". That is
not interpretation. That's twisting the verse to make it say what you want it
to say. If God wanted it to mean pastor or messenger, then he would
have said pastor or messenger. But, He said angel. Others also argue that
1 & 2 Timothy are Pastoral Epistles written to Timothy, a pastor of the
church of Ephesus. Well, they do include material for leaders and
qualifications in the churches, but Timothy was not a pastor of the church
at Ephesus. (We have already shown that the church at Ephesus had
elders. Acts 20.) The Bible doesn't anywhere say that Timothy was a
pastor or elder. It says that he was an evangelist. "But watch thou in all
things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full
proof of thy ministry." Timothy and Titus and many others were helpers
to Paul, or emissaries, and they went abroad spending time at different
churches helping to establish them. But, each church, as mentioned
before, was served by a group of elders, who remained there after the
apostles or emissaries left.
Does the Bible say how elders in a church should behave in a
meeting?
Look what Paul says about polity in the Corinthian church. (Now,
remember that he is writing to them because of chaos and confusion in the
church, and he is telling them how they should conduct their services).
"How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you
hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath
an interpretation. (Sounds like things are out of hand a little) Let all
things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an [unknown]
tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by
course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him
keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30
If [any thing] be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold
his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may
learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets
are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not [the author] of
confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints". 1 Cor 14:
26-33. Could these "prophets" be the preachers, bishops or elders? I
think so. They were men in the assemblies of Christians that were moved
by the Holy Spirit to stand and speak, having power to instruct, comfort,
encourage, rebuke, convict, and stimulate their hearers. Today, we call
them the pastor or the preacher. But, look at verse 29 where it says, "Let
the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge." Notice, it
does not say "one", but two or three. It doesn't say two or more, but two
or three. There may be several men in the church, but two or three were
to speak at a service being led by the Holy Spirit. While each took his
turn, the others were to judge. In today's church, the pastor usually gives
the message, but Paul said it was to be by two or three, and each could
speak sooner or later. If the early Corinthian church had only one pastor,
then why didn't Paul just say in order to do away with the confusion, let
the pastor take charge and tell everyone else what to do? He didn't
because there wasn't just one man in charge. (You disagree? Well, then
show me in the Bible where there was one man over a church, or a
Scripture that says it should be that way) So Paul is setting a pattern in the
church to be followed and he says in the last verse of the chapter "Let all
things be done decently and in order." He also says in verse 37, "If
any man (in the Corinthian church) think himself to be a prophet, or
spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you
are the commandments of the Lord". These are not suggestions by
Paul, but commandments of the Lord.
But, you say, if a modern day church was led by a group of men called
elders, you would have chaos in the church. Everybody would be trying
to take over, and several people of equal authority can't lead in one
church. It is much easier, you say, for one man to lead a church. Well,
that's true if it is like a business, as most churches have become today.
But, churches should not be businesses or operate as such. God did not
set them up that way. The church is a spiritual body and should operate as
one. The Scriptures clearly teach that a church should be led by the Holy
Spirit, who leads a group of mature Christian men in the church, called
elders. The Holy Spirit sets them apart for that task, to oversee, to feed
the flock, and to set the example. So, there should be liberty in the church
for more than one man to speak, teach, exhort, rebuke, etc. (Let the
prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.) This is a system
of checks and balances that God has put into the church in order to keep
out lordship over His church. Now, with one man ruling in a church, you
do have a lord or dictator. In most denominational churches, he usually is
the pastor, but in other churches, he may be the chairman of the deacons
or the most prominent businessman. This makes him head of the church,
or the lord, or a "dictator." What he says goes. Now, not all dictators are
bad. Dictators in some countries may appear to be good, but they are still
dictators. Likewise in the church. He may appear to be a good man, but
he is still a dictator, or lord. When only one man rules in a church, he is
automatically a dictator. Maybe good, maybe bad, but still a dictator. But,
God said there is not to be a lord in the church. (Jesus is the head of
the church) There is to be liberty in the church. There must be a plurality
of rule in the church. For a democracy, you must have checks and
balances. We have it in this country politically and it has worked better
than in any other government in history. (Christianity has flourished better
here than anywhere else.) ("where the Spirit of the Lord is there is
liberty") We have checks and balances in our country by having three
different branches: the Executive (President), Legislative (Congress), and
Judicial (Supreme Court). They keep checks and balances on each other.
The president is not the "head" or lord of our country. He doesn't rule
alone. When he speaks, the other two "judge". When any of the three
speak or does something, the other two "judge". They are like overseers.
They each must approve. Not one branch can rule and dictate over the
country. So, our government is based on Scriptural principles. Now, God
has set the church up to run the same way. There can be several elders in
a church, but only two or three are to speak (message or lesson). Each is
to wait his turn, (might mean waiting until the next meeting), and the others
are to judge. " Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other
judge". 1 Cor 14:29. These are the "checks and balances" in the church
that will allow the Lord to have liberty in the church. When an elder is
wrong, it is the duty of the other elders to correct the wrong before the
church. That can and will happen when you have equal authority among
the elders. However, that cannot happen with one man, the pastor, the
"man of God", ruling in the church. It is unheard of for anyone to correct
him. He says that he doesn't have to answer to anyone but God. But, that
is not Scriptural. "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but
before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all that,
others also may fear. I charge [thee] before God, and the Lord Jesus
Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without
preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality." 1 Tim
5:19-21.
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