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NASB | Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ's return] approaching. |
Subject: Church membership scriptural? |
Bible Note: Hi Doc, Great point. I want to tag a question on to the end of the thread here. I have been following along with interest. Is it scriptural for there to be a "vote" by the lay membership of the church regarding the decisions and overall course the church takes? I ask this for the following reasons. Having traveled somewhat, I have been a member of several churches, and have also considered myself a "member" of more than one church that didn't have official membership. What I have seen in those churches of my experience that have membership, is that the majority is the leader. That is, the function of the church has become a democracy in which the majority vote rules. I personally have seen Pastors powerless to effect the corse and powerless to make decisions regarding when and how money is spent, who will hold positions of leadership in the local church, etc., etc. Is this scriptural. If God has called someone to pastor a church, does that not mean that God has called that person to lead the church? I personally have seen major decisions made in the church that were contrary to the pastor's and the majority of the decons desired direction. Why? Because the majority of the lay-persons voted differently. This is very often an issue of popularity, or even of rebellion because long-time members are unsatified with the pastor regarding something that has nothing to do with the vote at hand. Sometimes it is a unsatisfaction regarding a personal issue and not a church matter at all. If this approach is scriptural, I will submit to it gladly, but as I currently understnd the scriptures, it is not scriptural. I find no notion of a democracy in the church body presented in the word of God. Where we do see a system of voting, it is the leadership doing so as a process of replacing the lost Judas. And then it is not a vote, but a casting of lots (which was accepted at the time as a way of determining the will of God). And then only after Peter (who we might rightly consider the pastor of this congregation) gave the criteria (without a vote) of who could be considered. (Acts 1 beginning in verse 15). Is there any other example of voting, and does it include lay-persons voting major decisions? I appreciate feedback from everyone who has something constructive to say about this. Thanks in advance, Jeff |