Subject: Elders not a pastor should lead church |
Bible Note: Hello DocTrinsograce, Generally it was the same. In that post, I was concern about just visiting different congregations because I was not at peace in my current one. This time, I am asking if the government of the 21st century church is based on bible doctrine, or because someone was "led" by the Spirit to set one man as overseer, tradition, "whatever feels good", "whatever's user-friendly", etc. Should the Bible be the final authority that governs our behavior? Should we teach for bible doctrine, the commandments, traditions, and doctrines of men"? We have enough doctrine from the Holy Scriptures to follow...why make up some more? The mere fact that the word "pastors" only appears once in the NT should have red flags going off! Where are the Martin Luther's who will not compromise bible doctrine...who will not go along just to get along...who will expose and speak the truth in love...and not let the current aberrant exaltation of one man over the laity go unchallenged? Maybe I'm making too much of this...being too legalistic. I'm just looking for a group of believers who want to follow what Jesus died for. Jesus gave the gospel to Paul for us (Gentiles). Paul says over and over that he is our pattern to follow (of course as he follows Christ). Since the last time I was at this forum, I have visited several assemblies of believers. Their government is the same (pyramid-pastor at the top), they meet on Sundays...look at the back of people's head...sit passively listening to the "pastor", go home...don't see the back of these people's head until the next Sunday; a handful return on Wed. night...even fewer for prayer meeting night(if they have a prayer meeting night-most don't); they believe in tithing -Mal. 3:8-12; prosperity message (more is not enough), gimmicks, schemes, con games to get you to give, etc.; most of the "tithe" is for the "pastor" and/or bigger building. Thanks for your reply and opportunity to sound off. Bereaniam |