Results 1 - 5 of 5
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Do we have to have only one pastor, one | Acts 2:42 | Bereaniam | 174921 | ||
I know the bible says not to forsake the assembling of ourselves (Heb 10:25) and that pastors, et al, have been given to equip and edify the church (Eph. 4:11). I also know that the early church went from house to house. What scripture says we must sit under one pastor and with one particular group of believers? Bereaniam |
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2 | Do we have to have only one pastor, one | Acts 2:42 | srbaegon | 174922 | ||
Hello Bereaniam, This is an interesting and difficult question, because it points to the development of the church and doctrine concerning it. The primitive church was generally (not entirely) localized in Jerusalem and was characterized by small groups that met in the temple and various homes under the leadership of the apostles, listening to their teaching. As the gospel went out, a church (assembly of believers) was started in a city. Because of limitation in travel and the affects of age, the apostles appointed elders (mature, spiritual men) over each church to carry on the ministry of teaching and shepherding. Active participation by all was expected (Heb 10:25; 1 Cor 12). The idea of placing one man over a church did not come until later. In order to control the growing threat of heresy, one man was placed over the city-church in order teach orthodox doctrine and stop the mouths of heretics. This was later used in the individual churches as ministry became specialized. Not long later, the plurality of elders became a single pastor. This arrangement cannot be found in Scripture. It developed over time. The gift of pastor-teacher (as well as the other gifts in Eph 4:11) were for the benefit and building up of the church and were never intended to be positions that one would aspire to. They are given by Christ. Should you be with one particular group? How else would you learn to use your spiritual gift effectively? That is the purpose of the local church--for you to use your gift to build up another. The gift is not to be used willy-nilly. This is a very short answer to your question, but I hope it helps. Steve |
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3 | Do we have to have only one pastor, one | Acts 2:42 | Bereaniam | 174931 | ||
Thanks Steve, this did indeed help. My problem is that I cannot find a local church that lines up with what I read in the bible. I have been part of a local congregation for the past 13 years. It has so strayed away from bible doctrine lately...teaching traditions of men, its all about the "building", prosperity, glitz, glamour, no altar calls, teaching from books, Wednesday nights -cooking classes, make-up lessons, etc. My pastor has become "successful"became a "Bishop" recently, owns a ranch, horses, cattle, all of his children are on the payroll of the church, along with his sister, his son's father-in-law, his mother, his father-in-law and mother-in-law. He believes and hits us frequently with we are robbing God or cursed with a curse if we don't tithe. I have been searching for another place to assemble with other believers, but pretty much have found that they are all the same. My spiritual gift is that of a servant. I use this gift to minister to the poor in my community.There are Christians in my community who are not part of "my" local assemble.I edify (build up) people on my job, in my neighborhood, etc. One other thing I observe among many "church-goers"-they go on Sundays, they leave, and probably never see those they assemble with until the next Sunday. When they do "fellowship" it's all about non-spiritual things. I know someone might say I do not want to be under authority...that's not it. I had no problem with that until my pastor started to change a few years ago. I am grieved at what I see going on with the church as a whole. It seems we have lost our first love and became "lukewarm." No one wants to go to prayer meetings. No one wants to have Sunday night meetings. Pastors want to be Drs., bishops, prophets, etc. Pastors want airplanes, helicopters, million dollar homes, 1200 suits, etc. We look more like the world than they do. Where is the church? Where is "The Church"? Bereaniam |
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4 | Do we have to have only one pastor, one | Acts 2:42 | Hank | 174936 | ||
Dear Bereaniam - Many have found themselves in circumstances not unlike yours. I am one of them, having been a member of a church for a great number of years that slowly drifted off into apostasy. A decade ago my wife and I, after much prayer, felt led to quit this church and go to another. And never in our Christian experience have we been so richly blessed as a result of the move. ...... There are no easy answers, but I believe there is one sure answer: prayer. Pray today, pray tomorrow, and keep on praying for God's infallible guidance! Churches left and right are falling away. Cults are springing up like mushrooms, the infamous and heretical Word-of-Faith movement is injecting its venom into many congregations and their leadership, and secular humanism in a myriad of forms is manifesting itself more and more vigorously. The task of finding a church that truly believes the Bible and preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ is becoming increasingly difficult, but by no means impossible. God is sovereign! ....... Not knowing all the details that surround your situation, it would be both fatuous and presumptuous -- and utterly useless -- to attempt to suggest any specific remedy, save this one: "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:3-6). ..... And don't forget to pray! --Hank | ||||||
5 | Do we have to have only one pastor, one | Acts 2:42 | Bereaniam | 174940 | ||
Thanks Hank, I will continue to pray for God to order my steps and to give me a spirit of wisdom and revelation. Bereaniam |
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