Today, I am a ruling elder in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. My pastor is the teaching elder. According to Presbyterian government (not what we were taught it was, mind you), no elder has authority other than what is afforded to him as a representative of the church. Otherwise, the only authority that exists is what the Lord gives through scripture and ONLY within the plurality of elders in session. No one is important. There are no “levels” of Christianity. We are all in exile wandering through this desert waiting for the Lord to bring us into the Promised Land. The Lord provides daily.
If you ask the average adherent to modern Christianity (choose your flavor) who the leader of their church is, my estimation is that at least 75 percent will give you the name of their pastor. JESUS is the only leader of the church. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to [Him]”. Our pastor is tasked with equipping the saints to carry out the only vision that matters come January 1 (or July 7 for that matter), to “be [His] witnesses and make disciples”.
Most people do not have the slightest clue how important this truth is because they are unaware of the abuse that springs from the misuse of this Scripture. I have seen loved ones succumb to the tyranny of a cult leader because of what they were taught within the confines of their denominational church. With respect to the recent sideshow, I have made this statement, “If you are a part of a church where you cannot or do not feel totally and completely free to question anything and everything and everyone, you are in a cult and you should leave.” If your “lead” pastor (a moniker of which I am not comfortable) is not humble enough to take every earnest question extended to him, he is building his own empire and is not in service to the Lord.
My husband and I wholeheartedly agree with what you are sharing. We have walked down the road of "ministry" & sadly were disillusioned as well. God has worked good out of it and we're thankful our eyes have been opened. Have you read 'Pagan Christianity?' It is a very thorough study into how Jesus' church has turned into "man's church" throughout the centuries. Eye opening!
Hey Shannon! I’m glad you made it through! Not a fun experience but one I’m ultimately grateful for in a weird way. I haven’t read that but I know of it. I’ll have to check it out! Thanks!
Don’t touch the Lord’s anointed (don’t kill them) I agree with that 😁, although sometimes you what to. I agree with you, if your church leadership has this mentality you should leave, I wouldn’t even try to correct them, I’ve been there and it doesn’t go well, leave it to The Father. I am also grateful for the journey, I see clearer now!
I have been following the controversy with these two pastors but have not heard or seen the quote at the beginning of your article. Funny thing is that it could be from either one of them. In their dispute they have both called each other "demonic". Yes, they went there, "demonic". This adds a whole new level to the dispute, saying if you oppose me then you are working for the devil.
Paul, I couldn’t agree more.
Today, I am a ruling elder in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. My pastor is the teaching elder. According to Presbyterian government (not what we were taught it was, mind you), no elder has authority other than what is afforded to him as a representative of the church. Otherwise, the only authority that exists is what the Lord gives through scripture and ONLY within the plurality of elders in session. No one is important. There are no “levels” of Christianity. We are all in exile wandering through this desert waiting for the Lord to bring us into the Promised Land. The Lord provides daily.
If you ask the average adherent to modern Christianity (choose your flavor) who the leader of their church is, my estimation is that at least 75 percent will give you the name of their pastor. JESUS is the only leader of the church. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to [Him]”. Our pastor is tasked with equipping the saints to carry out the only vision that matters come January 1 (or July 7 for that matter), to “be [His] witnesses and make disciples”.
Most people do not have the slightest clue how important this truth is because they are unaware of the abuse that springs from the misuse of this Scripture. I have seen loved ones succumb to the tyranny of a cult leader because of what they were taught within the confines of their denominational church. With respect to the recent sideshow, I have made this statement, “If you are a part of a church where you cannot or do not feel totally and completely free to question anything and everything and everyone, you are in a cult and you should leave.” If your “lead” pastor (a moniker of which I am not comfortable) is not humble enough to take every earnest question extended to him, he is building his own empire and is not in service to the Lord.
Love this, Mark! I didn’t know that you’re in the EPC. I’d love to hear how you found a home there.
That was a 17 year journey that I wasn’t even aware that I was on. 😜. I’d love to share with you you sometime. We should call and catch up!
Absolutely! I’ll message you on Facebook.
Amen
My husband and I wholeheartedly agree with what you are sharing. We have walked down the road of "ministry" & sadly were disillusioned as well. God has worked good out of it and we're thankful our eyes have been opened. Have you read 'Pagan Christianity?' It is a very thorough study into how Jesus' church has turned into "man's church" throughout the centuries. Eye opening!
Hey Shannon! I’m glad you made it through! Not a fun experience but one I’m ultimately grateful for in a weird way. I haven’t read that but I know of it. I’ll have to check it out! Thanks!
Don’t touch the Lord’s anointed (don’t kill them) I agree with that 😁, although sometimes you what to. I agree with you, if your church leadership has this mentality you should leave, I wouldn’t even try to correct them, I’ve been there and it doesn’t go well, leave it to The Father. I am also grateful for the journey, I see clearer now!
You and I both!
I have been following the controversy with these two pastors but have not heard or seen the quote at the beginning of your article. Funny thing is that it could be from either one of them. In their dispute they have both called each other "demonic". Yes, they went there, "demonic". This adds a whole new level to the dispute, saying if you oppose me then you are working for the devil.
The whole thing is a mess. This is from the conference when they got together to talk to the crowd.
Well said! Thanks for speaking truth and wise caution to the church!
Thank you Phil! It’s been a long time since my Oklahoma days! Glad to connect with you again.