The function of the clergy or priest in Christianity is a tradition that for the most part has been a mainstay of Christian Religion for centuries. The priest, overseer tradition has continued unquestioned since the time of Constantine. For centuries every congregation had an overseer -cleric, "a man of the cloth" presiding over it. In the beginning the "church" (ek-kles’sia=called out ones) functioned much differently than it does now. The disciples of Jesus the Messiah were spiritually empowered to minister to the nations through the divine enablement of the Holy Spirit. It was clear from the time of the apostles that discipleship was the expectation of each and every believer. The Holy Spirit places each disciple in the Body where he/she is allowed to grow in his or her particular gift. The endowment of dunamis (Holy Spirit) power enables each disciple the credentials required to grow and function in their office. Thereafter, every new believer whether man, woman, or child came to be similarly empowered. New believers were gradually discipled into maturity through the manifold gifts functioning in the body. (1 Peter 4:9-10) Early church ministry is in sharp contrast to what the ekklessia (church) would eventually become. The familiar clergy-focused ministry consists of a top down bishop (overseer) or pastor who was principal source of Spiritual leadership. It is important to have a sense of what a meeting or gathering of the body fellowship was like in the time of the apostles. Every member disciple had their Spiritual gift added to enhance the body (believers who shared in common fellowship). Men and women after being saved, grew through their involvement with the body. New believers grew from novice (baby Christians) making transition from their previous lifestyles and understandings to spiritual maturity. Every new believer then and today must experience having their minds renewed through scriptural understanding. A renewed mind equates to having knowledge of Spiritual things and is a manifestation of the mind of Christ. Those having The Holy Spirit know that he is continuously at work providing insights into living, ministering to others and participating in the body. Those without the Holy Spirit are actually outside of the Body and must rely on natural understanding. (Rom_8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) There can be no Spiritual understanding without the action of the Holy Spirit at work jointly and severally. Paul and Peter give substantial amount of instruction to direct our understanding in regard to the function of our place in the body and gifts of the body. The body of Christ is operable when all its members are recognized. (See Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, 14, 1 Peter Chapter 4.) Before
the Church Age Throughout the world, other religions required a priest or a shaman whose task was to communicate with their gods or goddesses according to their prescribed rites. That the priest was the one person who had the proper spiritual credentials to offer incense, sacrifices, offerings, prayers and petitions to their God (gods.) The Canaanite religions had their own priests or priestesses. They led in the worship of their own demon gods or goddesses. Among these Canaanite demon gods were Baal, Molech, Chemosh, Dagon, Ashtoreth, Milcom and others. Other religions have priests to accommodate a host of other dieties. Christianity was intended was to be a different kind of worship and priesthood. Jesus' followers, the disciples and apostles, were given a distinctly different charge. Jesus did not come to create a religion that required a priest. The new creation was the fulfillment of the original Pentecost described in Exodus 19. It was JVHV's plan that there would be a kingdom of priests. The people of Israel, out of the terror of God's presence, declined that plan and insisted that Moses and Aaron should meet with God and receive any instructions to be given. After Jesus rose from the dead he met with his disciples and gave them a brand new commission, it is called the "great commission." It was to go into the world, including all nations outside of Israel and make disciples. Disciples were to be not merely believers; they were men, women and children who were spiritually transformed. Spiritually renewed believers carry with them an incorruptible seed that made (and continues to make) them a different kind of creature than their natural selves. The prophet Jeremiah gives us a description of a new kind of creation: (Jeremiah 31:31) Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jewish people who have not received Yeshua, the Messiah remain devoted to traditions in Judaism but have not yet received this transforming gift described In Jeremiah 31, a new covenant and a new spirituality. A remnant from the Jews have been called to believe but at a time future, many more will be part of this new creation. In the meantime the Gospel of grace is drawing many from all nations to the Messiah Jesus every day. They are called to believe and experience the transformation of being Born Again. The
Church Reformed, but Not Much Catholic
versus Protestant Priesthood Some
Passages Ought to Make a Difference in How a Church "Body" Functions See Jude vs. 3: Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. It is also a great insight to see what Peter had to say about utilizing the individual gifts of 'the body.' 1 Peter 4: 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies.” This points to an entirely different function of the church and her execution of The Gospel as is commonly seen and experienced today. In the early church, that is the church of the apostles, there were no top-down priests. There were however, overseers who managed the purity of doctrine and safeguarded the body from apostasy. There was the activation and participation of the gifts of God. The Spiritual gifts were allocated to every believer at God's discretion. These Spiritual gifts were the provision needed to bring glory to the Father and to validate the gospel supernaturally. Kingdoms
of This World vs. The Heavenly Kingdom Those who have been touched by God's authentic power through the Holy Spirit will seek to grow in the knowledge of Spiritual things. They may express a desire to be used in ministry. The familiar path to ministry has been to enter into a school of ministerial training, a Bible school or seminary. Once credentialed they may proceed to a paying career in some area of Christian ministry. To summarize that paradigm: One who is called to the ministry becomes formally trained and graduates with ministry credentials. Now, officially qualified to minister, he or she takes charge over a body or a congregation. Thereafter, the success of a ministry professional depends upon that person's ability to please a congregation, attract members and present programs and messages in a professional way. The laity provides the audience that supports the church program and is presumably edified and sustained by their professional leadership. Where
Did the Clergy and the Laity Doctrine Come From? From the beginning those called were transformed from worldly-minded souls to individuals who discarded the values and vain philosophies of this world. They became known as disciples and saints. (This has always represented the true church.) The apostles warned their disciples that men would eventually come in who would not follow the way of truth, the faith presented by the apostolic founders. See references above in Jude v.3 and Peter and elsewhere. In my own experience of studying the word and watching religious scenarios play out, I have observed how worldly values and methodology gradually take the place of and altering Spiritual life and practice. True Spiritual discernment alone determines the right spirit from the spirit of this world. The
Function of Priests (Sacerdotalism) Addressing
The Need For Real Discipleship A new testament fellowship meeting (koinonia) is described in 1 Corinthian Chapter 14.) An important aspect of a fellowship meeting may be the communion remembrance, scripture discoveries and sharing testimonies. Testimonies build faith and encourage the new and seasoned believer alike. Sadly, testimonies are rare. Where God has not been a participant in lives their will few if any testimonies. Fellowship is to be without confusion and in good order with allowance for the Holy Spirit to guide and direct as Paul informs us in the above passage in 1Cor.14. There need not be any time constraint on an open meeting gathering. All things are done decently and in order using a host or moderator. Priesthood by definition is any system in which a person (a leader or person of authority) intervenes for God on behalf of others. The revelation of the New Covenant Gospel points to a new dispensation: a priesthood of all believers. Further, in the book of Revelation, John receives a vision of the churches and among these we find reference to the doctrine of the Nicolaitins, (Rev.2:6) a doctrine that God despises. Nicolaitinism is a system in which a leader assumes control over a body of common believers and essentially take them captive, ruling over them and dispensing whatever teaching he deems necessary, making merchandise of the sheep. In my opinion, the priesthood fulfills the definition of Nicolaitin. Many cults such as Jim Jones of Jonestown fame, begin to function in accordance with this model. Pastors who exert a stifling control over a congregation also fit this application. We find it hard to compare the forms of worship and discipleship described in the epistles to that which we find in most formal church experiences known today. In the early days of the church there was no formalized ministry. There was apostolic leadership that proclaimed the gospel, discipled believers and released them to lead and minister in their own communities. There were no theology schools, nor accrediting agencies to credential ministers but there was the active reliance upon the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus which was promised to guide and equip believers in all matters of spiritual witness. The churches (ekklesia) consist only of believers who after being told the good news, received the free gift of salvation. Unbelievers are converted when exposed to the action of the Holy Spirit working through the body. Believers are the disciples to whom it is given to experience the powers of the world to come (The Kingdom of Heaven.) These first century believers were not taught in schools of theology, even as Christ was not schooled formally like the Jewish Pharisees and doctors of the law. Yet, the saints of the first century experienced the mighty works of God on a day to day basis. All learned that Jesus (Yeshua) the Christ (Messiah) made it possible for any and all who believed to become adopted children of God; new creations through acknowledgment that Jesus' died for the sin of all humankind. With the empowerment of the Holy Spirit each were led to understand that they could partake in the exploits that replicated Jesus' ministry. The Holy Spirit and Power (dunamis) was given at Pentecost. The
Power of God Heralds a New Status of Humanity Jesus Christ came to fulfill his mission as the "son of man" and the lamb of God. In this role, He prepared the way for us. Crucified and raised from the dead Jesus became more than Messiah King of the Jews. He became the savior and redeemer of all humankind. We who were outside of the fellowship of God could at last, know Him, have fellowship with Him, and even call Him Abba, Daddy. This is the Good News! Throughout the earliest days of the Christian faith the question has been asked and must continue to be asked, "Should we obey God or man?" In order to distinguish between these two voices something is required of us: To start, each of us must acknowledge that the Bible IS the Word of Truth and trust it to be the single valid source of truth and doctrine. Too few in the modern world have actually discovered this and believe it. Secondly it is required of us to listen to the voice of inner witness which God has given to all his children. Those seeking truth will usually seek some expert, theologian, or cleric explain to explain to us what is written. About
New Believers New believers require time to renew their minds and their habits of lifestyle and even beliefs they formerly held to be reasonable and true. The renewing of the mind is achieved only as we absorb the words of the Bible. The epistles written by the first apostles describe the nature of the spiritual life and the parameters of community and discipleship. The Holy Spirit baptism is the power and the prerequisite for any such discipleship and growth. Many will argue the theology of this statement. I will argue however, that this baptism of power is a second act of Grace proven by the study of the Book of acts. This baptism opens our eyes to heavenly things. It bears witness to the Spirit of Truth that the world can not receive nor comprehend. If any expert tells you, with assumed authority, that the gifts of the first century apostolic church have disappeared (a doctrine called cessationism), do not believe them. Flea quickly any association from any such group or authority. As Jesus said addressed leaven of the Pharisees (religious traditionalists without spiritual understanding); who resisted the Holy Spirit. Matt 23: 15 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves." (also see Revelation Chapter 8, Stephen's testimony of how the religious always withstand the Holy Spirit.) We begin our spiritual path as spiritual infants who crave "the milk of the Word." Too many who God has called to be established as a new born child of God become polluted with religious doctrine. Our understandings can be poisoned and corrupted by evil doctrine. As a result, many receive the wrong Jesus, the wrong spirit, or the wrong gospel. (1 Corinthians,11;3) Discerning truth is a constant challenge. Religion presents teachings or stipulations that become binding or obligatory upon the followers. Are we to question the teachings of traditional authorities? Yes, prove all teachings with scripture. Are we to question the doctrine of our church or church leadership? Yes, there are many in the pulpit, who are nothing more than "blind guides." Many who question will be shunned, or dismissed as heretical. Though we suffer condemnation it becomes the path to liberty. WHAT
IS MINISTRY? What is a Minister? All Believers are called Disciples and Saints According to the Scripture, discipleship is the keystone of the gospel. Yet, it is rarely taught to church congregations with the emphasis that Jesus gave to his own first disciples or apostles. All believers are trainees or disciples in the Kingdom of God. And all disciples are expected to to minister what he has been given by the Holy Spirit (A particular gift of God). "As every person has received the (free) gift, so minister the same to one another." (1Peter 4:11) To grow in the Spiritual life of God we are instructed that we can be transformed into the pattern of Jesus the Son of God. and through him becoming partakers of the Lord's ministry as well as his spiritual attributes. These attributes include the gifts of the Spirit, (Galations 5:22) love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. All demonstrate the character of compassion and the ability to serve in kindness, (charity) through the Spirit of Love. Through such ministry (service) the path is open to see human lives restored and perfected. The
Tradition of the Professional Clergy We have learned to accept without question, the role of a professional clergy person. Many of these men and women have wonderful natural gifting. Many are brilliant communicators, possessing compassion and dedication. These will I believe, received their heavenly rewards according to the fruitfulness in their calling. Such who carry the love and zeal of God are beloved by those who they touch or disciple. The gift and calling of a Spiritual shepherd is a gift to disciple the body. A pastoral gift enables mentor-ship and , encouragement. The pastoral call may just as easily minister that gift outside of the parameters of religious formalism. But this may be a call without a salary or a congregation. The shepherding gift forms caring relationships. It brings with it a necessary compassion and wisdom to minister hope, encouragement, wisdom to strengthen the 'flock.' Leadership is based upon experience and depth of understanding of the Word of God and the True Gospel. It should not be imagined as a mere career calling. I know very few who fit these criteria. Conversely, there are others among the certified clergy who may not even know God. Some do not apprise themselves God's promises and power. Unlike the apostle Paul who said I determine to know nothing among you but Jesus Christ crucified and to demonstrate the reality of his ruler-ship by the power of God. There are innumerable trained clergy professionals who presume to substitute sermonettes rather than in demonstrating and discipling believers in the Spiritual life, understanding and demonstrating the power of the Spirit. Among those in the ministry, many exalt 'preaching.' Eloquence and persuasive speech and the ability to hold an audience in awe is a prerequisite for clerical success. I believe that most in professional clergy presume their own pre-eminence owing to their credentials. It would be a great if people approved with seminary credentials would use as a doorway to service, to bless and to edify. Sadly these spiritual credentials are often turned into a tool of personal gain and control over others. The
Body Divides With Clergy and the Laity Jesus modeled correct shepherding. His ministry modeled preaching, teaching and leading with care and compassion. The Messiah demonstrated his Spiritual credentials with miracles, signs and wonders, and with deliverance from the demonic. Jesus knew the Father's plan to extend the Kingdom of God and eventually to establish the Millennial Kingdom. He gave more intimate insight to his closest disciples. Jesus engaged in dialogue with these closest disciples and to them he expounded deeper truths and unraveled parables. Jesus came and ministered with authority and yet with the meekness of a servant. He was a friend to sinners. He came to seek, and to save, and to serve. Modern church members tend to exalt leadership and place them on unrealistic pedestals and grant them unusual authority. Jesus taught us about those who lead: (Matthew 23) "Who is the greatest among you, Jesus said, shall be a servant to all." Moreover, Jesus instructed his own disciples not to place one man over others. He required that they were not to give titles to these 'masters' saying call no man master, No man teacher, No man father.' This ought to qualify as a template by which to measure the character and role of those in the role of pastoral leadership. THE
BODY: Edified By a Multiplicity of Gifts Guidance
by Spiritually Mature Mentors Overseers need spiritual experience more than theological credentials! The apostolic intention was to keep our faith and traditions accurate and steadfast. This model must continue to stand. What was written by the apostles was delivered with the intention of providing guidance and knowledge of the kingdom for believers for all times. Maturity in faith and spiritual understanding prepared elders or overseers. These men and woman having depth of experience in the Spiritual life are necessary to provide balance and correction so that true doctrine be maintained and enforced among the fellowship. After the early days of Christianity, elders, pastors, or overseers evolved into an office that assumed the whole responsibility of "ministry." Thus the evolution into the clergy roles of today. There is some interest in returning to the form of early church fellowship and worship today. In most cases it takes the form of small group meetings that are sponsored by larger church ministries. It is at least a first step to a return to New Testament forms of Koinonia, Ekklessia the harmony Christians assembling together.
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Updated: 08-24-2024 |