thistle93
Puritan Board Freshman
Hi! I have been pastor of a small rural SBC church for almost 4 years and one of the sticking points seems for some to be that before most any decision can be made there need to be a congregational business meeting and vote and that majority determines outcome. Now I am not opposed to congregationalism. In fact I believe it most Biblical model, if balanced with elder rule. Not a oxymoron (See Phil Newton's book " Elders in the Congregational Life"). I do think there are times when the congregation as a whole needs to make certain decision. But I also think there is a time when the leaders (elders) need to lead and make decisions regardless of majority opinion. I think I found part of the problem is what is stated in the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 under The Church. Here it is for you to read:
VI. The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.
Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.
Now For the most part I agree with all that was stated above. But the portion underlined I do not think is Biblical or could give a wrong impression. Rather I think it is more a modern American independent mindset too prevalent in the church today. The interesting thing is I believe the Founding Fathers believed not in pure democracy but in a representative democracy, which I think is the Biblical model of the church (the church elects those who will represent them and lead them).
Agree or disagree? What are your thoughts? Any books you can recommend that touch on topic? Obviously if you are not a congregationalists you will disagree with this whole discussion. So I am mainly looking from response from those in a congregational setting. Sorry my Presbyterian, Anglican, ect... brothers. Thank you!
For His Glory-
Matthew
VI. The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.
Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.
Now For the most part I agree with all that was stated above. But the portion underlined I do not think is Biblical or could give a wrong impression. Rather I think it is more a modern American independent mindset too prevalent in the church today. The interesting thing is I believe the Founding Fathers believed not in pure democracy but in a representative democracy, which I think is the Biblical model of the church (the church elects those who will represent them and lead them).
Agree or disagree? What are your thoughts? Any books you can recommend that touch on topic? Obviously if you are not a congregationalists you will disagree with this whole discussion. So I am mainly looking from response from those in a congregational setting. Sorry my Presbyterian, Anglican, ect... brothers. Thank you!
For His Glory-
Matthew