Posted: 04/30/2009 at 6:30pm | IP Logged

 Stephen try these two one is from Lynn and another from me . . .

  http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=24352

http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=16475&a mp;PN=1&TPN=4

Posted: 05/01/2009 at 6:38am | IP Logged

A PASTOR'S AUTHORITY

by Ray C. Stedman

"Those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them [Jesus said to his disciples]. But it shall not be so among you!" (Mark 10:42b-43a RSV)

Rather than being lords, he went on to say, disciples are to be servants of one another and the greatest is the one who is servant of all.

By these words Jesus indicates that an entirely different system of government than that employed by the world should prevail among Christians. Authority among Christians is not derived from the same source as worldly authority, nor is it to be exercised in the same manner. The world's view of authority places men over one another, as in a military command structure, a business executive hierarchy, or a governmental system. This is as it should be. Urged by the competitiveness created by the Fall, and faced with the rebelliousness and ruthlessness of sinful human nature, the world could not function without the use of command structures and executive decision.

But as Jesus carefully stated, "...it shall not be so among you." Disciples are always in a different relationship to one another than worldlings are. Christians are brothers and sisters, children of one Father, and members one of another. Jesus put it clearly in Matthew 23:8 (RSV): "One is your Master, and all you are brethren."

Throughout twenty centuries the church has virtually ignored these words. Probably with the best of intentions, it has nevertheless repeatedly borrowed in to the authority structures of the world, changed the names of executives from kings, generals, captains, presidents, governors, secretaries, heads, and chiefs to popes, patriarchs, bishops, stewards, deacons, pastors, and elders, and gone merrily on its way, lording it over the brethren and thus destroying the model of servanthood which our Lord intended. Christians have so totally forgotten Jesus' words that they frequently have set up the world's pattern of government without bothering to change the names, and have operated churches, mission organizations, youth organizations, schools, colleges, and seminaries, all in the name of Jesus Christ, but with presidents, directors, managers, heads and chiefs in no way different from corresponding secular structures.

It is probably too late to do much about altering the many structures that are commonly called "para-church" or "quasichurch" organizations, but certainly Jesus' words must not be ignored in the worship and training functions of the church itself. Somewhere, surely, the words of Jesus, "...it shall not be so among you," must find some effect. Yet in most churches today an unthinking acceptance has been given to the idea that the pastor is the final voice of authority in both doctrine and practice, and that he is the executive officer of the church with respect to administration. But surely, if a pope over the whole church is bad, a pope in every church is no better!

It is clear from the Scriptures that the apostles were concerned about the danger of developing ecclesiastical bosses. In Second Corinthians 1:24a (RSV), Paul reminds the Corinthians concerning his own apostolic authority: "Not that we lord it over your faith; we work with you for your joy, ..." In the same letter he describes, with apparent disapproval, how the Corinthians reacted to certain leaders among themselves: "For you bear it if a man makes slaves of you, or preys upon you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face," (2 Corinthians 11:20 (RSV)). Peter, too, is careful to warn the elders (and he includes himself among them) not to govern by being "domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock," (1 Peter 5:3 RSV). And John speaks strongly against Diotrephes "who likes to put himself first, and takes it on himself to put some out of the church," (3 John 1:9-10). These first-century examples of church bosses indicate how easily churches then, as in the 20th century, ignored the words of Jesus, "it shall not be so among you."

But if the church is not to imitate the world in this matter, what is it to do? Leadership must certainly be exercised within the church, and there must be some form of authority. What is it to be? The question is answered in Jesus' words: "One is your Master," (Matthew 23:8b KJV). All too long churches have behaved as if Jesus were far away in heaven, and he has left it up to church leaders to make their own decisions, and run their own affairs. But Jesus himself had assured them in giving the Great Commission, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age," (Matthew 28:20b). And in Matthew 18:20 (RSV) he reiterated, "... where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Clearly this indicates that he is present not only in the church as a whole but in every local church as well. It is Jesus himself, therefore, who is the ultimate authority within every body of Christians, and he is quite prepared to exercise his authority through the instrument he himself has ordained -- the elderhood.

The task of the elders is not to run the church themselves, but to determine how the Lord in their midst wishes to run his church. Much of this he has already made known through the Scriptures, which describe the impartation and exercise of spiritual gifts, the availability of resurrection power, and the responsibility of believers to bear one another's burdens, confess sins to one another, teach, admonish, and reprove one another, and witness to and serve the needs of a hurting world.

In the day-to-day decisions which every church faces, elders are to seek and find the mind of the Lord through an uncoerced unanimity, reached after thorough and biblically-related discussion. Thus, ultimate authority, even in practical matters, is vested in the Lord and in no one else. This is what the book of Acts reveals in its description of the initiative actions of the Holy Spirit, who obviously planned and ordered the evangelizing strategy of the early church (Acts 8, 13, etc.). The elders sought the mind of the Spirit, and, when it was made clear to them, they acted with unity of thought and purpose. ("For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden..." (Acts 15:28a RSV). The authority, therefore, was not the authority of men, but of God, and it was expressed not through men, acting as individuals, but through the collective, united agreement of men whom the Spirit had led to eldership (see Acts 20:28).

The point is: no one man is the sole expression of the mind of the Spirit: No individual has authority from God to direct the affairs of the church. A plurality of elders is necessary as a safeguard to the all-too-human tendency to play God over other people. Even then, the authority exercised is not one of domination and arbitrary decree over anyone. The ability of a servant to influence anyone else does not lie in ordering someone around, but by obtaining their voluntary consent. This is the nature of all authority among Christians, even that of the Lord himself! He does not force our obedience, but obtains it by love, expressed either in circumstantial discipline or by awakening gratitude through the meeting of our desperate needs.

The true authority of elders and other leaders in the church, then, is that of respect, aroused by their own loving and godly example. This is the force of two verses which are often cited by those who claim a unique authority of pastors over church members. The first is found in First Thessalonians 5:12-13a (RSV), "But we beseech you, brethren, to respect those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work." The key phrase is "and are over you in the Lord." The Greek word in question is prohistamenous. Though this is translated "over you" in both the Revised Standard and King James versions, the word itself contains no implication of being "over" another. The New English Bible more properly renders it, "... and in the Lord's fellowship are your leaders and counselors." The thought in the word is that of "standing before" others, not of "ruling over" them. It is the common word for leadership. Leaders can lead only if they are able to persuade some to follow.

Another verse used to support command authority is Hebrews 13:17a (RSV), which the Revised Standard Version renders, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account." The imperative translated "obey" is from the word peitho, "to persuade." In the middle voice, used here, Thayer's lexicon gives its meaning as "to suffer one's self to be persuaded." Again there is no thought of a right to command someone against his will, but the clear thrust is that leaders are persuaders whose ability to persuade arises not from a smooth tongue or a dominant personality, but from a personal walk which evokes respect.

At this point many may be tempted to say, "What difference does it make? After all, the pattern of command authority is too widely established to alter now, and, besides, many churches seem to be doing all right as it is; why try to change now?"

In response, consider the following:

The Bible indicates that any deviation from the divine plan inevitably produces weakness, division, strife, increasing fruitlessness, and, ultimately, death. The present low state of many churches is testimony to the effects of ignoring, over a long period of time, God's way of working.

A command structure of authority in the church deprives the world of any model or demonstration of a different way of life than the one it already lives by. Worldlings see no difference in the church, and can see no reason why they should change and believe.

A command authority inevitably produces resentment, repression, exploitation and, finally, rebellion. It is the law, which Scripture assures us we can never redeem or restore, but which must, by its very nature, condemn and repress.

The desire of the Lord Jesus to show to the world a wholly new form of authority which is consistent with grace, not law, is nullified by a command structure among Christians, and the gospel of dying-to-live is denied even before it is proclaimed. This means that God is robbed of his glory and distorted before the watching world. Nothing could be more serious than this!

Admittedly, a call for a change of this nature is radical, even revolutionary. But since when was the church called to be a conforming society? Is it not high time we took seriously our Lord's words: "it shall not be so among you"?

Title: A Pastor's Authority
Series: Single Message: Troublesome Issues
Scripture: Mark 10:42-32
Message No: 1
Catalog No: 3500
Date: 1976

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Posted: 05/01/2009 at 2:05pm | IP Logged

ADJUSTING OUR VIEW OF LEADERSHIP

One very positive adjustment is the increasing understanding that Jesus Christ is the Head of the church that is His body.  He is building His church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. 

Each member of the body is to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, through whom we see the Father.  It is the revelation of the fatherhood of God that frees and engages us as sons and thrusts us onward toward our destiny.  Coming to the Father is essential, and the only way to the Father is through the Son.

Jesus promised that He would not leave us as orphans, and that He would return in the person of the Holy Spirit to dwell in us.

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me.  Because I live, you will live also.  At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. – John 14:18-20.

Enjoying the headship, submitting to the lordship, and following the leadership of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is a prerequisite to experiencing our adoption as sons and moving into our destiny in His kingdom.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.  For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. – Romans 8:14-16.

It is this personal relationship with and adherence to the Head of the body that produces within each member the confidence and security to fruitfully function within the body. We are little more than sin-conscious slaves (in our own minds) until we know that we are new creation sons.  Our insecurities are rooted in a lack of authentic fathering, and are healed through relationships with fathers within the family of God. 

We have One in heaven who is our Father.  Responsible leadership will always point us to Him.  The prophet Isaiah included Everlasting Father among the functional roles that the coming Messiah would fulfill.  We can see the Father in the Son, because the two are one.  The Father is in the Son.

INCARNATIONAL LEADERSHIP

We are able to conceptualize incarnational life because of the example of Christ.  He is now in us, the hope of Glory.  God is in Christ.  Christ is in God.  The Father is in the Son.  The Son is in the Father.  We are in Him, and He is in us.  Therefore, the very life of the Father that is in the Son is in us by virtue of the Holy Spirit!

Those who are running away from Gentile authority ought to be running toward God-appointed leadership.  The Head, Jesus Christ, sets legitimate government and authority in the body.  Jesus contrasted righteous shepherding with lording it over God’s heritage.  Seek to follow the right people in the right way for the right reasons. 

Don’t be distracted by present-day humanly devised structures.  (Scaffolding can be disassembled.)  Rather, look for servant-leaders who have hearts after God and in whom you can see and hear God.  Look for those who are themselves sons of God being led by the Spirit of God.

Don’t expect human perfection.  Realize that God puts His treasure in earthen vessels.

Look for the anointing.  But, look for it in the context of Father’s love.  Look for grace that is according to the measure of Christ’s gift in men. 

THE LEGITIMACY OF LEADERSHIP

Some reactionaries hold that the only leadership we need comes directly to each of us from our Head, Jesus Christ.  His direct headship and leadership is indeed both desirable and available to each individual.  And, we can help one another by submitting to the love and counsel of others within a small group context.  Indeed, this ought to be a norm for our daily lives as individual believers and followers of Christ. 

But, this alone will not fulfill the kingdom mandate to fill the earth with God’s government and glory.  There is too much biblical evidence that God wants to fit each of us into a bigger picture and purpose.

Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.  And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. – I Corinthians 12:27-28.

That the apostles had the respect of the people was evidenced by Luke’s observation (Acts 5:13): The people esteemed them highly.  The Hebrew writer (13:7) exhorts us to remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

The apostles appointed men to care for the widows (Acts 6:1-3), and elders in every church (Acts 14:23).  Peter reminded elders to be examples to the flock (I Peter 5:3).  Paul affirmed that it is the Holy Spirit who makes overseers (Acts 20:28), and exhorted leaders to do so with diligence (Romans 12:8).

To (1) over-react to abuse, (2) “rightly divide” leadership out of the picture and (3) interpret (through language study) that there is no place for leaders in the body of Christ, is akin to shooting one’s spiritual self in the foot.  We have no individual purpose apart from our corporate involvement.  Our corporate involvement requires (A) equipping (Ephesians 4:11-16), (B) placement (I Corinthians 12:18, and (C) oversight (Hebrews 13:17).

God is correcting abuse, setting aside abusers, and establishing legitimate servant leaders who serve with grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  God is also raising up elders in every city.  God is also bringing clarity between ministry gifts and governmental appointments.

LEGITIMACY IS MARKED BY CHARACTER

“Signs followers” tend to be deceived by what they deem to be powerful anointing and gifting.  God’s favor and approval is upon men and women who bear the marks of the cross and demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit.  Legitimate leaders should manifest God’s order in their personal lives, families, homes and ministry.

They should be given to birth pangs until Christ is formed in and among His church.  Meekness and humility should be a welcomed and refreshing contrast to arrogant and self-serving promoters. 

Richard Halverson, Chaplain of the U. S. Senate for many years, pointed out:

"Christianity started out in Palestine as a fellowship.  Then it moved to Greece and became a philosophy, then it went to Rome and became an institution, and then it went to Europe and became a government. Finally it came to America where we made it an enterprise."

Unfortunately, western missionaries have exported their philosophies, institutions, governments and enterprises into many nations.  The fruit of what has been sown in the past hinders contemporary missionary work.  Yet, across the globe, kingdom light is breaking forth and God is sifting and shifting leadership from glory to glory.

LEADERS AND BAGGAGE

We can recognize the legitimacy of God’s men and women even though many of us still bear the baggage of previous days.  I personally know people who see and understand more than their constituency is ready to bear (John 16:12).  Rather than judging those who see less (or more) than we do, we should pray for them to be the benefactors of God’s wisdom. 

It is healthy for us to bear and believe all things.  Love does.  Love covers a multitude of immaturity, imperfections, and other sorts of baggage (I Corinthians 13:7; I Peter 4:8).

Aren’t you glad?  I am! Don Atkin

Posted: 05/01/2009 at 2:08pm | IP Logged

THE NEW CHURCH GOVERNMENT
(This was written a few years ago.)

Contrary to the beliefs and practices of the institutional church, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers do not rule. These are God's tools through which He serves the gatherings. These play a vital role but were never intended as ruling offices. They are servant tools. Of course, we all know and have said that Christ is the head of the church and these are to represent Him. They must represent Christ in their function but they are not offices to represent Him in ruling over the LOCAL gatherings of God's people.

Again, PLEASE bare with me and catch the distinction in this important concept of the next layer of the government of God.

There is no longer to be clergy nor laity, we are all to be becoming Priest and Kings as Christ is formed in us by the Holy Spirit. There is however those who are mature and those who are less mature or immature. Any of these may have any of the five service gifts and may eventually fulfill their calling in them after they become mature well formed tools in God's hand to serve the Body.

A Biblical word for the mature ones is "elders". In every gathering there will be elders. Forget what this word meant to us in the passing institutional church and think of it as a spiritually mature person. Elders autonomously rule each gathering of called out ones. Elders may posses any of the five servant gifts just as any of the less mature ones may as well. Some elders will have gifting as Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some Shepherds, and some Teachers but all who poses these gifts are not yet necessarily elders (mature) and therefore not ready to flow in their gift.

Local gatherings of called out ones are ruled by local mature gifted "elders". The immature yet possibly gifted ones participate to the level of their maturity. The big distinction is that Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher are gifts and job descriptions. Elders or "mature ones" are PEOPLE. However people may be referred to by their gifting and calling.

Elders will be recognized without effort and will be placed by God through the leading of the Holy Spirit. They will not be pushy leaders but will have a deep humble love of God for the people and will carry the presence of God. They will have intimate connection with the people of the group and will know them and their needs personally.

How do elders rule the gatherings and what then is the part of the highly gifted mature Apostles, Prophets, Teachers and other servants?

No person nor group of persons on earth will have the right to make decisions for the gatherings. Christ Jesus is the only head of the Body and the only one with the authority to make decisions for His maturing Bride.

How do elders rule if they do not make decisions? Making a decision implies the practices we have used in the institutional church of intellectually exploring the need and the possible solutions and choosing one or perhaps in a bridge church seeking a prophet to give us a word of direction. The prophetic word can be helpful to the immature who are not accustom to intimately relating to God.

Elders (mature ones) will have the Spirit of Christ formed in them by the Holy Spirit and they must intimately relate to God to hear and see what God has already decided and then present that into the group. The true Head has already decided and we must only find out what He has decided and present that decision. Therefore, elders have no occasion to figure out what to do next - no decisions to make.

The government of God on earth is without an earthly headquarters that establishes and appoints into the gatherings. The headquarters is in heaven. 

There will be mature elders with the gifting of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, or Teacher who will be mobile in the government of God. They will never poses or rule gatherings but may move from gathering to gathering as directed by God.

The elders of a group will receive and unction of the Holy Spirit to call for a certain gifted "servant minister" to come to their gathering or collective gathering of several groups. At the same time the "servant minister" will hear from God to go to this certain group or groups. The mobile "servant minister" will come with the part that is needed by the group. The group may then call for another "servant minister" as directed by the Holy Spirit when another part is needed. No particular mobile servant will be able to claim the group and all will know that Christ only is the true head of His real Body.

There may also be those occasions when the elders of a group have gone astray and some perversion of God's plan for the group is being brought forth. The Holy Spirit may direct a "servant minister" with the gifting of Apostle or Prophet to go to the elders or the group without previous invitation but with some level of acceptance of the elders to bring a clearly loving word of correction and restoration.

There will be massive gatherings of many groups coming together in large rented buildings or stadiums or outdoors in large parks or commons or town squares. They will not come to see a certain personality but will be drawn by the Spirit. Thousands and hundreds of thousands will come to praise and worship God with their whole hearts. This will spawn the great harvest as multitudes are touched by the miraculous demonstrations of the love, power, and glorious presence of God.

Full Article: http://archive.openheaven.com/articles/kingdom_revival/article.a sp?id=141