Doesn't scripture teach that 'some' (certainly not all) are given the gift
of preaching as a gift to the body for that purpose. Thus, if a gathering
or celebration of the body calls for preaching, it shouldn't be unusual for
the 'boy' with that gift to exercise it as a blessing of love and service to
the body and a fulfillment of his God-given role and gift.
But as regards to being more than 'one of the boys': certainly his role
requires the exercise of some leadership, just as the husband's role does,
but Christ himself also has some strong words about how that role is about
loving/service rather than authority/lordship - or setting the preacher
'over' the rest.
The authority is in 'the Word', and since the preacher's gift is to bring
'THE Word' to the body, the body is called to observe the Scripture he
brings (not his personal commands, but the understanding and teaching of
scripture). Beyond that, Christ gives warning...
NASB Mat 23:
1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples,
2 saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the
chair of Moses;
3 therefore all that they preach to you, do and observe, but do not do
according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them.
4 "They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men's shoulders, but they
themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.
5 "But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden
their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. (special
leadership garments?)
6 "They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the
synagogues (places of distinction, such as reserved seats or fancy pulpits
with strict rules about who is allowed there??),
7 and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by
men. (authoritative titles??? My own pastor hates being addressed by his
name rather than 'Pastor')
8 "But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all
brothers. (one of the boys???)
9 "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who
is in heaven.
10 "Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. (Do
not be called 'Leader'??? Wow! I guess Christ is the only one who's not
'one of the boys'???)
11 "But the greatest among you shall be your servant. (Ahhh, it's about
Loving, not lording)
12 "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself
shall be exalted.
(whoever wants to be more than one of the boys....???)
Obviously 'loving' sometimes involves sternly and convictingly preaching the
Truth; it's not mushy acquiescence to popular opinion, but it's to be
characterized by humble servanthood, not exalted authority.
Steve
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Scanlan [mailto:jscanlan@...]
Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2004 3:26 AM
To: soundofgrace@...
Subject: [soundofgrace] Officiating Pastors
>-----Original Message-----
Moe has raised the issue of officiating pastors who take funerals, weddings,
etc.
Now it might seem strange for one like me who believes strongly in
congregational church government that I like to see the pastor taking a lead
role around the church. The notion that he is just one of the boys has never
sat right with me. Just as your President represents the nation to the
people so do I think that in a real sense the pastor represents the church
to the people in the pews.
I know that it is popular to argue that the church should not be as it was
in the past where the pastor did everything. However I doubt that such a
time ever really existed. I cannot imagine that any pastor faced with church
member saying that he and his wife were spending time helping a certain
widow to cope being told, 'How dare you! That is my job!'
So I don't think we need to react against that and nor do I think that the
work in a church should not be shared around where possible. But I do think
that it is good for a pastor to take a lead and that might mean that he be
there at those special times of life such as weddings and funerals where it
needs to be demonstrated that the church stands behind its members whatever
they are going through.
FWIW
God bless,
Jeff
>From: Moe Bergeron [mailto:moe.bergeron@...]
>Sent: Thursday, 17 June 2004 11:27 AM
>To: soundofgrace@...
>Subject: Re: [soundofgrace] Re: Baptism - Moe to Jack & all
>
>JACKJEFF@... wrote:
>
>I have been quite busy lately, so have not responded yet to Steve, but
am
>preparing one. More to follow!
>Been there, done that!
>
>--- Moe Replies --
>Jack, Ok then you are "ouch!" free. I'll be looking forward to reading
your
>response that I'm sure will be filled with scripture.
>
>You know, I've always been curious how simple straight-forward
believer's
>immersion was transformed into what is now commonly understood to be a
>church sacrament that is administered by the authorized clergy person.
>
>As an aside, after fourteen years of pastoring I'm still wondering why
it
>was my duty to officiate at weddings and funerals. I was never
comfortable
>doing either. Not that I didn't take advantage of the opportunities to
>present the Good News.
>
>Speaking of such I'd really appreciate the prayers of the list for this
>Thursday evening. A dear friend in Christ has suffered the loss of a
>brother-in-law and on behalf of the widowed sister has asked that I
lead
>the service. Apart from my friend all of the family could possibly be
>strangers to our Lord. Pray our Lord give me the appropriate texts from
His
>word to bring comfort, conviction and a sure hope for their own souls.
>
> Moe
>
>--
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>
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